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Old 08-29-2017, 09:29 AM   #1
Ray in La Mesa
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Default Acetelyne torch sparker

Sometimes my age challenged hand doesn't have enough squeeze to work the sparker to light my acetelyne torch so started thinking of an alternative method. Had an extra piezoelectric push button starter from an old BBQ and hooked it to one of my Model A spark plugs- ta da! -instant torch lighter, now I just have to make a bracket to mount it to my torch cart. To soon we get old & to late smart.
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Old 08-29-2017, 09:32 AM   #2
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Nice idea! Wonder if you could one of those long lighters that take butane (without the butane)?


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Old 08-29-2017, 09:50 AM   #3
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Something I never understood. Why its unsafe to use a standard cigarette lighter? Its always been my go to.
But I have heard its not safe.
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Old 08-29-2017, 10:50 AM   #4
Keith True
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

I guess it is not safe for people who hold the torch on the lighter after it is lit.Some people can break the trunk off an elephant.Not all scratchers are the same,they make a pistol grip one that squeezes with almost no hand pressure.It sparks when I slide it into my pocket.
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Old 08-29-2017, 11:03 AM   #5
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Isn't it the SHITS, when we get OLD & can't do SIMPLE things?? Like tryin' to find the ZIPPER tab, whin you gotta' "P" BAD!
And your handwriting goes to POT, BUT, mine will still cash a CHECK! Once, my Bank ran a check through, with NO SIGNATURE!!!--Made me feel UN-IMPORTANT!
Bill Griping---"Wonder" if I could write a check on a piece of a BROWN Paper Bag?????---IF we're ever able to E-Mail CASH, I'll become a RICH HACKER--LOL
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Old 08-29-2017, 11:12 AM   #6
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

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Quote:
Originally Posted by ktkamm View Post
Nice idea! Wonder if you could one of those long lighters that take butane (without the butane)?


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That should work fine.
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Old 08-29-2017, 11:23 AM   #7
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Not to be flip, but exercise can help anyone of any age and we all should do strengthening exercise. Get of those grip strengtheners to increase the strength in your hands.
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Old 08-29-2017, 11:35 AM   #8
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

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Not to be flip, but exercise can help anyone of any age and we all should do strengthening exercise. Get of those grip strengtheners to increase the strength in your hands.
'anyone of any age', eh ? How long have you been around anyway
Try your theory after a large dose of arthritis !! Not to mention even worse maladies.
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Old 08-29-2017, 11:36 AM   #9
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

I use one of those long butane lighters for my torch. For hand exercise, I use a
'Gripmaster' for guitar players available at the music store..... Exercises each finger separately.
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Old 08-29-2017, 01:33 PM   #10
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Is lifting a coffee cup good enough exercise?
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Old 08-29-2017, 01:47 PM   #11
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Is lifting a coffee cup good enough exercise?
For some people. 😜
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Old 08-29-2017, 02:29 PM   #12
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Quote:
Originally Posted by mike657894 View Post
Something I never understood. Why its unsafe to use a standard cigarette lighter? Its always been my go to.
But I have heard its not safe.
One reason is we tend to slip the things into our pocket after lighting the torch. When/if a hot piece of slag hits the pocket, it can melt the plastic lighter. Instant fireball!
Or we lay it on the welding table, and same thing.
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Old 08-29-2017, 02:41 PM   #13
Chris Haynes
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

At 72 years of age I tend to keep it simple. Nothing, other than a striker, is more simple to light the flame of a torch. If you have something mounted on your cart and you are 20 feet away you have to walk back the the cart to fire it up again.
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Old 08-29-2017, 04:04 PM   #14
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

I tipe with 2 fingers, my left pinkie is Knarled, IF I used all my fingers, there'd always be a certain letter MISSING!---"A" I "think"???--With his LOOONG middle claw, the Dog has his problems also. He blames his mis-spelin on it.
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Old 08-29-2017, 08:01 PM   #15
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

When I was in AG school we needed a way to light torches, and the striker was always in someone's pocket, so I got an old magneto from a farmall F20 and attached a handle to the crank end and wired all the 4 terminals together and a wire to a model A spark plug mounted upside down, mounted on a bench, and I think that was used until they closed the shop 30 or 40 years later.
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Old 08-30-2017, 09:03 AM   #16
Ray in La Mesa
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Didn't expect so many responses, more than one way to skin a cat I guess. I didn't think of it but i do have one of the propane starters in the motorhome. I was in the shop and my mind is always solving challenges by using items from my source (scrap) pile.
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Old 08-30-2017, 09:40 AM   #17
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

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When I was in AG school we needed a way to light torches, and the striker was always in someone's pocket, so I got an old magneto from a farmall F20 and attached a handle to the crank end and wired all the 4 terminals together and a wire to a model A spark plug mounted upside down, mounted on a bench, and I think that was used until they closed the shop 30 or 40 years later.
Chief sed, "Bet you CAN'T turn this MAG"----I grasped it by the cap & it knocked the FOOL out of me!---MOMMA wouldn't fall for it
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Old 08-30-2017, 10:01 AM   #18
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

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I guess it is not safe for people who hold the torch on the lighter after it is lit.Some people can break the trunk off an elephant.Not all scratchers are the same,they make a pistol grip one that squeezes with almost no hand pressure.It sparks when I slide it into my pocket.
I'll bet that lights up your life.
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Old 08-30-2017, 11:00 PM   #19
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Ray
What is a Propane starter?
Thanks
I always use a bic lighter as my wife still smokes occasionally
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Old 08-31-2017, 07:17 AM   #20
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Have you checked your local welding supply store the have piezo lighters for lighting torches?
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Old 08-31-2017, 10:34 AM   #21
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

Use a Bic lighter that's out of fuel. You should be able to "thumb" that w/your age challenged hand.
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Old 08-31-2017, 10:54 AM   #22
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Use a Bic lighter that's out of fuel. You should be able to "thumb" that w/your age challenged hand.
BIC LIGHTERS are good for "testing" MOTO-METERS @ swap meets
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Old 08-31-2017, 11:16 AM   #23
Seth Swoboda
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Default Re: Acetelyne torch sparker

They already make a push button lighter to light a torch.
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