Surveyor Posted February 19, 2022 Share Posted February 19, 2022 Just bought a blow torch at a charity shop, images below, what caught my eye was the WD 141 stencil at the side. Now i seek help from my learned friends again. 1. Any clue what the WD 141 would be for 2. Same with the franked number under the handle, only spotted that after got it to the hotel. 3. Any one have instructions on how to use it, it does not seem to be one with a valve to control flow. Thanks in advance Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radiomike7 Posted February 19, 2022 Share Posted February 19, 2022 Traditionally they were known as blowlamps, blow torches were usually gas powered. http://www.blowlampsociety.com/monitor.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fv1609 Posted February 19, 2022 Share Posted February 19, 2022 VAOS (Vocabulary of Army Ordnance Stores) Section F 1 Hand tools 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fv1609 Posted February 19, 2022 Share Posted February 19, 2022 Also makes an appearance in 1955 VAOS Section Y Line equipment as Lamps, torch blowing No.1 YC 00355 Lamps, torch blowing No.2 Y3/WB4161 Part of Jointers Kit Y3/WB2647 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surveyor Posted February 19, 2022 Author Share Posted February 19, 2022 6 hours ago, radiomike7 said: Traditionally they were known as blowlamps, blow torches were usually gas powered. http://www.blowlampsociety.com/monitor.html Okay, I admit was rushing to see parents but thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surveyor Posted February 19, 2022 Author Share Posted February 19, 2022 Gents Many thanks, I noticed the diagrams above don't have the cup shape item as attached picture, any clues? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruxy Posted February 19, 2022 Share Posted February 19, 2022 The cup is probably to hold methylated spirit & wick that is fired to get initial vaporization of the paraffin - then you start pumping. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MILCYCLIST 3826 Posted February 19, 2022 Share Posted February 19, 2022 Hi This link has prompted me to ask a question about a large blowlamp which I have in my collection. I believe it was used by armourers? Can anyone tell me its official designation , part number and more important any operating instructions? Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fv1609 Posted February 19, 2022 Share Posted February 19, 2022 The part number is stamped on it, FA 15016 catalogued circa 1944 It is part of the Vocabulary of Army Ordnance Stores Section F Part 2, that includes many tool kits for 67 types of craftsman. I only have lists for some of these tool kits but there are many nearby numbers amongst metal working trades. But I can't find yours I'm afraid. I have a large COSA Section F unfortunately all NATO codified, but I will flick through & see if there is anything that might resemble your item if it was still in service at the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MILCYCLIST 3826 Posted February 19, 2022 Share Posted February 19, 2022 Thank you Clive for your help appreciate it is sometimes difficult to trace items when we have non NATO part numbers. My main research interest is British Military Bicycles so if you come up with any information among your publications would appreciate you contacting me. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fv1609 Posted February 19, 2022 Share Posted February 19, 2022 Paul nothing really bicycle specific here that I can think of other than odd references in other publications. For instance looking in the index of Mobilization Regulations, India 1929 there is a paragraph relating to their issue. Just grabbed a 1942 Equipment Regulations that looks more promising. I expect you are aware that Army bicycles & spares are covered in VAOS Section C 3 & RAF Vocab Ref 61 BY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surveyor Posted February 20, 2022 Author Share Posted February 20, 2022 (edited) 15 hours ago, ruxy said: The cup is probably to hold methylated spirit & wick that is fired to get initial vaporization of the paraffin - then you start pumping. Ruxy yes i can see the cup around the rising pipe is charred, it looks a bit like a pre heat, its the thing sloping down that i cant work out, looking at it, it seems burnt, if for a wick it would need one placed every time. I have emailed the society hopefully instructions as well as what the mystery item is Edited February 20, 2022 by Surveyor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surveyor Posted May 24, 2022 Author Share Posted May 24, 2022 Was talking to a gent the other day and he asked if the torch had a soldering rod, i wonder if this cup thing was for that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangie Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 Nah, my vote is also for a wick to start it after preheating ☺️ Alec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferretfixer Posted May 26, 2022 Share Posted May 26, 2022 On 2/19/2022 at 4:33 PM, Surveyor said: Gents Many thanks, I noticed the diagrams above don't have the cup shape item as attached picture, any clues? I have used many times in Service myself as an Armourer. & still do sometimes on the Bench. i have never seen that little 'shield' on any issue blowlamps? These lamps are very simple to use. Fill with PARAFIN & unscrew the small valve on the filler cap. Pour METHELATED SPIRITS into the circular 'Dip' on the top of the lamp. Light the meths & wait. You will soon hear it hiss & bubble as the Parafin is drawn up the tube. When this happens after a few seconds of waiting with the hissing Etc. CLOSE the screwed valve. & apply a FEW pumps to the pump handle. You will hear it begin splutter & a blue flame will try to exit the muzzle. Keep it like this for appox 20 seconds & then PUMP AWAY FREELY as you like! The flame will become hotter, louder & roar! You are ready to use it! When finished, unscrew the valve to exhaust the pressure in the tank. let it cool completely. close the valve & stow away safely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surveyor Posted May 27, 2022 Author Share Posted May 27, 2022 On 5/26/2022 at 12:18 PM, ferretfixer said: I have used many times in Service myself as an Armourer. & still do sometimes on the Bench. i have never seen that little 'shield' on any issue blowlamps? These lamps are very simple to use. Fill with PARAFIN & unscrew the small valve on the filler cap. Pour METHELATED SPIRITS into the circular 'Dip' on the top of the lamp. Light the meths & wait. You will soon hear it hiss & bubble as the Parafin is drawn up the tube. When this happens after a few seconds of waiting with the hissing Etc. CLOSE the screwed valve. & apply a FEW pumps to the pump handle. You will hear it begin splutter & a blue flame will try to exit the muzzle. Keep it like this for appox 20 seconds & then PUMP AWAY FREELY as you like! The flame will become hotter, louder & roar! You are ready to use it! When finished, unscrew the valve to exhaust the pressure in the tank. let it cool completely. close the valve & stow away safely! Many Thanks, I got a flame coming out like a flame thrower may have to clean the nozzle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rangie Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 Try another preheat, or just very gradually increase pressure, let it warm up fully. Worst case you have a worn jet but allow it time to fully preheat first. It should combust within the sleeve, not beyond it 😁🤘 Alec. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferretfixer Posted May 27, 2022 Share Posted May 27, 2022 (edited) yes you MUST let it warm up completely, & then pump to pressurise. You need to aim for a BLUE roaring flame! Not a weak long yellow flame! If you have a jet pricker use it before hand. If not, a SINGLE strand from a steel wire brush will do the same job. Edited May 27, 2022 by ferretfixer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surveyor Posted May 30, 2022 Author Share Posted May 30, 2022 (edited) Many thanks, it was the first test of it, i have a pricker from a stove so will try that first. Wont be today as need to clean the house its always great to get advice on here Edited May 30, 2022 by Surveyor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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