Bluestone flaming - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

natural1 · 09-26-2009, 10:59 AM

I need to flame the edges of some bluestone caps. I have done this before using a friends acetylene torch. Just wondering if it possible to use one of those small torches used for soldering. I would like to avoid lugging around his welding torch. I don't have much to do. I'm guessing soldering torch won't be hot enough.

Thanks,
Mike

artisanstone · 09-26-2009, 12:08 PM

I've seen pictures of someone using a map gas torch. We tried it, and it didn't work well for us. We went back to the big rig. I'd say it's worth a try. From what I understand the little map cylinders burn hotter than propane.

jomama · 09-26-2009, 03:52 PM

I've tried the MAPP gas, mini-acetylene torch sets, & even the big propane torch sets with little to no success. The only resonable way is still the big oxy/acety torch with a big heating tip IMO. We usually just bring the bluestone pieces that need flaming back to the shop on smaller jobs. I agree that it's no fun lugging a big torch set along with to the job, but it's a necessary "evil" sometimes I guess. BTW, I've noticed that any length of time spent "flaming" actually uses ALOT of gas, making the smaller torch sets a PITA. Good Luck.

custom patios · 09-26-2009, 07:32 PM

if you go to your local welding store(keen or somebody) you can purchase a very portable acetylene welding kit. $300 bucks or so. no need to carry the big rig around. Water is the key though. make sure you water the stone FIRST. sometimes even during flaming. you can actually perform a half-assed flame with a portable propoane torch. i wouldnt recomend it but again make sure you use water. the oxygen/acetylene mix is the best because of the intense heat.

natural1 · 09-27-2009, 07:16 AM

thanks for the responses. I think I might check out the welding store. Sounds like a good excuse to buy a new "toy".

CJKarl · 09-27-2009, 09:37 AM

I played around with the MAP gas. Ended up bringing the stone to my buddies shop and using the big stuff. The MAP worked ok for flaming the tops but wouldn't touch the end cuts.

bert0168 · 09-27-2009, 10:50 AM

I am not a mason but am curious to learn why you flame bluestone?

jomama · 09-27-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bert0168

I am not a mason but am curious to learn why you flame bluestone?

You flame the ends of the stone to remove the "sawn" edge to match the thermaled top. Usually only needs to be done where the edge will be seen like a stoop edge, stair treads, etc... Bluestone cannot be "faced" with a chisel, hydro-splitter, etc..., at least not in my experiences.

CJKarl · 09-27-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomama

You flame the ends of the stone to remove the "sawn" edge to match the thermaled top. Usually only needs to be done where the edge will be seen like a stoop edge, stair treads, etc... Bluestone cannot be "faced" with a chisel, hydro-splitter, etc..., at least not in my experiences.

I still snap a lot of bluestone treads. 1/8" score all around work all around with a tracer. The newer premium sawed stuff doesn't even need to be scored.

jomama · 09-27-2009, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJKarl

I still snap a lot of bluestone treads. 1/8" score all around work all around with a tracer. The newer premium sawed stuff doesn't even need to be scored.

CJ, after seeing your work here, there's no doubt in my mind that you are a superior stone mason compared to me. To be totally honest, I don't even enjoy laying stone, merely an element of my business I "need" to do. I have tried to snap & face thermaled blue a few times to no avail. I even sent one of the employees to our stone supplier years ago to have them split a few pieces to no avail. Then our salesman called an old employee (stone splitter) of theirs, who laughed, & said the flame was the only way to go at it. Could have a lot to do with where the blue stone is coming from too. The thermaled seems far harder than the random "flag" style i've encountered in the past.