Help! Can't see hot head flame!

[sbordocj]

Has anyone else had this problem? I'm using a Hot Head torch and in order to keep some colors from just turning mucky, I need to turn the torch flame down and I can see the flame core with no problem but can't see the outer reaches of the flame unless I stick a bead in it and watch for the yellow soda flare. And if I wear protective glasses I can't even see that! Do I need some sort of special backdrop color to be able to see it? Any suggestions?

Thanks so much! And, by the way, as a newbie, I think these forums are AWESOME! I've learned so much already!! Thank you thank you thank you thank you!

[gubnavnania]

Try to put black/darker color tile on your table underneath your flame or against the wall.

[theglasszone]

Ooo, Yumita, great idea! I do that as well...

DeAnne in CA

[ROC]

One of my books or videos had a picture of the flame with the darker blue inner flame, the lighter blue flame a little farther out, and finally the yellow flame. I learned to work about an inch away from the outer blue flame and it seemed to do the trick. Good luck!

[sbordocj]

Thanks so much for your help. I'll try the black background. I'm afraid I'm going to "forget" about the flame I can't see and burn myself! If I can't solve the problem I think I'll upgrade to a Minor soon--that's what I learned on at a workshop. I was spoiled!! Thanks again! These forums are AWESOME!

[Ever After]

If youre working in direct sunlight, ie: a window, shade the top half of the window, i know when the sun is just coming up, I cant see the flame either..on a hothead, minor or mini, lol

[IWANNALEARN]

I had the same problem. I took a piece of metal and spray painted it black as well as my metal table surface. I took the big piece of loose metal and bent the bottom to make it stand up and screwed it into my table clear back to the back so that it was not in my way. I can see the flame no matter how low I turn it down now.

[lunamoonshadow]

dark table surface, dark wall, turning down the lights all work!