The brand new Bethlehem Minnow!!!

[Mr. Smiley]

Woohoo! Talk about great timing... Beth has come out with a new entry level torch. From what I hear, this thing is going to be awesome! I'll probably get to play on one next Tuesday or so... The barrel is SOLID stainless rod with holes drilled all the way through. You will never wear it out. This torch will probably outlast all of us. It's going to be $197 and I am thrilled by the low price. I'll be getting some about the 15th of October, so if you want one, just say the word. Bethlehem has listend to what beaders need and has delivered a revolutionary torch. I'll keep you posted when I get to play. :D I'm stoked! :D

[fritobsessed]

I'll be interested to see what you think of this compared to the Betta (which was a little outta my price range) for working on NG.

[Mr. Smiley]

I'm interested to see it too. :D

[Cosmo]

I have 3 on order as well. I'm looking forward to trying them.

[Kaleidoglass]

I got to try the Minnow last night, and boy it's sweet.!!!!!! Whooohooo!!!! =D>
They did a great job with it. I'm a teacher at the brand new GlassWork at The Banana Factory in Bethlehem, PA ( http://www.bananafactory.org )
They donated a few Minnows for us to try.

[Hayley]

Any more info/experience with the new Minnow? I am looking into upgrading my HH. Right now I am sold on the Bobcat but would like to see if there are any reasons to look into the Minnow. Thanks!

Hayley

[Heather/Ericaceae]

Sounds cool... But on a completely selfish note I wonder what all this is doing to the resale value of my Piranha? :( Still, new torches are cool and this one sounds very neat. I can't wait to hear more about it!

Cheers - Heather

[Mr. Smiley]

Heather, I think your resale value is safe. The Piranha is a great little bead torch and that won't change. ;)

[Heather/Ericaceae]

*grin* No complaints here! The Minnow does look so cute, though! And the price is great. Can't wait to see its stat page on the Beth site, and more pictures!

[Kalera]

I'm really looking forward to learning more about this torch, and giving it a spin. I also wonder, if this is a hit, if they can pull off a similar solid-stainless design in a two-stage torch? If they can I would be all over that mother like an ant on an aphid.

[fritobsessed]

OK Brent, where's our Minnow info??? Looking for specifics on how it would perform on household NG and an oxycon . . .

[Megan]

Does anyone know if the minnow is just made for natural gas or can it be used with propane and will 2 oxy-cons run the torch.. I really need to upgrade...

[Hayley]

You can use it with propane. There is another thread with info on the Minnow from Marcie (firelady) you may be interested in checking out:

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36277

Hayley

[Kaleidoglass]

Does anyone know if the minnow is just made for natural gas or can it be used with propane and will 2 oxy-cons run the torch.. I really need to upgrade...

I used it with propane the other night at the big Gala affair introducing the new GlassWorks studio in Bethlehem, PA. It's a sweet, sweet torch. I also use it to teach with at the studio with natural gas. It works terrific with both natural and propane.

I had a chance to talk to the designer of the torch and he said it will be out soon. I'll be getting one for home. Can't wait.

[Kalera]

Smileyman, I was wondering if you would be able to do some side-by-side timed melting comparisons for us? I bet I'm not the only person curious about comparing the Betta, the Piranha, and the Minnow in some timed melting tests! Maybe with all three on propane and then all three on NG, so we can really see where each torch shines? I would do it but I don't have the torches. :)

[Kaleidoglass]

This week I'm going to test the Minnow on an Integra Generator with propane. I'll let you guys know how it works. I'll try it with Moretti and Boro to see how it goes.