Need help w/OG-20-boro & barracuda

[beetslive]

Hi everyone,
I need some help from anyone using a OG-20 generator. I am running a barracuda or a Lynx on my new generator. I'm having trouble melting boro. I know it melts much slower then soft glass but I'm really having a hard time(no pun intended).Is anyone running the outer ring on a barracuda with this generator & having success with boro? If anyone can help me with how much you open up the outer ring??? Is anyone getting results with the inner ring & boro? How about a Lynx & boro?? For soft glass it has been a great unit!
Thanks in advance for any help.
Debbie

[hotflashwanda]

I used to run my Barracuda and my Lynx on an OG-15 with holding tank, and it was fine. So I am sure your generator is big enough--especially for the Lynx. The outer ring is not needed for most beads and smaller pendants. If you are making a big honkin' focal or pendant, then you can fire up the outer ring to heat it up fast. How far you open the outer ring is up to you--just be sure you have the inner and outer flames both on and keep the cones as blue as possible without having the torch be hissy.
Boro is slow melting glass compared to soft glass--it could be you just aren't used to the speed yet. I have a heck of a time when I switch back to soft glass, keeping the bead from melting off the mandrel. :-)
Anita
www.fireflybeads.com

[beetslive]

Thanks for your reply Anita. I don't have a holding tank- do I need one? You also said "used to"-what are you using now?? Which torch do you think works better for boro? When I encase a bead in clear I have such a hard time melting the clear! I'm only making small beads. Thanks for your help!
Debbie

[hotflashwanda]

You would not need a holding tank for the OG-20--it is more powerful with greater output than my OG-15. I am running on tanked oxygen now, as I have a business as a full-time boro beadmaker and I use a Barracuda for that. The Lynx worked fine as well for boro beads, though the flame doesn't get as wide in the case of longer beads.
Where in the flame are you heating your boro beads? I work much closer to the torch than with soft glass--try melting about an inch to inch and a half away from the torch face and see how that works, if you aren't already. And don't be afraid to turn up the flame so it's bigger. :D
Anita