Electric Start Propane Torch ($10 Harbor Frieght)

coupon
Hardy ever goes on sale, this is a great deal. Last year I gave two of them away to woodburning friends as Christmas presents, we all love them. So much better than using matches or lighters. Replacement propane tanks can be found at any walmart, camping store, or hardware store for like $2 but I used mine all last year and it never ran out. Can be used for other stuff too, like
soldering copper pipe, or melting the ends of a fresh cut rope to keep it from unraveling, or even for killing weeds...

Great tip, gordo. Thanks.

Even at $17 it's still a pretty good deal.

Yea, and I forgot to mention how much FUN they are! Every pyro will get a big grin the first time they fire that bad boy up

Neat! I picked up one of these on sale a couple years ago

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42099

and usually wind up keeping it on the mantle for fire starting. It is a little undersized for soldering copper pipes, but can handle most fire starting duties in the stove, bbq pit, candles, etc.

Yep, those things are the way to go!
I get funny looks lighting my cigars with it though.
Gray