NO GAS - tips?

Woonasty · #1 2024-07-01, 8:45pm

Dunno what's going on. Only ever had the propane not work once before, and the "open it very slowly" tip fixed it fine. Well I got a new tank and it won't give me any more than a trickle of gas, like super low pressure.

I've tried everything a basic Google search told me to do - which is basically: Start over. Disconnect everything. Open it slowly. Try a few times until it works.

It's not working. Wondering if any1 has any ideas beyond that.

It's definitely full. It's heavy.

Woonasty · #2 2024-07-01, 9:02pm

I don't have any attachments hooked up. I use a hothead so it's just tank>hose>torch. Same as I've always used.

I've checked the torch head for any melted glass in the holes or something. It looks fine, and there's definitely some gas coming through, just not enough.

Tried turning the screw on the side and letting some gas out like this video said:

https://youtu.be/TbjvKrcxsFw?si=RQ9JI5ifMO-TkVPP

That didn't work either.

rcktscientist · #3 2024-07-02, 7:59am

Try disconnecting everything, then open valve fully (no gas will flow), then close valve, then re-connect everything. Make sure your hot head valve is closed when you open the tank valve.
I had a funky cylinder once and that fixed it. Best of luck!

KJohn · #4 2024-07-02, 11:03am

Agree with the above, make sure the tank is fully open. Not partly or one turn but fully. Sometimes they get frozen.

KJohn · #5 2024-07-02, 11:06am

I know hotheads are supposed to be simpler, but when I used one for a few years, there was always something to figure out! I was using cheaper dupes for a while so I'm sure that didn't help. But I had to return my first real hothead as something stripped when I tightened it the first time. The second one was great but by then, after all that hassle, I was ready for a dual. Plus I'm a speed freak and I love encasing. At the time I really wanted striking silver glass, but I've not really worked with any since. LOL

Always something! Do you have an actual "hothead"? It's a registered trade name. Others are sold that are similar, I got mine from Devardi and I always had trouble with those.

Woonasty · #6 2024-07-02, 12:48pm

Hey, no its the one from devardis starter kit.
Ive been using it for about a year, same with the hose - about a year.

I tried your tip with no luck, so i took the tank back for a new one. Same problem, so its not the tank its either my hose or torch.

Do hoses need to be replaced often?

I took every piece apart and inspected and replaced them everything looks fine. I also did a soapy water test and dont see any bubbling, however with the super low pressure im not sure if i would see any results for this test. Visually i dont see any damage to the hose.

Atleast ive eliminated 1/3 possibilities.

I think il just order myself a real hothead, and a new hose. Try the hose first and see if that fixes it. Then at least il know, but have the new torch too if that wasnt the issue. I actually managed to sell some beads this month, which is new for me - i was gonna put the cash in a fund for more glass anyways, but it will cover the replacement gear

KJohn · #7 2024-07-02, 11:10pm

that sounds like a good plan. Sorry, but at least you will be ready to go.

jesnbec73 · #8 2024-07-04, 7:59am

Those torches from Devardi are notorious, it's probably going to be the torch IMHO.

Woonasty · #9 2024-07-05, 12:01pm

Ordered the wrong damn hose T_T

Lucky there is a staples 1 min from my house, so i did the free amazon return there and ordered the correct one this time, which will be here tomorrow.

But i tried my new hothead (its beautiful, cant wait to try it out) with my old hose and that did not work, so it must be the hose that was giving me trouble.

KJohn · #10 2024-07-05, 2:27pm

or both. Once the hose gets gunked up it will clog up the torch too. Good to do them both. Fingers crossed you are all set!

Woonasty · #11 2024-07-05, 6:38pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJohn

or both. Once the hose gets gunked up it will clog up the torch too. Good to do them both. Fingers crossed you are all set!

ah hadnt considered that

jesnbec73 · #12 2024-07-06, 8:00pm

Hotheads are awesome, the original Hothead had a brass knob on it and a cork gasket. I just ordered another hothead a while back and it has a rubber gasket and a plastic knob, thought I had maybe gotten ripped off but after looking into it, the Hot Head '2' is just made that way I guess. I wish I had held on to my old ones!

Woonasty · #13 2024-07-07, 3:53pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesnbec73

Hotheads are awesome, the original Hothead had a brass knob on it and a cork gasket. I just ordered another hothead a while back and it has a rubber gasket and a plastic knob, thought I had maybe gotten ripped off but after looking into it, the Hot Head '2' is just made that way I guess. I wish I had held on to my old ones!

the new one i just got has the plastic knob, yeah. but its working great. its slightly bigger overall than the devardi one.

anyway i got my new hose too, and everythings working and im back to making my beads

KJohn · #14 2024-07-07, 4:01pm

me too! I have no idea where my old Hothead is, and I'm sure it will come in handy some day