Framebuilders - MAPP torches

I've been building racks and other small parts in the past months. I'm having a blast. While brazing bigger & thicker pieces I've come to realize the limitations of my MAPP gas w. plumber's torch. Obviously not enough heating power.

So I'd like to build a stem. Joint two pieces of 7/8"x0.049" tubing, say 6" long. Oxygen flames are out of the question unfortunately. I know some people in past threads have had success w. MAPP by using an improvised hearth to reflect the heat. I could use a thick piece of angle iron and braze in the corner.

But is there something I can also do with regards to torches? I've read about a "supertorch" for MAPP in the Talbot handbook, but can't find any specific info. Are we talking about something with two or three barrels (like this (http://torchsales.com/torchinfo.html), kinda like having two torches without needing a third hand) to heat a large area quickly? Or at the opposite a small tip that concentrates the heat in a small area? I'm guessing the former. Any thoughts?

Thought I had seen everything, those are different. Basically what you have there is a multiple torch, rather like you and a friend applying some heat. I play around with these babies: http://hybridburners.com/

For a hearth, you might want to check out soft firebrick.:

http://refractory.elliscustomknifeworks.com/

I got some up the HWY 400 at a pottery supply store, though other local blacksmith types tell me some local building centers have them. These are not the hard red bricks, they are soft and cream, almost like foam.

Overall you will like the world better when you get an oxy torch. I run mine on propane and console myself with the idea I am no worse off than a guy with medical gas and a BBQ.

By the way, I think more typically a stem is made with 35 thou and 58 thou. The 35 is ok for the extension and you can use the 58 to fit over bars with a pinch bolt.

What flux are you using and who supplies it?

Many thanks for the tips! Those burners and fire bricks look great. One day I'll get an oxy setup :)

I have powedered boric acid flux from home depot, but I can check praxair for the Harris paste stuff. Although with MAPP-air you heat for a longer time so it may be better to apply the flux bit by bit to reduce the charring (I'm an expert in charring flux thankyouverymuch) so powder may still work.

I wasn't sure about the thickness for the stem thanks. I'd be making a quill type so 49 thou for the quill hopefully is okay. For the clamp I do have a 58 thou walled tube.