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Hi,
Which torch is better for stringer work? Anyone have any opinions..
parisgal
2006-02-11, 8:39pm
I just finished a class yesterday -- and used several of the torches. I have a Minor at home, during the class I used a Mini CC, and I spent a short stint on a Lynx and a Bethlehem, though it was an older model. I did fine stringer control on the first three, and my choice in order of preference is:
Lynx
Mini CC
Minor
Piranha
with the Lynx as the clear winner. The flame was the finest point, had the most "range" of size and the jets were placed where I wanted them to be placed. If my torch died tomorrow, that's what I'd get. The next was the Mini. Nice flame control, could get the heat narrower than I have with my Minor (which I hadn't pushed before). I didn't like the placement of the jets on the Mini, though (the angle was wrong for my hand position. I could adjust to it, but it was me adjusting to the tool instead of the tool adjusting to me). The Minor feels like a good workhorse. Plods along well, does what is asked of it, but its not spectacular or fancy.
Of course, your milage may vary.
And as I was working on the "best" torch, I noticed that others working on "worse" torches could have more control, because they had more experience and practice.
Thanks for the info.. Trying to plan out the next couple of months.. My hubby just listed a 1.8 million dollar property and if he gets that sold, you better believe I am getting a new torch.. hehe.. While I was torching this evening, I started wondering about it while I was trying my best to do scrollwork as my left index finger was burning from the radiant heat.. I had heard of a pinpoint flame and my minor just won't do that unless you turn it way down which isn't good for the torch..
shawnette
2006-02-12, 8:20am
I just finished a class yesterday -- and used several of the torches. I have a Minor at home, during the class I used a Mini CC, and I spent a short stint on a Lynx and a Bethlehem, though it was an older model. I did fine stringer control on the first three, and my choice in order of preference is:
Lynx
Mini CC
Minor
Piranha
with the Lynx as the clear winner. The flame was the finest point, had the most "range" of size and the jets were placed where I wanted them to be placed. If my torch died tomorrow, that's what I'd get. The next was the Mini. Nice flame control, could get the heat narrower than I have with my Minor (which I hadn't pushed before). I didn't like the placement of the jets on the Mini, though (the angle was wrong for my hand position. I could adjust to it, but it was me adjusting to the tool instead of the tool adjusting to me). The Minor feels like a good workhorse. Plods along well, does what is asked of it, but its not spectacular or fancy.
Of course, your milage may vary.
And as I was working on the "best" torch, I noticed that others working on "worse" torches could have more control, because they had more experience and practice.
Don't know if you realized this at the time you used it, but the Mini CC is fully adjustable. It's set on a ball joint, so you can twist it, turn it, whatever you want.
parisgal
2006-02-12, 1:41pm
Don't know if you realized this at the time you used it, but the Mini CC is fully adjustable. It's set on a ball joint, so you can twist it, turn it, whatever you want.
Nope, hadn't realized. Actually... now that you you remind me, someone did mention the adjustment at the beginning of the class -- it completely slipped my mind several days later, when I was focusing on stringer control. That would have also solved one of my other nits -- that I wanted a place to brace my hand with the torch without touching the oxy/propane knobs.
Even with that, I would be buying a Lynx if I were to get a new torch. The flame was noticeably narrower. But basically, the Lynx just "felt" better to me.
Though the Mini CC would definitely be my second choice, and there is a substantial price difference between them, particularly with the Mini on sale right now.
ChaseDesigns
2006-02-12, 3:15pm
Well, I also have used all of those torches and the minor is my least fav. The pirahna is my absolute favorite. You can get a really nice hot pin point flame.
Maybe it depends on what size beads you are going to make, as the pirahna is the hottest and probably why I like it so much. I am impatient and tend to make big beads these days.
But I do do alot of stringer work and if the torch is too hot, just turn it down a bit to do your stringer.
parisgal
2006-02-12, 9:32pm
Well, I also have used all of those torches and the minor is my least fav.
I might have to agree with you on that point, now... I just came in from my first short torch session since getting back, and realized the Minor is even less flexible than I thought/remembered. :|
Mr. Smiley
2006-02-13, 3:21am
the Piranha is my favorite of all those listed. I'm getting a Piranha and an M-10 for all my jewelry work. The Mirage I'm using now will be for lathe work. ;)
R4GlassStudio
2006-02-13, 7:36am
If Focus for Stringer work is important then the list by "focus ability" is;
Piranha
Lynx
Mini CC
Bobcat
Knight 7 jet
Minor
R4glassstudio=Ron or Rocio....
Time to back up some of my friends. Ron sold me a Piranha. He told me I would like it better then my minor. To say he was correct was an understatement. I love that torch!!! My vote for best torch is the Piranha. I use it for stringer work all the time.
I own a minor and a mini CC also. I have my minor around as a back up torch but I never plan to use it....LOL. I do like my mini CC for sculpture. It is a little hot around the flame for me to do tiny stringer work. I like to work close to the flame....
I have used a bobcat and lynx many times. I do not like the thin flame. I did like it for smaller round beads only.
My vote for the best torch especially for stringer work is the piranha!!!
For what it's worth. I moved from a Hothead to a piranha about 3 weeks ago. I LOVE the torch. Very little learning curve during the change although the heat is quit a bit different. The focus on the flame with the piranha provides a huge amount of control. I couldn't be happier.
Gardengirl
2006-10-06, 7:46am
Dragging this thread up again....
Who sells Pirhanas?
I can't seem to find them.....
bclogan
2006-10-06, 7:51am
I moved from a Minor to a Piranah. I LOVE it. I have much better luck finding the "sweet spot" on the Piranah. I never did find it on the Minor.
shawnette
2006-10-06, 9:00am
Dragging this thread up again....
Who sells Pirhanas?
I can't seem to find them.....
It has been discontinued in favor of the Betta, so there aren't many left. Smiley said there is a new "Minnow" coming out, but I don't know how it compares to the Pirhana.
The Barracuda uses the Pirhana for it's center fire...
It has been discontinued in favor of the Betta, so there aren't many left. Smiley said there is a new "Minnow" coming out, but I don't know how it compares to the Pirhana.
The Barracuda uses the Pirhana for it's center fire...
I read somewhere that the Minnow has a 6 port face, and is solid stainless steel. Maybe it will be very similar to the Piranha and may even be its replacement.
The Piranha was only out for a short time, so I wonder why they would so quickly discontinue it?? I don't recall reading any problems about this torch, and in fact, it is owned by a lot of happy customers! I don't get it...
Bob Torbett
2006-10-16, 1:59pm
The Betta is their replacement for the piranha. As for the Minnow, I just spoke to Jerry at Bethlehem and they still aren't sure, but think they will have the brass supply problem for the valves solved in a few weeks. That means they can't ship till that is corrected. Also I tried to get Jerry to provide me with any tech data about the Minnow and he could not give me any data as to the fuel consumption or real flame profile. I just ordered a Piranha from Frantzart at a good discount since it has been dropped. They had 16 when I called and that is now down to 15
Bob
Gardengirl
2006-10-16, 4:37pm
Just got my Pihrana today!!!
WOOHOO!!! I can't wait to hook it up and try it out.
Been on a minor for 10 years. Got a great deal through Frantz because the torch is discontinued now.
I guess the Betta is it's replacement.
Bob -lol there were 17 left when I ordered last week. :)
I really like that the GTT torches don't get hot barrels...Paula
FiredDesires
2006-10-24, 9:17am
The Piranah is super for stringer work. I pull teeny watermelon sized flower petals off of it for my floral set-ups. The Lynx is great too. Forget the minute flame on the minor.
Shawnette, she might have had an older mini cc, I have two of the orginal tester models, and they do not adjust. The "pinpoint" mini cc, is great for small, small flames too...most folks aren't aware there are 2 versions of a mini cc. I was one of the testers of both these torches and knew they'd be popular. Affordable & great little workhorses, except the outside radiant heat is a drawback for sensitive little pinkies, lol.
beading57
2006-10-24, 7:33pm
Does the piranha work with one oxycon? Or is it more effective with two? I am using a minor right now....but would love to upgrade.
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