DIY meths preheater torch for Tilley Guardsman

I am down to my last pre-heater torch and decided to make one.
This is how to do it using a strip of steel sheet and a clothes peg, and using a vaporiser (or similar diameter rod) for the template.



First cut the strip, then cut in two and soften the centre portions with a torch and form two semi circles over the vaporiser.





Then bend bend each piece back over to make a loop roughly the same size a the original.



Cut the ends to suit and then solder in place a clothes peg spring. Solder rather than braze to minimise the heat input and avoid softening the spring.









The meths 'containers' are formed inside the loops using thick aluminium foil and filled with glass wool (and meths).




Works well with no drips



and clips onto a leg when not in use.

 

We'll that works perfectly!

 

Thanks Colin

 

Well fettled!

 

A good design, well done.

 

That's very useful and well thought of, nicely explained as well.
Excellent job.

 

Thanks.

 

Quite a nice design. Well done.

 

Interesting

 

A good working alternative, well done @Twoberth
Cheers
Pete

 

Great invention, an inspiration to those who like to have ago at things,
On my list to make thank you for sharing with the group ,@Twoberth

 

Thanks everyone for the nice comments.

 

Thanks for sharing the design of this pre heat torch.
Clever idea.

 

Clever design and definitely doing its job! Well done!

 

Hello Twoberth, grear poste, I bought a tilley, but it came without pre-heater, so I'll make one like yours, but could you please send me the dimensions of the steel strip, ans also more or less the external diameter of the "circle' of the burners ? Sorry, English is not my first language...
And also, what do you put in the pre-heater ? Wool ? Pieces of cloth ?
Thanks

 

Your questions are already answered above:

Regarding the dimensions just read the first post:

The outer diameter is not that important, just leave 1 - 1.5 cm around the inner diameter. You can estimate that from the pictures.

 

Hi Simon
Use a fire resistant type of wool, not sheep wool
Something like what is used for a door sealer on a wood burning stove?

edit: looks like twoberth has used fibreglass insulation wool or similar?
It’s a good use for the springs from pegs

 

@Twoberth
You have an enquiry. Nice work as ever by the way.

John

 

Dimensions of strip and external diameter is not critical. I think my strip was 15mm x 1 mm and bent into the shape of a circle about 40mm.

 

Just an idea: if you can form and weld the strips together, also create a metal bottom in it. Then it is sturdier then using alu foil.