Torches-glass dictionary somewhere?

[Bubbyanne]

Hi all, :waving:
I am going to start researching torches. My intent is to make soft glass beads and some small boro work. I have only used my HH and am completely clueless as to what my options are and have no idea what surface mix, premix, and triple mix mean. I am thinking a mini cc or bobcat would be okay from their descriptions I've read at frantzart, right? :-?

I just want to make an educated choice before I go and blow some money on a new set up. :)

Could someone please explain the torch basics to me or point me to a information source where I can figure out which torch will best suit my needs?

Thanks in advance,

.

[MikeAurelius]

If you are going to work soft glass with the torch AT ANY TIME, don't even consider a pre-mix torch. You will have nothing but problems with soot and dirty beads. Pre-mix torches and soft glass are not a happy-making combination.

There are lots of choices, and most of them depend on your budget.

(in no particular order except perhaps coolest to hottest glassworking wise)
Nortel Minor
Carlisle Mini-CC
Bethlehem Pirahna
GTT Bobcat or Lynx

Be aware that you will need external (outside) propane tank with a regulator *and* either an oxygen tank with regulator -OR- an oxygen concentrator.

[Dale M.]

I have found that this site has a lot of interesting references to many aspects of glass work.

http://www.glassfacts.info/glass/browse.asp?

As for torches used for soft glass (Moretti/Effetre, etc:) as Mike states, a surface mix torch is most desireable.

Dale

[jokersdesign]

Stick with surface mix torches. I would say if you got the cash get the best and get the GTT Lynx or else if on a buget get the Nortel Minor.

[SPIglass]

Hey Babs,

I think you should consider a Bethlehem Piranha. I think it runs around $250. It's great for soft glass and small boro. I have two 8 PSI 5 LPM concentrators hooked to my Barracuda and it is hot enough to melt boro like butter even with just the center fire running, which is the same as the Piranha. Here's a link to all the technical details:

http://www.bethlehemburners.com/piran.htm

[Bubbyanne]

Thanks everyone for the links and sharing your knowledge. You've all been a big help. Still not sure which one I'm going to pick but I have a better idea now what I'm looking for. :-D I'll figure it out by the time we can afford to take the plunge. ;)

[KT-OldSchoolGlass]

This is a posting that I made a while ago about torches on another forum.

These ratings are on an "overall" basis with soft glass and boro.

Please keep in mind that these ratings are my opinions based on my experiences with these torches.

I've rated these with stars:
* - Decent
** - Good
*** - Better
**** - Best

-Nortel Minor $165 - *
-Carlisle Mini CC $190 - *
-Knight little dragon $195 - ***
-GTT Bobcat $195 - ***
-Bethlehem Piranha $245 - ***
-GTT Lynx $435 - ****
-GTT Cheetah $550 - *** (Has a hard time with small flames for detail)
-Nortel Midrange $270 (W/O Top Mount Torch) - *
-Nortel Midrange Plus $375 (available with Minor on top or Pre-Mix top) - **
-Nortel Red-Max $495 (also available with both top burner choices) - ***
-Knight Bullet $695 (7 jet center, 14 jet outer) - ****
-Bethlehem Barracuda $695 (6 jet center, 12 fuel jet outer) - ****
-GTT Phantom $1225 (7 jet center, 15 jet outer) - ****
-Carlisle CC $1016 (pre-mix center, 2 rings in the outer) - **
-Nortel SSQ $695 (pre-mix center, 2 rings in the outer) - **
-Knight Dragon Fire (Pre-Mix) $1045 (pre-mix center, 2 rings in the outer) - **
-Knight Dragon Fire (Surface-Mix) $1255 (7 jet center, 2 rings in the outer) - ***
-Bethlehem Tiger Shark $1295 (6 jet center, 24 fuel jet outer) - ****
-GTT Mirage $1750 (7 jet center, 35 jet outer) - ****
-Carlisle CC+ $1526 (pre-mix center, 3 rings in the outer) - **
-Knight Dragon Master (Pre-Mix) $1500 (pre-mix center, 3 rings in the outer) - **
-Knight Dragon Master (Surface Mix) $1710 (7 jet center, 3 rings in the outer) - ***
-Bethlehem PM2D $1755 (6 jet center, 60 jet outer) - ***
-GTT Delta $2350 (7 jet center, 51 jet outer)****
-Bethlehem Great White $2150 (6 jet center, 54 fuel jet outer) - ****
-Eigenschaft Maya $1500 (pre-mix center, 5 rings in the outer) - *

I don’t have enough experience with Herbert Arnolds to add it to this list.

There are larger torches than these out there…GTT Delta Mag, Cobra, and Python. Knight also makes a whole series of torches that are HUGE all the way up to the Knight Dragon King Fire ($3500/$3710) that has 7 rows of ports in the outer fire.

Hope this helps