eklecticmoose
2006-06-08, 10:08am
Could you help me find the best torch?
First a little background. I am a newbie of four months working on a HH torch. While I like some of the effects I can achieve with the HH and haven't learned a lot yet, I am continually frustrated by the length of time it takes to melt glass and the frequency with which the small MAPP canisters freeze up. It is VERY frustrating to be “on a roll” and have to stop to defrost the canister --- throws off my rhythm and creative flow. I haven't been able to find bulk MAPP locally and don't want to use bulk BBQ propane. It makes more sense to just take the plunge and just purchase a dual fuel torch. We already have hard plumbed propane and can use either oxy tanks or a concentrator (detached garage) though I would prefer a torch that does not go through oxy like I can go through Chocolate Lover’s Trash ice cream :) Since I won't use NG I do not need a low pressure torch. Originally, I had decided upon the Pirahna but now it is no longer available :( I considered the Barracuda, but it is a bit too pricey and probably too much torch for my needs.
So what are my needs? I like making smaller beads and focals, no more than 18mm, in soft glass - Morretti/Effetre, Vetrofond and Lauscha. I also love reduction frits and want to try Satake, Bullseye, Double Helix and Kugler. Someday I would also like to play with Boro, but don’t anticipate creating any large pieces – maybe some small blown vessels. My style is “impressionist” more than “realist” – rapid strokes of the glass, think organics and animal prints rather than painstaking detail of raised stringer and flowers; though there are times when I do enjoy making detailed dot and/or stringer designs. I haven’t attempted encased florals yet, but they are on my list of things I want to learn. I actually prefer to work fast (even soupy at times) and want a torch that will really MELT glass! I also want to have pin-point spot heating capability. Basically, I want a flexible, low to mid priced (under $400.00) surface mixed torch that could at least run well on 1 oxy concentrator, if not optimally. So what torch do you think would fit my wish list?
Thanks!
~ Tru
First a little background. I am a newbie of four months working on a HH torch. While I like some of the effects I can achieve with the HH and haven't learned a lot yet, I am continually frustrated by the length of time it takes to melt glass and the frequency with which the small MAPP canisters freeze up. It is VERY frustrating to be “on a roll” and have to stop to defrost the canister --- throws off my rhythm and creative flow. I haven't been able to find bulk MAPP locally and don't want to use bulk BBQ propane. It makes more sense to just take the plunge and just purchase a dual fuel torch. We already have hard plumbed propane and can use either oxy tanks or a concentrator (detached garage) though I would prefer a torch that does not go through oxy like I can go through Chocolate Lover’s Trash ice cream :) Since I won't use NG I do not need a low pressure torch. Originally, I had decided upon the Pirahna but now it is no longer available :( I considered the Barracuda, but it is a bit too pricey and probably too much torch for my needs.
So what are my needs? I like making smaller beads and focals, no more than 18mm, in soft glass - Morretti/Effetre, Vetrofond and Lauscha. I also love reduction frits and want to try Satake, Bullseye, Double Helix and Kugler. Someday I would also like to play with Boro, but don’t anticipate creating any large pieces – maybe some small blown vessels. My style is “impressionist” more than “realist” – rapid strokes of the glass, think organics and animal prints rather than painstaking detail of raised stringer and flowers; though there are times when I do enjoy making detailed dot and/or stringer designs. I haven’t attempted encased florals yet, but they are on my list of things I want to learn. I actually prefer to work fast (even soupy at times) and want a torch that will really MELT glass! I also want to have pin-point spot heating capability. Basically, I want a flexible, low to mid priced (under $400.00) surface mixed torch that could at least run well on 1 oxy concentrator, if not optimally. So what torch do you think would fit my wish list?
Thanks!
~ Tru