Carlisle Black Widow, any reviews?

[Lampro1]

I currently use a Carlisle CC with a foot pedal, (rock solid, but the pre-mix center fire is a little heavy handed), and also a Nortel Mid -Range w/a Surface Mix Minor pigybacked. I would like to upgrade to a Bethlehem PM2D, or an Arnold. The newish Carlisle Black Widow seems intriguing, has anyone used one? (It is less expensive than the other alternatives) Thanks

[Cosmo]

I used a Bethlehm Tiger Shark for a while, then switched to a CC. The Tiger Shark is not even in the same league as the CC. The PM2D wouldn't be much of an improvement, if any at all. Bethlehems just don't have any penetrating heat.

A Herbie, on the other hand, would be a good upgrade, but Herbies are incredibly expensive. And, they can be finicky to run.

I have used the Black Widow a little bit and liked it, but I gotta admit I love the center fire on my CC. If I were to upgrade from my CC, it would be to a GTT Mirage.

[Lampro1]

Thanks Cosmo, I do love my CC, but I am interested in a larger flame at this time. I have heard that the HA is "tuned" for a specific use, or setting, so I guess it may not be as practical, as I switch back and fort from small to large work quite often. I'll research the Mirage, not having tried any GTT's yet, I was a little apprehensive as I heard that they were delicate, as you know, you can really beat on the CC and have no problems. What about the CC+ ?

[joebirder]

Love my Mirage and wouldn't trade it for anything. Even when I can upgrade to the Kobuki, I will still keep my Mirage!!!
Joe

[Cosmo]

Thanks Cosmo, I do love my CC, but I am interested in a larger flame at this time. I have heard that the HA is "tuned" for a specific use, or setting, so I guess it may not be as practical, as I switch back and fort from small to large work quite often. I'll research the Mirage, not having tried any GTT's yet, I was a little apprehensive as I heard that they were delicate, as you know, you can really beat on the CC and have no problems. What about the CC+ ?

The CC+ is good. But, honestly, I don't really see the need for a bigger flame than a CC has. I can work 50mm tubing on my CC no problem, and I can make 2" marbles no problem. Plus a CC+ is pretty darn expensive. That's also the reason I haven't changed to a GTT yet. They are just way too expensive. I'm not going to pay that much for a torch.

I have heard Herbies being "tuned" for specific types of work too, but everyone I know that works on them has no problem switching from solid to hollow and back again.

[glassactcc]

I use a HA and have never had any problems with it. I think with that torch, I will never have a need for any other weather working soft or boro glass. It's very easy to use and very reliable. I don't find it finicky in the least. If I were to ever want an additional torch, It would be a Carlisle though.

[ArtcoInc]

If you take a CC+, an replace the pre-mix center fire with a surface mix center fire, you'll have the Black Widow. I'd put it in the same class as the PM2D.

One was set up at open torch at the Gathering in Miami last July. For those that were there, do you remember the fire alarm going off, and we all had to leave the building? I suspect that it was the Black Widow that set off the fire alarm ;)

The Herbert Arnold is a completely different torch. Nothing compares to an Arni! Then again, they aren't cheap either :)

I think that, for the money, the Black Widow is a great value!

Malcolm

[Cosmo]

If you take a CC+, an replace the pre-mix center fire with a surface mix center fire, you'll have the Black Widow. I'd put it in the same class as the PM2D.

One was set up at open torch at the Gathering in Miami last July. For those that were there, do you remember the fire alarm going off, and we all had to leave the building? I suspect that it was the Black Widow that set off the fire alarm ;)

The Herbert Arnold is a completely different torch. Nothing compares to an Arni! Then again, they aren't cheap either :)

I think that, for the money, the Black Widow is a great value!

Malcolm

Same size class as the PM2D maybe, but the PM2D doesn't put out nearly as much heat. My CC is hotter than a PM2D.

[Lampro1]

CC's do rock! I've had mine for 11 years, I think that I must be suffering from torch envy... I think I'll just go with "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Thank everyone for the info.

[AlivELampworK]

dudeeeeeee.. the CC++ man.

http://www.carlislemachine.com/CarlisleGlassworking/ProductImages/Burner34.jpg

:lol:

[Cosmo]

dudeeeeeee.. the CC++ man.

http://www.carlislemachine.com/CarlisleGlassworking/ProductImages/Burner34.jpg

:lol:

I don't think he likes the pre-mix center fire.

I, on the other hand, love it. Although I do have to admit there are times I wish mine had a #3 center instead of a #5...

[ArtcoInc]

Although I do have to admit there are times I wish mine had a #3 center instead of a #5...

Get one of each :)

Malcolm

[Mr. Meker]

CC++'s are insane.

That said, I don't think there is anything you can do with it that you cant do with a CC+ unless its huge lathe work.

[Cosmo]

Get one of each :)

Malcolm

Well, if I buy another torch I have to find a new place to live. You got any room at your place?

:D

[chayes]

I'd rather have a cc than a black widow.

[Glow Joe]

My Widow arrives next week...........will let you know what I think!!!!!!!!

[metalbone]

Get one of each :)

Malcolm

Hey Malcolm, how easy is it to swap out a #5 for a #3? ?

Thanks

[Glow Joe]

LOVE IT!!!!!! although I had mine modified a bit........has the high oxy mini cc as its centerfire............loved it so much........my second one is on the way........

[Glow Joe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnq61cUYgCQ

check it