Torch Recommendations

[PolychromeBeads]

My Mini CC is behaving badly. :sad: Since I am going to have to send it in for repairs and (shudder) be without a torch for a while, my DH suggested I get myself a backup. :love:

So, I'm looking to get the most out of my setup without changing too much. I currently run on the typical ol' BBQ sized tank of propane and one 8lpm/15psi concentrator. I can always get another Mini CC, but is there a different torch that would give me greater performance with this configuration?

Thanks!!


Aimee
31726

[PolychromeBeads]

Nobody? Quickest thread killer evah!!


Aimee
31726

[Hayley]

Aimee - have you tried a Cricket? With your set up, it will work great! And the price is right.

It does have a narrower flame than the Mini CC tho - that's the only draw back.

[blumant]

I have a Nortel Mega-Minor that may work for you. It has low hours and could use a new home. If you are interested, let me know.

-Eric

[Shrimp]

How does the Nortel Mega-Minor flame compare to the Cricket or the Mini CC? I have a Cricket that I have enjoyed the one time that I used it. I have also used Nortel Minor torches and thoroughly loved working (playing) on them.

Are you considering moving to a more advanced torch eventually?

[Hayley]

Aleta - The Cricket and Mini CC are hotter than the Minor with the Mini CC having the widest flame, the Cricket the narrowest and the Minor somewhere in the middle. If Aimee is used to the Mini CC, she will probably find that the Minor is a slight step down. But that's just my experience and opinions! ;)

[PolychromeBeads]

Thanks - this is the kind of input I was looking for!!!

Okay, so the Mega Minor is cooler than either the Cricket or the Mini CC? That surprises me, I thought it was a bigger step up from the Minor.

I had a generous offer of a loaner torch - but now I'm thinking how cool (:lol:) it would be to have another torch with a different flame characteristic. The smaller flame on the Cricket might be a feature...


Aimee
31726

[dusty]

With your set-up, I'd go with the cricket, or a lynx if it fits your budget.

[FancyNancy]

Eric,
If Aimee is not interested, I may be depending on price.
Thanks,
Nancy

[Hayley]

Oops, sorry Aimee. I misread Mega Minor as just a Minor! I haven't used a Mega Minor.

I still think that a Cricket is a good one for you now that you said you are interested in a torch with different flame characteristic.

A Lynx will be an great upgrade but you will probably need to get another 8 lpm oxycon if it's a EX-15 or M-15.

[JesterGlass]

I recommend a Lynx as well if you can get the oxy sorted.

[Roo Blaty]

This is perfect!

I was just talking and PMing to some folks about getting a torch. One says Mini CC is what I need. I tried a Cricket yesterday and wow, that's a hot little flame!! (Thanks Traci)
I haven't tried the Mega Minor but hear it is cooler on Oxycon which is what I just got. I have been on a Minor at a studio and like it but would like a hotter flame.

I'm coming from a HH on Propylene. (so yes, anything will be hotter and quieter)
Can I still use this fuel for any of the other torches?

Any input will help me a lot. So thanks!!

Roo

[PolychromeBeads]

So a Lynx would need two 8 lpm oxycons? I didn't know it needed so much.

I got a message from another member about a barely used Cricket, I PMed her but haven't heard back yet. I'm still leaning towards the Cricket. A Lynx would be great but I can't afford another oxycon.


Aimee
31726

[squid]

I would think you would be able to run a Lynx on an 8 lpm oxycon.

[PolychromeBeads]

A Lynx will be an great upgrade but you will probably need to get another 8 lpm oxycon if it's a EX-15 or M-15.

I would think you would be able to run a Lynx on an 8 lpm oxycon.

Okay, Hayley and Squid need to decide which it is! LOL - either that or my migraine meds are making me w-a-y too fuzzy headed!!!


Aimee
31726

[dusty]

You could run a lynx on one 8lpm concentrator, but it'd do better on 2.

It'd be my preference even if you're sticking w/ the one concentrator, though.

[squid]

I would want a Lynx because it can run on one but would be even hotter on two if I added one down the road.

[PolychromeBeads]

Well, looks like I'm gonna get that Lynx after all! Whoo-hoo!!

I hope it does okay on the one concentrator for the time being, 'cause at this point I can't afford a second one. Unless I can figure out a way to link up my old 5lpm machine...


Aimee
31726

[dusty]

Congrats, that's cool. It'll be a nice upgrade and give your set-up room to grow.

[metalbone]

The good thing about the lynx as a back-up is that it will convert your cc to a paper weight once it gets back from the shop. I ran a lynx on a 10 lpm 8 psi oxycon and it was fine for 104, but way underpowered for 33.

[Lea Zinke]

I've been using a Lynx full-time with one concentrator for everything (including small boro) for five or six years now. Lovelovelove it. I keep my Bobcat as backup. Love the GTT torches.

[PolychromeBeads]

I've now been using my Lynx for a week, and I like it very much. The flame is narrower than the Mini CC, which is actually nice for me as it allows me to do more detail work. And of course I'm no longer reducing everything!

The only problem is that I think my concentrator is going out. ](*,) I have it set at 8lpm, but it drops when I light up the torch - and if I dial it back up to 8 it fluctuates between 6 and 8 while the torch is running. I know it wasn't doing this before. Now I've got to figure out what's wrong with this piece of equipment!


Aimee
31726

[ABR Dave]

it could be that the concentrator is not keeping up with the flow the torch needs. the bobcat, i know will run on 1 8lpm, 15 psi machine. not sure about the lynx.

[Roo Blaty]

Just curious, if I get a Bobcat.... can someone tell me the difference from that and a Minor or Mega Minor? Can I get a bushy AND a pinpoint-ish flame? I've only used the Minor and Mega Minor...but for some reason, the Bobcat sounds like it may be hotter, bushier and yet be able to help me with the detail work. .... Anybody????

Thanks!!
Roo

[Hayley]

Aimee, I think I am understanding your post correctly and please correct me if I am not. If your oxygen hose is hooked up to the oxycon, when you light your torch, unless the oxycon valve on your torch is completely open (probably both oxycon valves on your Lynx), your oxycon will drop from whatever you have it set at down a bit.

Try this, unhook the hose and turn on your oxycon for 10 minutes to warm up. Dial it to 7.5 lpm (I don't think it's recommended to max it, also for purity reasons - the lower it is, the more pure the oxy is). Hook your torch up and NOT touch the dial on the oxycon again. Dialing the oxycon with the torch on may push it over 8 lpm and that hurts the machine in the long run.

The reason it only happens on the Lynx and not the Bobcat may be that the Lynx is a bigger torch and you don't need to use ALL the oxy on the torch valve to get the flame you need (as in if you max out on the oxy valve, you will have a huge flame). . .

Hope that makes sense!