Types of flame
Reducing Flame (sometimes referred to as a bushy flame) – pale blue with a yellowish tip, because there is more fuel and air.
- Ideal for annealing
Neutral Flame – adding more air produces a neutral flame, this flame is all blue without a yellow tip. It has a softly defined bright blue inner cone and pale outer cone. The hottest point of the flame is the tip of the inner cone.
- Ideal for most soldering jobs where a large area can safely be heated.
Oxidising Flame – when adding even more oxygen the inner cone will become smaller, sharper and brighter. The drawback of this flame is that it floods the work with unconsumed oxygen which can result in oxidation and damage to the metal.
- Used for delicate soldering jobs where the heat must be intense and localised.
