Ref. 070208 MMDigest, Acetylene Flame Soldering (Spencer Chase)

I hope you are using the proper ventilation when you are heating zinc
and zinc alloys and galvanized sheet as it is very easy to get zinc
poisoning from the fumes.  Die casters had problems with it in the
early days.

The torch you are describing is called a Prest-O-Lite acetylene torch
outfit.  Prest-O-Lite is both a trade name and a generic name; since
the patent ran out now three or four companies make it.  A number of
different size tips are available, from very small to large high
heating ones, and most of the parts are interchangeable from brand
to brand, tips to hand sets, regulators to hoses/connections.

Currently it costs from about $225.00 to $275.00 for the torch set and
empty tank.  The plumbing trade is moving away from their use, other
than for large jobs or for refrigeration work, because of cost and
hassle factor.  More to go wrong: regulator, hose, torch head and tips
plus the tank, a "B" or "AB" size tank, small and smallest above the
Benz-o-matic acetylene torch set.

The propane torches that the local plumbing supply sell are under
$15.00 US and if you bust 'em they go into the scrap barrel, plus no
hassle of refills or multi tanks to keep track of at $75 to $100 each.
As with some of the other compressed gas tanks, you buy it.  You own
one and more likely than not after the tank is empty the first time you
will never see that tank again, because a lot of places no longer fill
on-site due to insurance, etc.; they are just swapped out filled.

With the propane/MAAP you can find the tanks at the drug and grocery
stores around here.  There is a new generation of torches,
propane/MAAP, for jewelry and silversmithing that can melt silver or
solder pewter.  You can get both torches at http://www.ottofrei.com/
Smiths silversmith torch set is one style and the EZ-torch is the new
generation, also sold as the Shark torch set.

Again, be aware of the health hazards when welding, brazing, soldering
or sanding and raising a fine dust that can be inhaled when you are
working with zinc, zinc alloy and/or die cast.

Glen R. Perye Jr.