am i the only one using a bernz-omatic torch

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OK, back a few threads ago we discussed lighting with a bernz-o-matic torch and this was the reply from P38X2 to me when I stated a torch didn`t work well for me on my hard starting P 38stove.
"MCPO, if you're lighting with a torch, don't look for the pellets to stay aflame. I FINALLY figured this out a couple weeks ago. Stick the torch end in the pile and give it 20 or so seconds. Enough to get a ball of pellets glowing. Shut the door. 2 min later POOF, off and running. No different than ignition by an auto igniter. Works the same on both my 38's."

Well, I tried it last night and discovered he`s absolutely right! The trick is to stick the torch end into the pellets for about 20 sec`s , pull it out and shut the door. It smolders for about 20 -30 sec`s and then breaks into a strong flame exactly like an auto igniter works. The exhaust blower sucked up most of the odor so it wasn`t bad.
I had a strong full flame quicker than when using alcohol or gel.
This might become my preferred method after all.

I tried this about 3 years ago and it has served me well. I find that I just let the torch flame hit the pellets in the front of the burn pot for about 30 seconds and I am off and running. A few times I was out of both the gel and the torch was empty so I took about 3-5 cotton balls and rolled them around in a container of vaseline, I have even just used about half a kleenex tissue and put that in the vaseline and that worked as well, not as quick as the torch. When I use the cotton balls I just cover them with enough pellets to get them going and it gets the ones on top of the cotton balls going and then the ones below the cotton balls
 
If you mean the propane torch that's about 3 feet long, I use one of those to get my wood stove fired up fast! And I refill my own propane tanks also.
 
We have been using a torch since day 1. It works !!
 
I was thinking more like this! image.jpg it's the "Tim the tool man" in me I guess.
 
here I thought I was doing something no one else was. I love the torch, it makes down time for ash cleaning so much easier,. I let the stove cool, or I come down in the morning & it is already off, I vacuum, clean the glass, through a handful of pellets in the bowl & hit it with the torch for 20-30 seconds, close the door & within 2 minutes the house is being warmed up again.
why use alcohol or hand sanitizer if you have the torch, why add more steps?
 
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