Hello, and thank you for your review. The issue you are likely experiencing, based on your description, is that this torch is designed to be used at angles less than 45 degrees, as it does not have a pressure regulator to control the flow of fuel through the torch. When used at angles more than 45 degrees, fuel will pass thorough the torch and extinguish the flame, hence the ignition issue you are now seeing. Our TS3500 and our cast body torches (TS4000, BZ4500HS, and our TS8000) all have this pressure regulator in them. This model, and some of our other solid brass torch heads are designed for other use cases like plumbing or soldering that work best with the torch head upright. We can easily be reached at: Bernzomatic@WorthingtonIndustries.com if you have any additional questions. Thank you.