My latest torch, a Detroit No42 Auto Torch.
It nothing fancy but as you guys know I like flat tank torches and this ones from around 1927. Great addition to my collection.

Batz

Really nice- and the little chap looks pleased!

He is happy about it Papaw.

This is a nice old torch, if you guys see a nice torch, looks for these things.

It's a flat tank but these points refer to all shape torches.  You will notice the hook on the burner is cast with the burner (not a threaded screw in hook)

The top and bottom of the tank are cast and the copper middle is soldered to these. Newer models where pressed. Often the soldering looks quite armature or messy, that's how they were turned out, it's not a repair.

The priming pump is in the handle rather than the tank.

Pick it up, it will be quite heavy if it's an older model.

Batz

real nice torch, will keep an eye out for them...

Quote from: oldtools on September 25, 2013, 12:38:18 AM
real nice torch, will keep an eye out for them...

I'll appreciate that.

Cheers

Hi Batz, are you interested in something like this?



Note:  It is 12 in. tall and has no maker's mark

Mike

Quote from: mikeswrenches on September 25, 2013, 06:36:23 AM

Mike

Hmmm...  I wouldnt sell that with out a 4 page release of liability !!!

So it's a vertical blow torch ? 


Brian

It is kind of scary looking.  I wonder what the original purpose was?

Mike

Quote from: mikeswrenches on September 25, 2013, 06:36:23 AM
Hi Batz, are you interested in something like this?



Note:  It is 12 in. tall and has no maker's mark

Mike

Yes Mike, do you have it for sale?

QuoteIt is kind of scary looking.  I wonder what the original purpose was?

Mike

It is a Bernz torch, No36.  It was made especially for starting oil engines. (Bernz catalog 1916)

Unfortunately it appears to be missing the burner adjusting knob, or I can't see it from that photo.

Batz

I have a shiny thing too, but it's not a torch


SEP 279 by skipskip, on Flickr

Wow, those old timers were clever, imagine that, a lamp that works sideways.

*ducking*

(Can't help wondering if the No 36 was for starting oil engines, or starting oil engines on fire...)

But I remember my grandfather telling stories of people lighting pans of gasoline and putting them under the engine of the car in the winter to thin the oil enough to be able to crank over the engine...

Everything works on fire .....

They were hot bulb engines, this is German ( I think?) but you can get the idea how they worked.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtUKnXW8M7o

Hey Batz, seen one of these before?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Gasoline-Gas-Oil-Blow-Torch-/261295575422?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd66e117e

That's a military issue torch Branson, I have a straight burner one but not that model. Thanks for the link, now watching that one.

Batz