The Modified Ransome Pilot Light


Dudley's Homemade Pilot Light

This little pilot light first appeared in the Joppa Literature about 1970 and was eventually published in the Studio Potter Book, ed. by Gerry Williams, Peter Sabin, and Sarah Bodine, pp. 122-125. This book is nearly out of print, but is still available. (Call them as it is no longer available on line: (603) 774-3582, GERRY WILLIAMS, Editor, Studio Potter, P.O. BOX 70, GOFFSTOWN, NH 03045.)

The idea here is to make a protected pocket of pilot light heat that will keep the thermocouple hot. It is essential to have a protected pocket so the thermocouple is only reading the heat from the pilot light source. In this example we make an uneven split flame pilot and we direct the main flame of the pilot to the firing hole in the burner block to light the main burner while the smaller flame keeps the thermocouple warm in the flame pocket.

PILOT LIGHT

1. Shown in image to the right are the components of the project. Procure both the B1H head (45.00) and the V050B venturi (85.00), both available from Joppa Glassworks, Inc. I recommend regulating the gas supply to the pilot using the standard Joppa Glassworks needle valve ($25.00). Use #72 orifice for high pressure propane, #62 for low pressure propane and a #55 for natural gas.
pilot light parts
2. Use a standard hacksaw to cut two slits across the face of the burner head. CUTS IN PILOT LIGHT FACE
3. Attach a piece of 16 gauge mild steel (1" x 1-1/2") in the slits and braze or weld it into position. BRAZE OR WELD TAB
4. Using a pair of pliers, bend over the edges to form a cup-like shape. shield
5. thermo This image shows the thermocouple attached to the pilot so that the tip of the thermocouple is held in the small flame pocket. Finally attach the other end of the thermocouple to the Baso Valve. This will complete your High Pressure Baso Safety system*.
6. shield2 And for all of you who would rather see the finished product at your door, purchase this ready made by the Joppa Elves. This represents a $13.00 savings over the purchase of the parts and services separately.

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VALID STICKER