CJ,

Prestolite torches draw in atmospheric air from the front, right at the point where the tip screws into the handle. If the torch has sat idle for years, the air inlets could be clogged with dust, dirt, soot or insect nests. Take the tip out, remove the hose, and blow the torch body thorough from both ends with compressed air. If you don't have an air compressor, get one of those cans of air they sell to clean computers.

If that doesn't do it, you may have a problem with your regulator not supplying sufficient gas. In that case, you need to take the whole works to your welding supplier and have it checked out by a pro.

Rich

Are you using the very tiny tip? It can be a hard one to light without blowing it out a few times in the process. Try a bigger tip and/or reduce the presure.

marilyn

I do appreciate the helpful suggestions on how to solve my torch problem. I'm not so lost when soldering with an iron while building stained glass, both leaded and copperfoil but I'm on a learning curve with a torch. I think my biggest problem is overcoming my fear of them. I just wanted to say thanks for people taking the time to give me some guidance.
CJ