Cutting torch head material

[Mondo]

What is the advantage of manganese bronze vs brass as the material for a cutting torch head?

- Mondo

[OPUS FERRO]

Mondo

I'll bite on silver hook.

Victor employs the first, Walmart the second.

Opus

[Mondo]

Mondo

I'll bite on silver hook.

Victor employs the first, Walmart the second.

Opus

[Oldendum]

Manganese bronze is actually brass. It can contain from 20-40% Zinc.

[Mondo]

Cut to the chase... Some torch heads are proclaimed by their manufacture to be "forged" (I know what forging is) but do not say what the material is. (Radnor, Harris, and others) These torch heads are "brass yellow" in appearance. Other makers proclaim the head is made from Manganese Bronze but do not state the manufacturing process (Forged? Cast? Machined from formed lump?) (Smith, Victor...) These torch heads are grey-silver in appearance.

Torches that have the grey-silver head are more expensive by a wide margin. One would suppoose that the more expensive torches are better for a number of reasons, but I can't compare quality just on price without knowing the details and one of those details is what advantage is there over the yellow torch head?

- Mondo

[Showdog75]

I know as far as scrap prices are concerned manganese bronze is cheaper than yellow brass.

[Oldendum]

I know as far as scrap prices are concerned manganese bronze is cheaper than yellow brass.

Years ago, I noticed that the manganese girls didn't charge as much as the really brassy ones. But that was a different day and a different continent.

[76GMC1500]

The zinc in brass does not allow it to take heat well.