Well, the header’s a bit misleading – it should read “Brazing: what should brother John get me for Christmas?”
This question is been prompted by today’s struggle to braze two 2.5” long pieces of 1 x 1 x 1/8” angle to form a 1 x 2 x 1/8” channel, using a blowtorch with a screw-on cylinder of butane/propane mixture. This proved impossible with the parts sitting on a fire-brick; they just wouldn’t get hot enough. The problem was solved by arranging them on one of the gas rings of the hob in the kitchen, so they were heated from below as well as with the blowtorch from above, which gave a good sound joint.
But I do need something capable of delivering more heat. It seems (but please correct me if this is wrong) that a blowtorch connected to a rented propane bottle (or is MAPP readily available?) via a regulator is the way to go. If that’s right, are there any recommendations as to makes and models? Prices seem to vary from Sievert at the top end down to “Silverline” at the bottom. Is there a big difference in “useability” between cheap and expensive?
John is not a very practical soul, so when on Dec 23 he starts asking me what I want to find in my Xmas stocking, it woud be best to present him with chapter and verse as to a good set-up. Otherwise, I’ll end up with something better suited to burning weeds or fixing asphalt roofing.
Andy
PS

While I'm here, has anyone any ideas on a present for a 59-year old younger brother whose main preoccupations are chartered accountancy

and learning German to degree level

?