14 replies to this topic

[SamCT]

Hi guys,

Well its almost that time of year again!

I'm after some portfires, last year i managed to get some from a member on here for about 25p each but i can't get hold of him anymore. so i've been looking online, but everywhere seems to be charging some silly prices from 50p - £1.50 per portfire.

i've found just one place 'the firework store' at 10p each BUT, they have a minimum order cost of £250

anyone have any ideas where to buy them at a small cost?


Sam

[Karl]

Why don't you buy yourself a Rothenberger, or one of the cheaper alternatives? I would never touch a Portfire again after getting mine.

[pyrogeoff]

I agree with Karl i purchased,2 Excel gas torch's with Rothenberger gas,that is the way forward. Portfires have become expensive,although i would still have some as backup in case.

[SamCT]

can i ask why rothenberberger? as apposed to another brand? its not an argument against them, i've just never used a blowtorch with fireworks.


Sam

[pyromaniac303]

The propane/MAPP gas ones tend to be more windproof than standard butane/propane mix blowtorches. The Rothenberger superfire 2 and Bernzomatic TS7000 seem to be identical, not sure about the Excel ones.

They also have trigger ignition, which means your torch does not have to be lit for the duration of the display, only when you're lighting something.

Although the refills and initial cost are a lot higher than a normal blowtorch, for the reliability and the amount of gas you save whilst not actually lighting anything, they are well worth the extra cost.

[Karl]

Quite easily worth their money. Rothenbergers are well known in the pyro industry as being one of the most reliable brands around, I got my Superfire2 & a bottle of MAPP from my local plumbing shop for £45 with a free football :-)

Many will tell you that gas will last an age and it really will.

[Night Owl]

Ye I'd go with the Rothenbergers,good Investment.

[dogsbody]

Rothy's aside, anyone able to answer Sams original question?

[BrightStar]

Rothy's aside, anyone able to answer Sams original question?

I still enjoy using portfires from time to time for family garden shows. I stocked up with Panda 5-packs from SP Fireworks a while ago. I think Fireworks Crazy is doing them for £2.50 per pack, so they're still available if you look around (and yes, I own a Bernzomatic...).

[crystal palace fireworks]

The propane/MAPP gas ones tend to be more windproof than standard butane/propane mix blowtorches. The Rothenberger superfire 2 and Bernzomatic TS7000 seem to be identical, not sure about the Excel ones.

They also have trigger ignition, which means your torch does not have to be lit for the duration of the display, only when you're lighting something.

Although the refills and initial cost are a lot higher than a normal blowtorch, for the reliability and the amount of gas you save whilst not actually lighting anything, they are well worth the extra cost.

Would these be a suitable cheaper alternative;- ebay item 150470737239

[Spyrotechnics]

no

[Spyrotechnics]

sorry, had to dash...

to expand, I found that windproof claims are flimsy at best and what you will find is that on all bar the strongest flames are blown out by the gases produced when lighting the visco

[Night Owl]

lol I havent had that problem.

[Karl]

lol I havent had that problem.

Me neither Stu, only issue is when they get damp and they refuse to light, from what i've found anyway.

[phildunford]

Don't know about visco, but the cheaper ones certainly get blown out by the shock wave from a shell lift.