Tool Talk
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Batz on December 08, 2012, 02:07:13 AM
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I thought I'll start off with a few manufactures and how to identify them. One of, if not the largest blow torch manufacturer in the U.S. was Clayton & Lambert.
I have many of these from early models to quite resent.
A little history:
Clayton & Lambert Mfg. Co.
In 1882 three brothers named Lambert started a venture in Ypsilanti, MI for the manufacture of gasoline fuelled blow torches.
Mechanics found the intense portable heat of these torches very useful, word soon spread and demand grew, the business flourished.
In 1887, a patented firepot for melting lead was added to the torch line, and its inventor, a Mr Lambert was taken into partnership.
By 1889, demand for blow torches increased beyond production capacity and the company moved to a larger site in Detroit.
There were a few other moves after this the last being large plant at Buckner KY.
In 1970 C&L discontinued the production of gasoline blow torches; they had become extinct due to the use of propane.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p175/batz2/DSCF2928.jpg)
This is a fairly typical C&L torch, this one I have restored to working condition. Yes I do use it in my shop at times. C&L logo is still visible.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p175/batz2/DSCF2931.jpg)
Most C&L torches have the shield stamped into the tank. Older models did not have this.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p175/batz2/DSCF2930.jpg)
Again most C&L torches will have the model number stamped on the top handle support. This one's a No. 327 (c1952)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p175/batz2/DSCF2933.jpg)
Just out of interest, the hook on top of blow torches was to hold a copper soldering iron not to hang up the torch.
Batz
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Thank you for the information, Interesting what the hook & Eye was for...
Also when you say "Gasoline" was that regular Gasoline or White Gas?
I remember gas was leaded before, was that a problem?.
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It was white gas, or shellite as it is known in Australia.
I believe many (if not most) people ran them on regular gasoline though.
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Good informative post. Thanks.
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What do you use in your torches?
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I use the correct fuel for the torch, most U.S. torches use white gas, most U.K. and European torches use kerosene.
Then to confuse matters some use alcohol.
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I'm confused, if the three brothers and the added partener were all named Lambert where did the name Clayton come into it?
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Thank you Batz... Other than U.S & U.K, to determine type of fuel,
Can we tell by looking at the parts of torch to determine type of fuel torch it's designed for? does it matter?
Please also ID proper names; Drip pot?, Generator, Nozzle, Tank, Pump, hook/notch, shroud? other parts?
What type needs to be preheated? how long? Assume; fill, pump, open & drip to fill pot, close, light to preheat, then start...
What temperatures can they reach? is white gas hotter than kerosene? or alcohol?
Do we fill from pump or bottom plug? looks like bottom is like a funnel...
I opened the bottom & pump to inspect inside, found some wads of fiber around the syphon tube, what is that for? Filter? help draw fluids?
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OK O.T. lots of questions there, I'll do a blow torch fuel types as well as address those questions of yours next.
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I helped a friends father years ago install cast iron sewer pipes in his basement. We packed the pipe joints with oakum, installed a flexable asbestos dam around the pipe and after driving the oakum down in the joint with a special chisel, we filled the joint with molten lead that we had melted in a cast iron pot with a blow torch. I visited the son of man i helped over 45 years ago. He lives in his parents house and the work we did years ago is still working with no leaks after all thease years.
EvilDr235
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Batz, there is a typo in your history...
>In 1887, ...Mr Lambert was taken into partnership.
That would be the other guy ;P
Thus gibsontool's confusion....
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Batz, there is a typo in your history...
>In 1887, ...Mr Lambert was taken into partnership.
That would be the other guy ;P
Thus gibsontool's confusion....
Yep typo, it was the other guy Clayton.
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Now it makes sense, I thought that it was probably a typo.
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Bump--..
Hope this Blow Torches thread continues... It was very informative..
Thank you Batz & others for the education..
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Sorry I've been busy with Xmas, my two sons have been home with us and we have had a pre-Xmas celebrations. They both have to work on Xmas day, they work on off shore gas rigs on the other side of the country.
I do another blow torch post within the next couple of days.
Batz
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Thank you, Hope you Have a very Merry & Peaceful Chrismas with your family...
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(http://)I just picked one up for 12 bucks 'cause it reminds me of the ones my dad had. On the handle the number is either 8001 or 800-1. can you tell me when it was made , and can I use Coleman fuel in it or should I use regular gas ? (what a cool way to start the BBQ + think of Dad)
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(http://)I just picked one up for 12 bucks 'cause it reminds me of the ones my dad had. On the handle the number is either 8001 or 800-1. can you tell me when it was made , and can I use Coleman fuel in it or should I use regular gas ? (what a cool way to start the BBQ + think of Dad)
The 800's where advertised for sale in 1950.
Coleman fuel is ok or any white gas.
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I picked up a Clayton & Lambert 700A yesterday for $20.
It's in excellent condition and even came with the original box & paperwork...
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/lbgradwell/ClaytonampLambert700A1.jpg)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/lbgradwell/ClaytonampLambert700A2.jpg)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/lbgradwell/ClaytonampLambert700A3.jpg)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/lbgradwell/ClaytonampLambert700A4.jpg)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/lbgradwell/ClaytonampLambert700A7.jpg)
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Very nice !
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700A is a common torch, although not in the condition you have there. It is a one pint torch first produced in 1941, it's bigger brother is the 600A.
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That is one I would fire up and play with.
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Very Nice :)
What a lot of patent numbers on a little brass can....
Chuckle..C&L was playing for intimidation, some of those patents are for fire pots...
1750846 1930 Torch structure Lambert,C.F.
1760412 1930 Combined starting and mixing chamber for liquid-fuel burners Ironside,J.
1760868 -- Handle Blaskewitz,W.
1760869 -- Fire-pot structure Blaskewitz,W.
1770346 1930 Combined preheating and mixing chamber for liquid-fuel burners Blaskewitz,W. ET_AL
1770347 1930 Method of and apparatus for vaporization of liquid fuel Blaskewitz,W. ET_AL
1770566 1930 Fire pot Blaskewitz,W.
1789998 1931 Pump assembly Blaskewitz,W.
1791727 1931 Liquid-fuel burner Lambert,C.F.
1824533 1931 Fire pot construction Blaskewitz,W.
1839584 1932 Burner structure Overly,C.B.
1846013 -- Fire pot structure Blaskewitz,W. ET_AL
1853309 1932 Apparatus for starting and maintaining vaporization of liquid fuel
1879938 1932 Method and apparatus for preheating liquid fuels and maintaining a combustible mixture after initial vaporization Lambert,C.F.
1909584 1933 Combined top and burner structure for firer pots Ironside,J. ET_AL
1946383 -- Quick generating torch Blaskewitz,W. ET_AL
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Let me know if you ever want to part with it lbgradwell.
Batz
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Let me know if you ever want to part with it lbgradwell.
Will do, but I've been looking for one in good condition for some time, so it will probably live on my window sill!
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Let me know if you ever want to part with it lbgradwell.
Will do, but I've been looking for one in good condition for some time, so it will probably live on my window sill!
I'll do the same, in fact I have with a few.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p175/batz2/torches001_zps5907921f.jpg)
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I've got a C & L blowtorch in decent condition--it's stamped 14 on the handle. Anyone interested? What is the mfg date?