Customer Reviews

Bernzomatic 19527 ST900D Mini Torch

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Short version: The 3 tips provided last a maximum of 10 hours use and must be replaced. They are not sold individually, You must buy a "kit" with all 3 tips ($15 each). The kits are not sold most places that sell the torch. This is a throwaway tool that is not likely to last the 30 hours that your propane tank does....

Longer version:
This is my second Bernzomatic solder tool. The other was a small butane model whose filler receptacle failed. Sadly, Bernzomatic does not provide any repair or replacement parts for this. So, when I saw the ST900D, I was not too sure about another Bernzomatic. But, given the features, the use of a user supplied propane take and interchangeable tips, I decided to go for it. When I got my torch from Amazon, I read the instruction booklet. I was surprised to see that the tips were stated to have a catalytic element that under optimal condition may last as much as 10 hours use. Since, they make a big deal about it going 30 hours on a single tank of gas, you might think it would be mentioned that your tips won't last that long. I assumed that I could buy a box of the solder tips... but no. The tips are only sold as a kit and that is if you can find it. The is no mention of any of this on the Bernzomatic website. I get the sense that Bernzomatic doesn't actually have any interest in supporting their products. Buy it, use it a few times, throw it away and buy another one. I will be looking for another supplier and may well send the ST900D back to Amazon.

Don't let the low price fool you. This is a fantastic torch setup for your bench at home. Combined with an inexpensive firebrick, a solder-rite board and/or charcoal block set on top of a shallow pan full of some heat-resistant material, which could be set on a rotating lazy susan type thing, all set on top of a heavy workbench covered with a big sheet of welding steel (less than $15 at your local home center), this torch will perform as well or better than a much more expensive two-tank system. It is easy and inexpensive to replace your propane tanks, which you won't need to do very often. I work in my basement with a window open.

The pointy flame is a dream come true. I have tried the torch tips and hoses available at the big box home centers, and they do not work nearly as well, though both work well enough to melt hard solder easily. But the nice small handpiece of this torch, which feels a lot like the handpiece of my flexible shaft machine, is ergonomically designed and very comfortable to hold, offering greater control. The torch is easy to light, but I'd like to mention some safety procedures my rocket scientist son taught me, which are not clearly indicated in the package directions. When you are done soldering a piece, turn off the handpiece first, then the tank, reversing the way you turned it on, which was tank first, then torch. After you turn off the tank, open the valve on the handpiece, wait for it to stop hissing, and then close the handpiece valve. This exhausts any gas remaining in the hose. It takes less than a minute, but that's how he was taught to do it in his college labs, so this extra step seems like a good idea to me. The torch is so easy to light with a striker that I've become completely comfortable using it, and use it many times each day. Before I got this torch, I was using a Blazer with triple-refined butane to make sterling, copper, and brass bezels. That works great, but this is even better, and it works fast -- be prepared for that solder to run sooner than you think it will. This tool is a great addition to my studio.

This is a great all-around torch for the money. This model is used by most of the students in my jewelry class and is more than sufficient for most soldering projects. The Mini Torch is very cost efficient to operate - just uses 1 disposable bottle of propane versus the more expensive precision torches that require both oxygen and one other form of fuel. After purchasing one of these torches for myself, I picked up 2 more for classmates.

After using this torch in a classroom environment for several months I decided to purchase one. The big plus is, of course, having the portability of using a small propane camping canister with it. It seems the perfect setup for my small scale efforts. I have absolutely no complaints about this torch and am pleased to now have one of my own. Amazon's shipping time on this was terrific as well. Thanks

I was reluctant to purchase this item until it was recommended on the Yahoo Metal Clay website. Since I weave chains and use metal clay, I needed an effective torch that I could handle easily. The hose from the torch meant that I didn't have to pick up the small tank of propane and get it into position as some torch attachments required. It is VERY easy to use and performs all the silver tasks I have exceptionally well. My children had purchased a torch that ran on a 50 pound canister of propane for me and I was NEVER comfortable with it. This little Bernzomatic took care of that problem. I would highly recommend it to any jewelry designer and maker as an inexpensive and very easy way to "get the job done."

I just purchased this torch a week ago. After reading the reviews I went in search of replacement tips. I was not able to find them and finally emailed Bernzomatic. This was the reply I received:

We no longer have the replacement tip kits for the ST900D torch as it has been discontinued.

So, if you purchase this torch it is good for 10 hours and then it can get thrown away. How very disappointing. Bernzomtic does not have any tips and has no intention of making them available for people who have purchased this product.

Unit is better than expected, the solder attachment is a pleasant surprise, in that it really works well. The valve right at the torch is easy to use.

I braze using silver solder where my flame must confine itself to about a quarter inch diameter, or it damages the part. My effeciency has gone up from about 10% using a standard propane torch and tip to about 90% with this torch and tip. This product was perfect for my application, and saved me from having to buy a jewelers' torch with regulators at about 6 times the cost.

I bought this and I have used this to plastic weld for a while now. It is very portable and can be used in used in tight space. I have gotten 30 hours out of one propane cylinder.

This torch was exactly what I needed. Ability to use w/ propane & MAPP, a long enough hose, and fine torch tip for metalwork in jewelry making. It is perfect the work I do at a great price.