probably the best butane torch i've ever gotten for $10 (w/ ONE YEAR UPDATE)
ONE YEAR, HEAVY USE - UPDATED (see bottom half) [original review] the best butane torch i've gotten for a Hamilton. Its fuel adjustment lever actually can cover the range of fully cut-off, up to its max output, which is a pretty serious flame with big BTUs. Only real critique is the fuel tank isn't super huge, but then again, when you consider how much butane it is dumping out when you use it: i'm totally cool refilling it more frequently than logic tells me i should be. The thumb-slide-up ignition was a first for me, i can see why it would be considered ergonomic and/or intuitive by some... it's not my favorite ignition style but it's far from my least favorite. it's a solid five out of five by me. _________________ [ONE YEAR UPDATE] After a full year of heavy use, i've decided to update my original review (including pictures). TL;DR - still, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ______________ ...not without caveat, or a few asterisks i should mention. (Universally my review is stated as "...for a torch that costs $10") Second, It's important to note I'd be in the 'very high use' percentile range (i'd guess 90-95%) _______________ [MOST COMMON USE] I use my torch for a bunch of culinary applications (including prepping my nightly cocktail - I brulée a tablespoon of sugar, dripped off into whiskey). ___________ [HEAVIEST USE?] BUT the most intense use is metalwork (heating parts to red glow to bend, heating parts to annel, various uses related to electronics soldering, light metals soldering): This use means 2-3 minute continuous burn times, at full whack. (dumping out half the tank or more; butane's getting burnt off as hot as possible; and the tool being held at these rising extremes) It's been my go-to tool for when i want something smaller, lighter / more agile, tighter quarters than using a MAPP Gas Torch. ___________ [LOSS OF FUNCTIONALITY?] At ~8 months in, the ignition switch died. Given the use, this is without a doubt "above average". It exceeded my expectations at a $10 price tag. So the average person receiving mine would have made it to 2-3 years before the ignitor died. I could have prettty easily replaced it (the design isn't so 'wonky', cheap or convoluted) but in my use case it's simply easier to ignite using the flint from a dead Bic or Zippo, or by jumping it with a secondary flame source (a gas range burner, a grill lighter, etc) This is the only manner by which it is no longer in the same operational condition as when it arrived. __________ [As seen in the pictures] [image #1] – The martensite discoloration at the tip of the outer cover/shield is visible – it's expected, minimal, and doesn't affect the functionality at all. It also seems to be nowhere near a point of indicating structural damage or critical wear, ______ [image #2] – There is slight thermal discoloration of the torch outlet (faint light blue), however there is no significant decomposition visibly to the structural integrity. The torch performs approximately 85-90% as near to its original condition. ___________ [image #3] – I decided to permanently affix the base onto my torch by simply gooping on some J&B Weld epoxy before putting it into place. The only editorial commentary to read into this is that unlike other torches I've owned, this one doesn't have the option of screwing the base into place. BUT Most folks probably will enjoy the way the design allows the base to be taken off and put back on very quickly and easily. It works well enough. I just needed unusually strong sturdiness. _________ [RATING – brand new] for a $10 torch: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ [RATING - after 1 year heavy use] for a $10 torch: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read more
