Quick questions about torch choice for two brick forge (heat treating, not forging)

[Fitzhugh]

I have 48" of 2 X 3/16 1084 from Aldo. I found a local supply for fire brick and just need a torch.

I'm confused regarding type of flame I want in a torch for a two brick forge. I'll use it for heat treating, not forging. Do I want a pencil tip flame, perhaps to make it swirl more? Or is a swirl flame or some other fuller, larger flame better for HT? As I am focused on HT and not forging I think I want even heat, not a hot spot to make sure I get to forging temps. I'd love to make a burner, but the initial cost including taps etc. would be higher. I'll put it on the short list for future projects.
I've seen recommendations for the nice, cheap ($18) Mag-Torch MT245C MAPP/Propane Heavy Duty Pencil Flame Burner Torch Tip and like that it uses either gas, and recommendations for the more expensive Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch ($35).

Thanks!

 

[aarongb]

My choice for the 2brick was the Mag-Torch after trying several including the Benzo- trigger with both propane and MAPP. Its not a high-tech solution, you just need to be able to get to temp in a small space, and everything I used got to temp eventually. The Mag-torch got there fast, and the adjustment knob actually works. The trigger start worked as well, but like all the others I tried, I had to fiddle with it a bit.

Carve out your firebricks to get a round chamber, and angle your burner to "flow" around it like a helix.

 

[samuraistuart]

I just built a pain can forge, very similar to your two brick forge. I bought a Bernzomatic TS8000 (MAP yellow bottle) and used it for the first time the other day heating a blade of 1080. She got non-magnetic in literally less than three minutes. I didn't time it......but it was FAST. There were two different types of torches available, with differnt flame types. One hotter, the other more uniform? I don't recall. I don't think it matters. Either one will work just fine. What I learned from others....make the flame hole on your forge 1" diameter. Place that hole where it's at the top of the "cylinder" you cut out ( hard to describe....like a line tangent to a circle), so that you get a swirling action with your flame. The tip of the torch needs to be about 1/2" away from the hole for optimum results. Don't stick the tip of the torch into the hole, keep it out half an inch. Good luck!

 

[Fitzhugh]

Thank you both. I understand what you're saying about angling the hole for the torch so it swirls, though it is hard to describe in words.

I ordered the mag-torch just now. At some point I want to make a venturi burner but at $18 that mag-torch is quite cheap. I'll get the bricks tonight.