Newbie Torch Question

Joined Mar 2005
3 Posts | 0+
New York
Hi, I am just getting into the hobbie and am picking out a torch lighter to buy. I am deciding between two cheap, $10 variants. The difference is one uses a single torch, and the other uses three.

Which kind is easier to use, better for lighting a cigar, etc?

Thanks
 
Go for something in the 25.00 to 35.00 range to get you started. Those seem to have the best combo for value. Triple flame lights faster but eats up gas faster too. I recommend staying with one or two torch flames.
 
http://www.payless-cigars.com/items.php/deptid=6#s35

Go for the one under the heading "Colibri Specials," #4, Quantum Champ. At $14.95 plus shipping, and with the reliability it's given me over two years, it's the best torch I've ever had. I've been through quite a few torch lighters over the years, and passed quite a few around that others bought through me, bought some as gifts, etc., and this is the best. It's also the best bang for the buck torch lighter by far. The green paint will eventually break and flake/peel off, revealing a battleship hull color, but if you follow the rules of proper torch lighter ownership (YES, THERE ARE RULES!!!) this one will kick major tuchas for you.

I have a friend who has been through almost as many torch lighters as I have for nearly as many years, still marveling at how well this one lights. Remember, when you're out in a 15 mph wind on a 25 degree day and you have to light a cigar, you don't care about looks!
 
Wow, thanks guys, great advise. This forum sure is great for thorough discussion and helpful members. I'll enjoy posting in the future.

Thanks again.
 
Thank you for saying so, reading here and posting. Can't do this without folks like you. It makes it all worthwhile to know that useful information is disseminated, dissected and decided upon.
 
Even with a torch lighter, the idea is to light the cigar. . . not torch it. I would say the main rule is simply dont torch it, by not putting the cigar in the flame... roast it above the flame where the heat is and the flame isnt. Eventually the cigar will be hot enough for the flame to jump up to the lighter. Rotate, to ensure even lighting and make sure the entire head is red... Give it a moment to cool down. This will improve the tatse of cigar by not producing as much tar and other goo (so they say). Theres a simple start. anyone else want to go into more detail or correct anything? Hope this helps :)
 
Thanks. It does help, but mostly I was referring to proper care and maintenance procedures for butane torches.
 
GoBlackwaterKeepOnRollin'MississippiMoonWon'tchaKeepOnShininOnMe is right about lighting. The only thing I would add is that after performing the lighting process as Blackwater suggested, blow on the foot of the cigar to help the flame and heat spread, then begin to puff. And you PUFF on a cigar, you don't SUCK the smoke out, nor do you CHOMP on a cigar. Sucking, chomping, gouging, rabbit punching, hitting below the belt will ruin your enjoyment of a fhine, fhine, ptttttttttemium cigahhhh.

As for the RULES OF TORCH LIGHTER OWNERSHIP, THEY ARE:

(i) Periodically blow forcefully or force compressed air into the area the flame emanates from. This is NOT to be done when the lighter is ON. :mrgreen: This will help keep the jets from clogging.;
(ii) Use ONLY HIGH QUALITY, "PREMIUM," "TRIPLE-FILTERED" OR EVEN MORE FILTERED BUTANE!!! Brand names like Blazer are fine. Colibri has given people problems, although it IS premium butane. Phatash sells HUGE cans of the best butane (Blazer) I've ever seen for dirt cheap.;
(iii) When your lighter has run out of butane, "BLEED" it before refilling. This is done by turning down the flame adjustment all the way to it's lowest point, for safety reasons. Then push the tip of a ball point pen into the refill valve to depress it, and release any residual gas;
(iv) Refill the lighter, then slowly turn up the flame adjustment to about halfway or less. A refilled lighter will usually operate best at this setting when refilled. The flame should be no more than about 3/4 of an inch high and you should not be able to hear a hiss when the lighter is lit.;
(v) After refilling, you should wait at least two minutes before turning on your lighter. Butane is stored in a pressurized, very cool state and when injected into your lighter, needs to warm up to its environment before it will work properly.

Butane torch lighters are sensitive instruments, very similar to jet aircraft engines in their operation and the type of care and maintenance they need. Two aircraft mechanics have nodded assentingly at my careful attention to the instructions that come with most butane torch lighters. I have generally found that the low to moderately priced lighters work the best. Pay a few bucks and you're not going to get something that lasts too long. Pay too much and you'll end up impressing the "fashion accessory" crowd but you won't be able to light the lady's cigar, old chum. :wink:
 
I use Lava Butane, best stuff I've found yet. Five times refined, Five and a half ounce can is $5. I have a Blazer torch lighter, model CG-001. I've had it ten years or so, never worked better. I paid about $20, I think they are around $30 now. It has fallen out of my pocket while riding the Harley, I dropped it 30 or so feet while I was doing a roofing job. Can't kill it.
 
GoBlackwaterKeepOnRollin'MississippiMoonWon'tchaKeepOnShininOnMe is right about lighting.

Yea... sorry bloof, I just turned in a 4500+ word research paper Friday. So this week I have continued alot of unneeded wording... Ill try to keep it short.

So to stay on subject . . . Those rules are great...
That better Spoofington? And besides... are You the one to talk?
I read one post by you that began by " well, when I was in second grade . . ." no joke

I am done.
 
Huh? :dunno: I was just noting your handle, and making a reference to Creedence. They're one of my favorite groups. Or was that sung by The Doobie Brothers? They're one of my favorites too. How many words you use to do whatcha do is none of my business, . . .

except when it violates something I'm supposed to police as a Moderator.