Propane-air or Mapp-air makes it really, really hard to be successful. I know I couldn't build a frame with those gasses. A good torch, an oxygen concentrator, and a gas grill propane tank is going to set someone back $600, but they actually are going to work. And they can easily be re-sold. But otherwise, a diligent person can do a lot with meticulous prep, a file, a vise and a reasonably flat surface.

I had a copy of Talbot 40 years ago until someone "borrowed" it and never gave it back. I wonder how many frames he ever built (eta: Talbot, I'm sure the book thief never built any). I don't think my copy recommended propane, that's a pretty good sign of a charlatan as far as I'm concerned.