seeing the flame better

[Gham]

I read somewhere on the LE forum something about painting the back of your work area black so that you could see the flame better. I wanted my hubby to read the post, but for the life of me I can't seem to locate anything about that subject now that I am trying to find it again. Do any of you recall a posting about this subject? If so, could you please tell me what posting it is under? Thanks a million!
Gail

[Lisi]

You don't really have so go so far as to paint anything, so what I do is use three black 8" ceramic tiles in front of my torch in my line of sight. I lay two on the table one in front of the other about 6" in front of the torch base. Then at the end of the second tile I place the third propped up with a weighted small coffee can behind it. I tilted the tile on an angle so it doesn't catch glare from my overhead light.

:)

[CelesteK]

That whole thread was one I posted in the safety section. I have major issues with that because I was torching in front of a south-facing window. I think when I switch from a hothead to a different torch, the flame will be at a different angle and easier to see. Right now I'm torching away from the window and it is easier to see the flame because the background is dark.

Celeste

[Listenup]

Ditto also - at 4:30 the sun comes in the window and hits my work area. I've also worked demos outside and the black work surface is the only way I could tell where the flame was - and that was even in the shade. Let me see if I have a pix in my cache.......

75664

[J&M]

This helps me tremendously. Just paint the garage wall black.

189992

189996

Jack

[KEW]

I use one 4" x 4" piece of black marble (happened to be handy) in front of my torch, flat on the table. I used it with my HH and it works with my Lynx, too. It sure doesn't take up much room.

[Gham]

You are all so helpful! Thanks for all of the suggestions!!! I just don't know what I would do without this forum. As I mentioned, I am not a lampworker (never touched a torch in my life) so trying to set up this studio for my teenage son, Zach, has been a learning experience and a challenge. You all have been lifesavers for me. :)

[Firebrand Beads]

also, along the same lines, having your bench light be directional allows you to have light where you need it, and darker areas near the flame. I like a desk lamp with a halogen bulb over my shoulder, that I can pull closer or move away.