The Cricket

[Debi Razz]

Has anyone out there had a chance to try out a new GTT torch, the Cricket? I know it says on their site that it will not be released until mid-September, but I was wondering if anyone has had a chance to try one out at a show or something. I'd love to hear what you think! Thanks a bunch!

[Kris Schaible]

The 1st batch was just sent out, I can't wait to get mine. I alrady have a lynx and a bobcat. I love GTT torches they are the best. I'll let you know when I get mine.

[squid]

mine is being delivered in the morning!!!!

[swamper]

mine is being delivered in the morning!!!!

Mine too!

[menty666]

Mine got rescheduled for some !@#$ing reason and is still in NC. Won't have it until the 17th.

[squid]

why on earth would your torch be in NC? It is coming from PA.

[Granger'sGlass]

You all should post pics of your new torches. :D

[menty666]

why on earth would your torch be in NC? It is coming from PA.

Frankly I'd like to ask that of Mr. Most-sophisticated-sorting-system-on-the-planet-UPS myself.

My uber-polite email to GTT to find out if *maybe* they've opened a new manufacturing area in NC:

"Before I call and offer to eviscerate someone at UPS, is there any good reason my torch would be on it's way to Auburn via North Carolina?

Here's the tracking number I was sent: "

[kbinkster]

No plants in NC. Everything gets shipped out of PA. Maybe Hurricane Ike had something to do with it. We'll find out what's going on.

[Paul Ewing]

My card was charged on Thursday for a sparkley purple one for my daughter. Hopefully it will show up soon.

[Truewealth]

Mine was "rescheduled because it was mis-sorted at the hub". Didn't show it in NC, Menty, but still in PA, then VA. Will be delivered on the 16th. I'm in GA.

I see alot of rescheduled deliveries from UPS in my biz..I do alot of ordering and use UPS alot. Not to worry, but it can be annoying!

[menty666]

No plants in NC. Everything gets shipped out of PA. Maybe Hurricane Ike had something to do with it. We'll find out what's going on.

Reached out and smacked the truck off course? ;)

As long as it gets here I suppose but ugh....

[kbinkster]

Reached out and smacked the truck off course? ;)

As long as it gets here I suppose but ugh....

No, but UPS did have some disclaimers that service could be interrupted due to Ike and who kows how they'll use that. I have had overnight deliveries here postponed due to adverse weather conditions - even though the conditions here were not adverse. It's frustrating!

[jazz's glass]

Mine was delivered to me today at work -- it sure looks purdy. It was supposed to arrive yesterday, but was rescheduled, like a lot of others. I was so anxious to come home and try it, but then started getting a monster headache as I was fixing dinner. Ughhh.

[angelique_redhead]

We got ours! Pretty, pretty sparkley purple, great packing. I can hardly wait to try it and see if the MU likes it. It was rescheduled to arrive today and went to the main hub in NC first. :roll: However! We have it!!!!! :love: Angelique

[pipyr]

I tried mine today!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy crap is it a great little torch, especially for a 5 lpm concentrator. I hadn't had a chance to hook it up at home so I brought it with me to the studio today to let everyone see it. Everyone was super impressed with it. Ed rolled out the very old little 5 lpm concentrator and we hooked it up to see what it would do...WOW!

It has a very penetrating flame (with some actual pressure behind it unlike hooking a minor up to an oxy con) that can melt through boro no problem. The heat is very focused and the pinpoint flame is incredible. I am beyond impressed with it. I can't wait to play around more. I can see myself doing a lot of my smaller work on this torch for sure! For comparison's sake, the torch I use at the studio is a Mirage and the torch I use at home is a cheetah.

GTT ROCKS!!! :kiss:

[Debi Razz]

Okay, how do the hoses hook up to the cricket? Are they just "pushed on" and clamped?

The reason I ask is because I have a mini CC now and would like to maybe get a cricket, but my CC has the screw-on thingies on my hoses and that is where I have my flash back arrestors. Is it safe to have the "pushed on" hoses? Do they leak at all? Where do you put your flash back arrestors?

I am still a newbie so forgive me if these are really stupid questions. I'm just worried about hoses just being "pushed on" and new screwed on tightly. I want to be safe, ya know!

Thank you for posting about your results from the Cricket Pipyr! Anyone else whose had a chance to use it, I would love to hear what you think.

I use tanked oxygen now, but some day, when I actually have some money, I would like to get an oxycon. I think the cricket looks great!

Happy torching! Thanks in advance for any help you can give this newbie!!

[menty666]

I got mine yesterday! After a false start with a leaking propane joint (leak test folks!) I fixed the hose and got to try it out. Very cool!

I hooked up to my concentrator instead of the tank and I managed to make a small boro marble and then I tried it on my BE and 104 stash. Except for one instance where I wasn't far enough out from the face, I didn't burn the soft glass. For me that's saying a lot since I'm very much a bo ho. But I may play with soft a little more now since I have something that won't reduce it to ash. It's an awesome little torch! I can only imagine what it's like hooked up to the tank instead of my 5 lpm.

Oh, and for Debi...I have the barbs on mine instead of the threaded B fittings. This was because I took the hoses off of my National to use this. Push fittings are safe, just make sure you clamp them. If you can find the dog ear clamps instead of the worm drive ones they're better since they won't do as much damage to the hose over time, but I have the worm drive ones and they work.

[pathfinder19]

So for my first real torch go with the cricket or spend a little more and get the Bobcat or even more for a Lynx???

I use 104 but have really wanted to try boro and I'm tired of the slow pace of my HH....

[squid]

I would get the cricket given the low price (it has an introductory price right now). If you decide you need more torch, it will resell readily. The cricket is plenty hot for small to medium boro.

[lunamoonshadow]

I got to try Pipyr's cricket on 2 oxycons & OMG it's HOT HOT HOT!!! Liquified 104 silver-glass (I was playing with a half-rod of luna2 eeked out over some vetro black that Nikki hates :lol:) & it was liquifying the vetro black to the point where it was as transparent as the luna2--I couldn't tell where the luna was vs. the black base bead! From what I put in the kiln (I did 3 beads on the cricket?) I was getting some really nice colors from the Double Helix & I had the torch turned WAY down--I couldn't BELIEVE how hot it was! Much much, much hotter than Sue's mini cc that she runs on 2 concentrators (which I get to play on when I visit her @ home!) & a REALLY nice flame--much nicer than the minor (I'll admit, I DON'T like the minor--I can't get a "soft" enough feel to the flame--I like a little more "fluff" feel after working on my hothead--and I was able to get just a little bit of "fluff"--not a lot, but enough to make me happy, from the cricket.)

Downside? I WANT ONE (and...I have no oxy supply @ home :lol:...my hothead & BBQ tank doesn't "upgrade" that easy :lol:)
It's a really sweet little torch!
~luna

[bexrox]

So awesome to read everyone's comments! I've been running a mega minor on a 5 lpm oxycon. I've had no trouble, but sometimes I ache for more heat when I'm working slightly bigger pieces, but I really want to play with boro. I'm sold. I'm ordering mine tomorrow!!

Becky

[Cosmo]

I used a Cricket this weekend at Hot Time in the Mountains. Now I'm ordering two of them...

[myrdlebp]

Butt-head! I want! So ya do need to run some sort of oxygen, it snot a HH upgrade cure for the poor........deaaaammm.

[menty666]

Butt-head! I want! So ya do need to run some sort of oxygen, it snot a HH upgrade cure for the poor........deaaaammm.

Yeah, but if you can swing a concentrator you're set for a while. I ran it on a single 5 lpm unit and it was pretty rockin. I'm finally going to have some time this week to try it on the tanked oxy, but it was quite workable on the single machine.

[crystalflipz]

I'm running a piranha on one concentrator right now, and sometimes when I try and crank up the oxy it actually seems to be losing heat - I get a couple of long yellow candles poking through. Does the Cricket do better with an oxycon than the Piranha? I'm wondering if it might not be a better torch for me right now.

[stewart castle]

I received my purple Cricket last weekend. Just hooked it up, along with my new kiln and oxycon and made my first batch of beads. The Cricket is packed with power and I ended up turning the gas and oxygen down and got plenty of power.

The flame is blue and I had 1/4 inch candles--plenty. Getting used to it now. I learned on a Minor.

Let you know how everything goes. This Spitfire Girl is totally addicted and the GTT people couldn't be nicer in answering all my "newbie" questions!:waving:

[msjjjj]

absolutely agreeing with Cosmo - at Hot Time we had them hooked up with tanked 02, so I can't make a judgement about concentrators, but I tried out the boro icicles I make every year and I know I was able to cut a minute or more off the time for each one. They're also really, really pretty torches!

Marjorie

[lunamoonshadow]

I can say it was INCREDIBLY hot (on concentrators) compared to the mini cc on concentrators. For such a "little" torch, it packs a lot of heat!
(I wanna play with it more....might have to go visit Pipyr :lol:)

[jeepinwelch]

I'm running a piranha on one concentrator right now, and sometimes when I try and crank up the oxy it actually seems to be losing heat - I get a couple of long yellow candles poking through. Does the Cricket do better with an oxycon than the Piranha? I'm wondering if it might not be a better torch for me right now.

I have the same set up you do with the same problem. Hopefully someone will have an answer.

[squid]

The piranha uses more oxy than a cricket - it almost has to given that (from what I have seen posted) the cricket was specifically designed for use with the lower flows typical with oxycons.

[beadworkstudio]

I just sold my Piranha because I liked the Cricket better. I still have one Piranha on an M-10 (5 lpm), and I can test to see if either torch does what the two of you describe. Exactly how did you have it set? What size candles should I have before I crank up the oxy? If you give me good detail, maybe I can reproduce it on the Piranha and try the same thing on the Cricket. I will say that I seriously doubt the Cricket will do it, but I am willing to try. :)

[crystalflipz]

Thanks Sheila! I'm running my propane at 4.5psi by my regulator and my oxy is turned all the way up on the concentrator. I usually work with candles that are about 1/4" long with a small amount of yellow at the tip. If I turn the oxy up from there for a more oxy rich, higher heat flame, or just to get a finer tip on my flame, it will work for a bit, and then I'll get long yellow candles coming out - I think the torch is consuming the oxygen faster than the oxycon can produce it. I would think that if the Crickett is designed to run on less oxygen in the first place, this might not be such a problem.

[beadworkstudio]

Hmm, I couldn't reproduce the problem. Maybe the difference is the concentrator. I run my propane right at 5, and my concentrator is set a tad below the 5 mark (the max). Sorry I can't be more helpful. Because I can't reproduce the problem, I couldn't say if the Cricket would be better. My gut feeling is that it would, though. I can get an oxy flame on one concentrator--something I could not do with the Piranha.

[Karen Hardy]

So I'm confused. I thought the the cricket was sort of their version of
a minor.

What's the difference between the cricket and the minor?
Does one work better on a concentrator?
I have a 5lpm concentrator and I've been doing boro
on that - but I'd like to have more heat sometimes.

[Cosmo]

So I'm confused. I thought the the cricket was sort of their version of
a minor.

What's the difference between the cricket and the minor?
Does one work better on a concentrator?
I have a 5lpm concentrator and I've been doing boro
on that - but I'd like to have more heat sometimes.

The Cricket is made to work on concentrators. I don't know what that means, exactly. I'm assuming it has to do with the size of the ports, but I'm not sure. But whatever it means, it puts out more heat on a concentrator than standard torches (like the Minor) do. It also puts out more heat on tanked oxygen than a Minor.

[crystalflipz]

Ordered mine today. Now I'll be stalking the UPS man until it arrives!

[Lindyj]

I ordered mine a couple of days ago ..... can't wait to play with it!!!


Lindy

[Cosmo]

Anyone know what the wait time is on a Cricket? Just standard color...

[earthandsky]

Don't know the wait time, but I e-mailed my order a couple of days ago and haven't yet received any acknowledgement or phone call for payment info. Don't know if that's standard procedure for them or if I should call.

[evvybuns]

Don't know the wait time, but I e-mailed my order a couple of days ago and haven't yet received any acknowledgement or phone call for payment info. Don't know if that's standard procedure for them or if I should call.

Tiffany, I e-mailed GTT on September 28, I received a reply on the 30th telling me that they would contact me by phone, and as of yet have not heard from them. I figure that they're rather inundated with Cricket orders right about now!

[pierces*designs]

Yeah, I won one. I emailed them on the 29th, called today and was asked to call back Monday. They are swamped!

[bead crazy]

I have a betta and would love more heat. I think I read somewhere that someone used a betta and then the cricket and they got more heat is this true? I want to do more boro but it just takes alot of time to melt larger rods of clear and to get color.

[crystalflipz]

When I ordered mine yesterday, Cindy did say the wait time on a "standard" one was shorter than on the custom color ones.

[earthandsky]

Tiffany, I e-mailed GTT on September 28, I received a reply on the 30th telling me that they would contact me by phone, and as of yet have not heard from them. I figure that they're rather inundated with Cricket orders right about now!

Thanks for the info. I thought they may be running behind, which is why I have been hesitant to harangue them. :-)

[WildBird]

I got mine this week and will be playing this weekend.
I like the fact that the fuel tubes are larger. I had a Cheetah once and boy, I hated the fact that I had to clean it all the time and the holes were sooo tiny.
Now maybe I can get my daughter to come and "play" with me.

WildBird

[tehale]

I was at Hot Time in the Mountains in Asheville last week where I got to work on a Cricket for the better part of three days. What a great torch! It was plenty hot and the flame was easy to control. I worked both soft glass and boro. I'm certainly getting one for me and am toying with the idea of one for each station in my classroom.

[Kym]

I have a betta and would love more heat. I think I read somewhere that someone used a betta and then the cricket and they got more heat is this true? I want to do more boro but it just takes alot of time to melt larger rods of clear and to get color.

I have a Betta and a Cricket, I think heatwise they are about the same but the Cricket flame seems a little more determined! The flames are about the same size too.
I do find the cricket slightly ahead in useability for me. Cricket wins hands down in sexiness, just a lovely looking torch. Betta looks a bit 'downhome' by comparison.

[Cosmo]

I have a Betta and a Cricket, I think heatwise they are about the same but the Cricket flame seems a little more determined! The flames are about the same size too.
I do find the cricket slightly ahead in useability for me. Cricket wins hands down in sexiness, just a lovely looking torch. Betta looks a bit 'downhome' by comparison.

Plus, the Cricket is about 1/3 the price of the Betta, which is $370. And figure that you have to pay $100 more for the Betta if you want the base (???), and you can get 3 Crickets for the price of a single Betta and still have money left over.

I can't see why anyone would buy a Betta now that the Cricket is available...

[nitefire]

When I ordered mine yesterday, Cindy did say the wait time on a "standard" one was shorter than on the custom color ones.

I also called on 10-2 and the guy that answered asked if he could call me back in 20 min. He called back and took my order info for 1 sparkle purple Cricket and said they should have more sparkle purple crickets ready to ship by the end of next week ( 10-10). I was also told that i would receive a phone call just prior to shipment, just to update me on when it will be sent out. I had to use a credit card to order cus they don,t take paypal yet. They did say that they are working on setting up a paypal act. When i was on the phone with them i could hear people in the background using tape guns on boxes. I am waiting patiently for my new sparkle purple Cricket..... not!!:-)
I just hope the UPS guy can find my house.
Nice people at GTT.

Elaine

[pipyr]

I had a betta before and in my experience, it didn't even come close to the output of the cricket when run on a single 5 lpm concentrator. I never ran the betta on 2 oxy cons, so I can't give a comparison in that, but if you run a cricket on 2 oxy cons you'll think your burning through a k tank...and that's not something I ever believed was possible until I saw it for myself ;)

[lunamoonshadow]

Think Pipyr would notice if I went to her house & swiped her cricket & concentrator? ;)

[angelique_redhead]

Mmmm. Probably but you're more than welcome to come to Texas and use ours. :love: Angelique

Think Pipyr would notice if I went to her house & swiped her cricket & concentrator? ;)

[Kym]

I haven't run the Betta or the cricket on 5lpm concentrator, I have only run them on about 8lpm OG so there is probably a difference in results there. On the OG they both run the same, more or less. Less on the Betta, more on the cricket. But that is just impressions, not measured for accuracy :-\"

Kym

[mom53]

We have a cricket hooked up at the store, and everyone wants to work on it. They leave the minors and the mini cc alone. The cricket get nice and hot.

[pipyr]

Think Pipyr would notice if I went to her house & swiped her cricket & concentrator? ;)

Yeah. I would. Of course, you know you're always welcome to come and PLAY!!! :poke: \\:D/

[Karen Hardy]

Okay, you Bo-ho's talked me into one (like it really took much talking :lol:).
I've got one on order (sparkly purple, of course).

I'm guessing since it's been about 5 years, I should also change out my
hoses. Can anyone tell me where's the best place (online) to purchase
T-grade oxy/propane hoses?

[tiggybubba]

I just ordered mine too.....YAY!

[twiggyinaz]

I have an SS Minnow that will work boro, has a great range when it comes to flame size and control, and is happy to run on 3 lpm oxy, but really wants to have at least 5 psi propane. Has anybody with a Minnow compared the cricket to their minnow?

I love my minnow, but could use another torch for travelling and the cricket sounds like the perfect travel torch.

I went to GTT site, and have more questions, since color of the torch doesn't really affect what the final bead looks like, I want more info than they give.

What is the port set up?

Is the base included? If not, how much is the base?

My minnow is soooo easy to clean, takes just a few minutes at the end of the day, how is the cricket for cleaning?

[squid]

I have an SS Minnow that will work boro, has a great range when it comes to flame size and control, and is happy to run on 3 lpm oxy, but really wants to have at least 5 psi propane. Has anybody with a Minnow compared the cricket to their minnow?

I love my minnow, but could use another torch for travelling and the cricket sounds like the perfect travel torch.

I went to GTT site, and have more questions, since color of the torch doesn't really affect what the final bead looks like, I want more info than they give.

What is the port set up?

Is the base included? If not, how much is the base?

My minnow is soooo easy to clean, takes just a few minutes at the end of the day, how is the cricket for cleaning?

The base is included and is easy to clean.

[isa]

I would also like to know about the Cricket compared to the Minnow.
I would like to try Boro, but didn't really think that the Minnow was hot enough( it took very long to make a small bead). So My question is, is the Cricket hot enough to do Boro?

[twiggyinaz]

Isa,

I am assuming you have a minnow... a minnow should do better than that. Mine gets screamin' hot! Talk to one of the torch gurus and see if you can change your setup for more heat. I love the penetrating heat of my minnow, one of its really good characteristics.

Squid - Thanks for the info! You are lightning fast!

[kbinkster]

I ran several torches on a 5 LPM Invacare concentrator and took measurements of the flames. Here are the results for the Minnow and for the Cricket:


Bethlehem Minnow
candle length: 0.25”
shoulder width: 0.600”
flame length: 10”
small pinpoint flame: carrot shaped, no thrust


GTT Cricket
candle length: 0.500”
shoulder width: 0.750”
flame length: 13”
small pinpoint flame: hot needle flame can get very tight


On 5 LPM, the Cricket was able to get a much larger flame than the Minnow, as well as a much better pinpoint flame.

[isa]

Thanks Kbinkster,
Now I only have to decide which colour, the black or sparkle purple.:-k

[earlbacher]

i have one on the way to play with!!! yay!!! orange even!!!

[PeJa436]

So is the cricket better than the bobcat? or how do those compare?

[kbinkster]

The Bobcat is still hotter, even on a concentrator. The Cricket has a different type of flame - with a different feel to it, IMO - and can get a tighter detail flame.

ETA: Also, the Cricket was built with beginners in mind. You can run a much smaller hot flame on it without carboning it up.

ETA: I almost forgot: you can get a more oxidizing flame on a Cricket on a single 5 LPM concentrator than on a Bobcat on a single 5 LPM concentrator.

[earlbacher]

got my cricket... i'm on tanked oxygen, so... but it can melt boro nicely...

i'm pretty impressed with this lil torch.. gonna have to save some $$ when i go to upgrade and get me a big GTT

[Flonche]

Hey Shawn, do you think you could post a pic of your orange Cricket? I would love to see what it looks like. Thank you in advance!

[susanlambert]

Mine is on the way! :-) I use a bobcat with a concentrator. What I noticed at hot time is the cricket can get a very nice pinpoint flame.
If it gets a more oxidizing flame that will be a plus too. I'll post after it's hooked up and tell how it compares.
Susan

[earlbacher]

first thing, ignore the mess.....

i didnt buy directly from GTT, just got it from someone over on "the melting pot" forum... said it was used all of about 20 minutes to make a pendant....

i like orange...
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a276/agentearlbacher/glass/IMG_0529.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a276/agentearlbacher/glass/IMG_0528.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a276/agentearlbacher/glass/IMG_0527-1.jpg

[menty666]

dang Shawn, he shipped that puppy fast!

[earlbacher]

no kidding, two days door to door... been raging the lil bugger since then... though i did have to switch back to the CC for a flared bottom to a project...
it's soo cute!!!!

we'll see how long til the novelty wears off....

[bead crazy]

Can you post the difference in a betta and a cricket too Kimberly? (if you have it)

[Beckah]

Can you post the difference in a betta and a cricket too Kimberly? (if you have it)

I used both my new Betta & Cricket enough to say that they are very similar. However there is one huge difference -- the price tag. The Betta cost $400 and the Cricket $139.

[Rose]

I get much better colors in boro and can blow bigger tubing with the Cricket than I could the Betta. When making perfume bottles with tubing I was maxing out the Betta and with the Cricket it's so much easier and faster and I don't feel like I'm pushing the torch to the max.

[bead crazy]

That is what I am trying to do is boro and it just takes so long with the betta. I had thought about getting me the cricket but if they are really simular then I may as well keep the betta since I already have it.

[Flonche]

Wow!! I love it in orange! Thanks for posting it Shawn.

[kbinkster]

Can you post the difference in a betta and a cricket too Kimberly? (if you have it)

The theory behind the Betta is that by having larger valves and porting, you could have less restriction, allowing the torch to breathe easier. But, all that stops once you hit the first internal chamber of the torch. Then you face restriction and it becomes just like the Piranha/centerfire of the larger Beths.

All sorts of bead torches were already capable of running on low pressures - including the Piranha - and some that were already out there actually outperformed the Betta on low pressure. Wally (Willy's brother) took a glass class at the Banana Factory (a studio in Bethlehem, PA) and they had Bettas set up to run off the low pressure they had. Well, they ended up pulling them off because they just could not cut it.

The hype around the Betta was, IMO, just that - hype.

But, at any rate, the stand-alone Betta is so much more expensive than the other torches, it is usually cost prohibitive for beginners starting out. The Betta's claim to fame was low pressure, anyway, not low flow. The Cricket is designed to be a low-cost torch that can run on low pressure and low flow.

If anyone would like to send me a stand-alone Betta, I would be happy to test it on the concentrators I have here. Here are the flame measurements of the Betta on tanked oxygen from Bethlehem's Betta page:

Low pressure:
1.2 psi gas / 3.0 psi oxygen. width: 1/2 " x 10" long

Max pressure:
5.0 psi gas / 20 psi oxygen
width: 5/8 " x 12" long

They don't put the candle lengths on those measurements, but I can still compare the general size of the flame to the Cricket on concentrators:

On a 5 LPM Invacare:

shoulder width: 0.750” (3/4")
flame length: 13”

straight off concentrator, not through Y connector:

shoulder width: 0.850-0.880” (right around 7/8")
flame length: 13”


On just a single 5 LPM Invacare, the Cricket gets a wider and longer flame than Bethlehem says the Betta gets on tanked oxygen! We also know that it gets a better pinpoint flame.

Jo (DogMaw) wrote the following review on her blog comparing the Betta to the Cricket:
http://dogmawglass.blogspot.com/2008/09/gtt-cricket-gets-a.html#links

This is the new GTT cricket torch. I got mine in the mail on Monday, and was lucky enough to try it out on Tuesday. I had been using a Bethleham Betta until my cricket arrived.

Soft Glass: I used one 5 lpm concentrator with the cricket. It gave me the same power as the betta with two concentrators. In addition the cricket can get a lovely pinpoint flame.

Hard Glass: This is where the cricket really shines. I used two 5 lpm concentrators with the betta and the cricket. I made the same boro pendant, first on the betta, then switched to the cricket. Time to make the pendant went from 18 minutes on the betta to 8 minutes on the cricket! It was also easier to flame strike colors like double amber purple with the cricket.

Cost: The cricket is a steal at the current price of $140. The betta will run about $320. Guess which one wins on cost. :)

So the cricket gets an A+ from me! Just in case you were wondering, I don't have any affiliation with GTT or with Bethleham.

So, maybe it is worth getting a Cricket even if you already have a Betta.

[twiggyinaz]

Kimberly,

Thanks for the great comparison of the minnow, it really helped me alot.

I don't think I want one... I KNOW I have to have one, now!!!

[yeepers]

I got my cricket with the regular hose fittings. If I wanted to switch them out to B-fittings would I just get regular 1/4" B-fittings?

Does anyone know?

Cheers.

[BugNerd]

Dang....I want one :( How much would a good concentrator set me back? Or maybe I could just run it on a tank for a while I guess.

Did anyone buy one and NOT like it? :D

[donnam]

I just got mine 2 days ago. I got the hot pink. I absolutely hate the color and I am thinking about selling mine. It is sitting in the box on my kitchen counter. I should have gotten the purple instead!! I am so bummed as I was so anxious to get it. Anyone interested? I can take a picture if there is any interest. My other option is to send it back I guess and get the color that I want.

Donna

[squid]

I am sure you could sell it with no problem in the Garage Sale :)

[Byrdbeads]

Ohh Donna sorry you dont like your pink Cricket. I got the hot pink too with pink knobs and LOVE LOVE LOVE it LOL. Call them, i would think if you dont like the color they would exchange it esp if it is still in the box unused?? Would just be the shipping??

Robyn

Here is a pix of my Cricket AKA:

PINK PANTHER LOL

142695
142696
142697

[Karen Hardy]

Okay - I hooked up my new cricket (LOVE it!)
and I just realized that my old Minor torch mounted marver
does not fit it (aaaaaarrrggghhhh!). I've searched all over
but I can't find anything about whether there is a Torch mounted
marver available for this bad boy. Anybody know????

[squid]

I am pretty sure I could make the marver that was on my minor fit my cricket, but I haven't been able to bring myself to try it yet.

[squid]

I am pretty sure I could make the marver that was on my minor fit my cricket, but I haven't been able to bring myself to try it yet.

[HelleAlice]

Okay - I hooked up my new cricket (LOVE it!)
and I just realized that my old Minor torch mounted marver
does not fit it (aaaaaarrrggghhhh!). I've searched all over
but I can't find anything about whether there is a Torch mounted
marver available for this bad boy. Anybody know????
Could you buy a smaller size hose clamp and clamp it on? or will that damage the torch?

[twiggyinaz]

YIKES!!! I love my torch mounted marver! Most used tool next to the torch, kiln and oxy con!!

I will try to remember to call GTT on Monday.

[papimom]

I removed the clamp on my torch mounted marver and replaced it with a hose clamp that was the correct size to attach to my Lynx. No damage I can see, and works just great. Shouldn't hurt the Cricket either.
Joan

[Cabanlet]

Mine should be in anyday! I just got my mega minor, but how could I resist a lime green torch???!!

Amy

[BugNerd]

I just got mine 2 days ago. I got the hot pink. I absolutely hate the color and I am thinking about selling mine. It is sitting in the box on my kitchen counter. I should have gotten the purple instead!! I am so bummed as I was so anxious to get it. Anyone interested? I can take a picture if there is any interest. My other option is to send it back I guess and get the color that I want.

Donna

I'll give ya $50 for it :P

I bet someone out there would trade for one of a different color.

[kokeshikitten]

Can you make a small-medium marble with boro on a cricket?

[Karen Hardy]

Can you make a small-medium marble with boro on a cricket?

Hell yeah!
It's hot hot hot!

[ruca]

i was wondering if anyone could tell me the largest sized boro rod they've been able to pull out pendants or marbles on with the cricket? i usually work with 12-14mm for pendants - it seems like it could handle that with no problem, even on a single concentrator. i'm really excited about the idea of such a cute little (affordable) torch working boro. thanks! :)

[Kris Schaible]

Ok so I have a total GTT addicition, I have a cricket which runs on a Regaila and it is a very, very awesome torch, I think it is just as hot as my Lynx or pretty darn close! THIS IS A GREAT TORCH!!! If you are thinking of getting a new torch this is the one! really sweet and super fast!

[theglasszone]

I just got mine 2 days ago. I got the hot pink. I absolutely hate the color and I am thinking about selling mine. It is sitting in the box on my kitchen counter. I should have gotten the purple instead!! I am so bummed as I was so anxious to get it. Anyone interested? I can take a picture if there is any interest. My other option is to send it back I guess and get the color that I want.

Donna

Sent you a PM - everyone knows PINK is my favorite in almost everything!!! I'm considering buying one - and of course, the wait on the PINK is longer. Are the knobs the same pink color? Maybe we could work something out!

DeAnne in CA

[Cabanlet]

I got my cricket and it is AMAZING and I love love it!!
I got the lime green - my only complaint is that it is apple green and not lime green.

Amy

[theglasszone]

I've ordered the PINK one - with black knobs! Can't wait... :)

De in CA

[tiggybubba]

Never mind....

[twiggyinaz]

I ordered one, no particular color, I just want one. My email reply from the manufacturer said the middle of November.

I couldn't wait any longer for a specific color, I have the patience of a 4 year old.

[kbinkster]

:lol: I hear ya' on that one, Twiggy! You're going to have a lot of fun when it gets there!

[earlbacher]

it is a fun torch... i've been taking a few days off of my CC to play small on the Cricket... doing small pendant work and small sculptural stuff

[BeadBlossoms]

Do you all think this torch would be okay for a beginner? I'm not thrilled with the hothead - it takes so long! Or would it be too much of a torch for me? I would need to buy a concentrator as well, correct?

[squid]

It would be perfect for a beginner. It can be hotter than a minor, but doesn't have to be - and on a single concentrator would be great. I highly recommend it.

[pierces*designs]

I have been using my cricket exclusively for a few weeks now. I love it and it does seem to be saving oxy. I am working boro and 104 with it.

[BeadBlossoms]

Thanks so much for helping! I'm thinking it will be on my Christmas list for hubby!
Donna

[cadia]

Can the cricket be ordered with screw on hose fittings?
Or Is it clamp on only?
I think that's what the question below was ( wasn't it ? )

I got my cricket with the regular hose fittings. If I wanted to switch them out to B-fittings would I just get regular 1/4" B-fittings?

Does anyone know?

Cheers.

[pipyr]

i was wondering if anyone could tell me the largest sized boro rod they've been able to pull out pendants or marbles on with the cricket? i usually work with 12-14mm for pendants - it seems like it could handle that with no problem, even on a single concentrator. i'm really excited about the idea of such a cute little (affordable) torch working boro. thanks! :)

I am using a cricket on 2 5lpm oxy cons and have had no problem building multi-layered canes over 12mm rods. I've been pumping out implosion pendants off of 12mm too and have had absolutely no problem. The torch keeps up with me just fine. It is a narrow flame, but it is hot and the heat is penetrating just like I would expect from GTT. I am thrilled with this little torch. I would imagine it could handle 14 or 15 mil just fine as well...just a few extra seconds to get your gather :)

[Reenie]

Okay I'm going to post this here.
I currently run a Betta on NG and 2 oxycons. 1 when I'm teaching. (split up to feed both torches)
I love my betta.....I really do but I want something bushier.
I've tried the linx which does NOT like NG. So I was thinking of the bobcat.
Now you're all talking about the Cricket and I'm in confused mode all over again.
The bobcat has more jets correct?
Will both give me a bushy flame?
Will the bobcat run on NG or will the Cricket???
Help pleasssse!

PS I'm not worried about the price but want something that might help me more with stringers and detail work where i can be away from the flame and still have heat to melt.
If the cricket is going to do the exact same as the bobcat...I'll choose that but if one has more jets...wouldn't that mean more flame?
Thanks

[Kym]

Reenie, I was in the exactly the same spot wanting a 'bushier' flame than the Betta. I bought the Cricket, not because it has a bushier flame because it hasn't, but because it is O2 friendly. The flame size is similar to the Betta.
I really like the Cricket tho, for its heat and ease of use. I think if you want a bushier flame you will need to look at something else. Maybe a mini CC?

Cheers
Kym

[kbinkster]

The Bobcat has a wider flame than both the Cricket and the Betta. The Bobat can get a small detail flame, but not as small as that of the Lynx or the Cricket. It also runs well on household pressure NG. The Lynx really likes to have at least 2-2.5 psi, but the Bobcat can run well on 0.25 psi fuel pressure. The Bobcat also uses oxygen much more efficiently than a Mini CC. So, on a concentrator, it is able to get a lot hotter than a Mini CC and on tanked, it won't eat up as much.

A while back, I posted some measurements and stuff comparing a Bobcat, Minor, and a Mini CC. You can find it if you do a search using my user name.

[Reenie]

Thanks Kimberly....I'll check it out. I love the Betta's but would love to try something..different.

[Beckah]

I'm using household pressure Natural Gas -- my local utility company says the local standard pressure is 1/4 PSI. I'm also using a Regalia oxycon which is 10 LPM. With this combination, I found the Betta and Cricket to be very similar -- although the Cricket is much cuter:smile: I haven't used a Bobcat.

However, if you want a fluffy flame and you have at least 7LPM of oxycon, then the MiniCC is maybe the torch you're looking for. I'm going to keep my MiniCC for blown work because it does have a nice, fluffy, radiant flame. I'm keeping either the Cricket or the Betta for boro and detail work. I found the fluffy flame of the MiniCC did not work well for me with boro. But I'm missing it for soft vessel and ornament work.

I have used a Minor -- always on tanked fuel and oxygen -- in classes. And the MiniCC has the bushiest flame of any torch that I've used.

[Flonche]

I set up my Cricket today!
I am so excited, this is my first real torch after 2 years on the Hot Head. Poor dinosaur lies around abandoned...

146418

I love it. The silence is deafening (except for the purring of the oxycon, which I will get used to easily).

[kbinkster]

Yay! Nice picture, too.:)

[mnoelker]

Look at that flame! I can't flippin' wait to get mine!!!!!!!!!!!

[Flonche]

Thank you Kim!
Please tell the GTT guys that they really rock!

[granny]

drool...sigh


granny

[Sherena]

Can the cricket be ordered with screw on hose fittings?
Or Is it clamp on only?
I think that's what the question below was ( wasn't it ? )

I got my cricket with the regular hose fittings. If I wanted to switch them out to B-fittings would I just get regular 1/4" B-fittings?

Does anyone know?

Cheers.


Has this questioned been answered somewhere else? I looked through the thread and didn't see it.....Inquiring minds want to know...(failing that I can use the phone or email I suppose) :grin:

[cadia]

Sherena,
After talking to GTT ( and ordering !!!!), the torches are made only with clamp~on fittings BUT GTT will sell you a 12 inch piece of hose already clamped on the torch with the "B" fitting on the other end to hook up to an existing "B" fitting hose. ( or 2 hoses one for oxy one for Prop. I think it was &20 for the 2)
Also they now have torch MARVERS, they look nicely made, are $30.00
I havent seen if the photo of the marver has been posted here, but if you email them they will email you a pic of the marver.
Hope this helps!

[Sherena]

Thanks Cadia for answering that question.

Do you have the torch set up yet with the "B" fitting hoses attached yet? I am just wondering because I would like to see a picture of the set up, as I am a little concerned about the fittings scrunching (I think thats a technical term :smile:) or bending the hoses where the fittings connect. Does that make sense how I described that.

Thanks,

[cadia]

I am not set up yet (~ or even have the torchy yet ), but see post #116 on this thread "Flonche's" posted photo. that is how I position my torch~ more or less horizontally. The hoses pretty much drop straight down when the torch is positioned this way, I think. The pieces of hose that comes with the "B" fitting is 12 inches long and attaches to the piece already clamped onto the torch. So there wouldn't be a change in the way it "hangs". Your hose would then attach to the end of the 12 inch section.These extra pieces are $20.
Does this make any sense?

[Sherena]

Yes thanks Cadia. I appreciate your help, and it does make sense. :smile:

[theglasszone]

Sherena~~

A ways back in the thread, I believe, there is mention of an "elbow" fitting (possibly a modification that is done at time of manufacture when you place your order - or as an "add on" - still awaiting confirmation...) that will allow the Cricket to be angled more of an upright position (a HUGE plus for me, coming off a Hot Head and being very comfortable with that angle!) without causing a kink in the hose because of the "bend" from the fuel/oxy attachment locations.

If I hear something, I'll for sure post in the thread - or ask GTT to do so to. Hopefully, they'll have more details, upgrade price, etc.

De

[earlbacher]

a 40 degree angle 'elbow' would work great for it... you could angle them straight back, or the sides....

[bead-licious]

I want pics of all those colored crickets!

[theglasszone]

...and my custom HOT PINK and BLACK KNOB Cricket is ready!!! I'm also told I got the custom elbow upgrade (for a reasonable extra charge!) and my new little baby is going to be on it's way to me shortly!!!!!

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!! I do believe I'm hearing Jingle Bells ringing!!!!

...and after Christmas, it's OXYCON time :)

De

[mnoelker]

Congrats De!!!!!! We want pics!

[twiggyinaz]

As far as ordering elbows, if you don't want your torch to point straight up you can try this:

I flipped the torch and the bar that the torch is mounted on around on the base, then mounted the base to the very edge of my work bench and I can point my torch up quite a bit without putting too much of a bend on the hoses.

I really like the torch. The only thing I would change are the knobs. If they had a bigger turning area they would be easier to adjust because they adjustments wouldn't be so severe. They turn really fast, and I am always over-adjusting. I know I will get used to it...

[theglasszone]

Look what showed up on my doorstep today!!! Woo hoo!!! Not hooked up, but wanted to show you the custom color (Hot Pink w/Black Knobs!) and the optional "elbows" to align the hoses so they shoot straight down. What 'cha think? I LOVE IT!!!

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Cricket/Cricket1.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Cricket/Cricket2.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Cricket/Cricket3.jpg

MIL is helping me to save for the oxycon - and hopefully I'll be gettin' it soon after Christmas!

DeAnne in CA

[Gila]

Very nice!

[BeadTowne]

De, That is gorgeous! My favorite color.

[Vena]

Its a beauty! I noticed the "Cricket" sticker on the base. Did that come with the torch? I got my "Cricket" a couple of weeks ago and I didn't see a sticker with it. Just curious.

[Kym]

Isn't the stand on backwards? You don't need to do that with the different angled hose connections, do you?

Cheers
Kym


Look what showed up on my doorstep today!!! Woo hoo!!! Not hooked up, but wanted to show you the custom color (Hot Pink w/Black Knobs!) and the optional "elbows" to align the hoses so they shoot straight down. What 'cha think? I LOVE IT!!!

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Cricket/Cricket1.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Cricket/Cricket2.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Cricket/Cricket3.jpg

MIL is helping me to save for the oxycon - and hopefully I'll be gettin' it soon after Christmas!

DeAnne in CA

[gubnavnania]

Its a beauty! I noticed the "Cricket" sticker on the base. Did that come with the torch? I got my "Cricket" a couple of weeks ago and I didn't see a sticker with it. Just curious.

I think that's the new Cricket's sticker.

And I want 1...

[Paul Ewing]

Isn't the stand on backwards? You don't need to do that with the different angled hose connections, do you?

Cheers
Kym


It shouldn't matter which way the base if attached if it is bolted or clamped to the bench. I think I'll actually try switching it around this was because the normal way is a bit tight with stiff hoses. I wish it came with the short flexible pig tail hoses that my Lynx did.

[FairySaddle]

Can someone give me an idea of how a Cricket on house pressure natural gas & 5 lpm oxycon would compare to a Lynx on propane & 5 lpm oxycon?

I really hate the safety issues involved with having the propane outside. Having to worry about accidentally blowing up my house in the time between turning on the propane and making my way back down to the basement. And, having to worry about some teenager walking by and turning the propane on. My torch (lynx) leaks a bit, even when turned off, and it's in the basement, so these are serious concerns.

I would LOVE to convert to ng! And the safety of having a great big valve on the wall to turn off the gas would be a huge relief. But I would want a reasonably comparable torch.

I primarily work Bullseye, and I'm still pretty much at a newbie stage.

[kbinkster]

Your Lynx leaks? From where? Is it leaking from the fuel side or the oxygen side?

You can plumb your propane in using pipe and install a big valve to shut it off inside.

The Lynx is hotter than the Cricket on 5 LPM, but I think you can get a more oxidizing flame on the Cricket with the 5 LPM.

[FairySaddle]

It leaks just a bit of propane. It looks like there is no flame, but if I turn the propane back on, it magically lights itself. So I know that there's a little bit of fuel there. It's not hugely unsafe at this point. Just enough to make me a bit nervous to turn it on when I'm home alone.

I know that GTT will repair it, I just need to get around to doing it. That does mean living without a torch for a few weeks, after all. ;)

I was tossing the idea around with DH last night about mounting a valve under my desk with a hose connector on each end. That might be a partial solution to my problem if I decide to stick with propane.

The Lynx is a very nice torch. It's not that I hate the torch or anything. It would just be sooooo much more convenient to not have to go down to the basement and make sure the torch is off, turn on the ventilation, go upstairs, walk around to the side of the house and turn on the propane, then go back downstairs every time I feel like lighting the torch. (Not to mention reversing that process when I shut down.) And I'm just not a fan of piping propane into my basement. I know it pools, and isn't the safest thing to do.

[kbinkster]

How long after you shut it off can it relight itself? Is it 4-5 seconds or is it 10-15 seconds or longer or is it continuous? If it is within 4-5 seconds, it could be normal since there could still be propane under pressure still bleeding out of the torch orifices. If it is longer than that, then there could be something stuck in the valve seat. If it is continuous, try tightening your valve down a little more than you usually do to see if you get a better seal.

[kbinkster]

Back to your original inquiry, though, the Cricket does well on low pressure situations and would probably do what you wanted it to do. I can understand not wanting to run propane down into a basement - it isn't the best thing to do.

[FairySaddle]

No, we're talking a couple minutes and it still relights itself. If I really crank it down tight, I can get a solid seal. But it can't be good for the seal to go that tight all the time. It seems like it should have a solid seal at a good firm twist, not having to apply force. Or am I just expecting too much and that is completely normal?

And, thanks for the info on the Cricket. That just may have to be my birthday present this year. :)

[kbinkster]

It sounds like there is definitely something (foreign object) between the valve seat and the valve needle keeping it from sealing shut correctly. Definitely send it in as soon as you can.

[FairySaddle]

*sigh* I was afraid of that. I am seriously considering the Cricket, though. Maybe I'll order that, then send my pal in to the torch doctors after I have something else to work on.

[lilhoot]

Just ordered my new Cricket to upgrade from HH and can't wait to get it all set up....still need tubing and tanks, but will work on that this week along with the overhead stove vent/fan so should be good to go soon. Lilhoot

[redrabbit]

I'm bumping this to the top again, because I'm another HH user looking to upgrade to a bigger torch, and the Cricket definitely interests me.

It's been six months now since most of you ordered your torch, so technically, the "honeymoon" is over ;-) Now that you've had time to experience the in's and out's of this torch, do you have any more feedback on its use/purchase/results? Thanks!

--Robin

[earlbacher]

i only use mine half the time, but for the sculptural and pendant work i do, it rocks.... and i only do boro...
easy to use, teenie tiny flame to raging the lil torch to make a 1.5 inch boro marble...
well worth the expense

[angelique_redhead]

Everyone in the family loves it from the 11 year old daughter to the "bigger is better" man. :love: Angelique

[redrabbit]

Thanks for the feedback Shawn and Angelique. Anyone else?

[shawnette]

I'm bumping this to the top again, because I'm another HH user looking to upgrade to a bigger torch, and the Cricket definitely interests me.

It's been six months now since most of you ordered your torch, so technically, the "honeymoon" is over ;-) Now that you've had time to experience the in's and out's of this torch, do you have any more feedback on its use/purchase/results? Thanks!

--Robin

LOVE mine! I have 2 and would like to purchase 2 more.

[ginko]

Love it! Recently I used it to demo over a 3-day show, and took less than 2 lbs of propane (I failed to re-fill my 4 lb tank). I thought I would run out of propane over the weekend, but did not. Even knowing how little fuel it uses, I was still surprised that weekend. The flame is hot, adjustable, and steady.

Coming from a HH you are going to notice immediately how hot this torch is. It may take some adjusting, but the time will be well spent. This torch rocks.


I'm bumping this to the top again, because I'm another HH user looking to upgrade to a bigger torch, and the Cricket definitely interests me.

It's been six months now since most of you ordered your torch, so technically, the "honeymoon" is over ;-) Now that you've had time to experience the in's and out's of this torch, do you have any more feedback on its use/purchase/results? Thanks!

--Robin

[Keewin]

No more pictures?!

[rjw69215]

UPS has mine held hostage, I have to sign for it. Ahhhhhhhhh. Guess it's better then leaving it on my front porch for someone to steal. The guys/gals at GTT are the best, very very helpful. You won't be dissappointed with them, you just have to be patient.

Bob