Piranha vs. Bobcat

[artsyuno]

I want to upgrade from a HH. I think I can get my hands on a Piranha and am leaning toward that, but I also haven't ruled at the Bobcat. I haven't seen much in the way of direct comparisons between the two and would love to hear any thoughts on the pros and cons. I think the one thing holding me back on the Piranha is a small concern about buying a torch that's been discontinued. Am I likely to have a problem later if I need parts (is that even an issue with torches?). I talked with someone at Frantz Art Glass last week and she recommended the Bobcat over the Piranha -- she wasn't as familiar with the Piranha and told me that they are not going to be selling any Bethlehem torches once they sell what they have in stock. I've read a lot of good things about the Piranha here, though. Am I correct that the flame is more adjustable (bushy to narrow)? I want to be able to run the torch with one oxycon, so how well each will do that is also a consideration.

[Cosmo]

Having spent quite a bit of time on a Piranha, I can tell you that I do not recommend one for a single concentrator. For two it should be fine, but on a single concentrator it's hard to get any good heat out of it.

I haven't worked on a Bobcat so I can't comment on it.

[Judi_B]

I use a Piranha with one concentrator and love it! I'm sure I could get more heat out of it with a second concentrator, but I don't work very hot. I think "good heat" is a matter of perspective here ;) The only other torch I've used is a hothead :biggrin:

[VivianLampwork]

I've used a Piranha with one concentrator for years & it's very hot. I have a 2nd concentrator but rarely use it. I have a Bobcat & a Piranha & rarely use the Bobcat because I LOVE the Piranha so much better!! I find the Bobcat to be a pain in the a$$ if you have to adjust flame with more propane because it gets carbon build up. I never have had problems like that with my Piranha.

[artsyuno]

Thanks for the info, all. Judi, is it still a lot hotter than the HH even with one Oxy? Have any of you used a minor with tanked oxygen? How does the heat compare to a Piranha with 1 oxycon? I guess I'm trying to figure out whether it would hold me for long enough on 1 concentrator that it'd be worth the switch with the thought that I could add a second one sometime down the road.

[Judi_B]

Much, much, much hotter than the HH. I would say that I seldom use more than half of the max heat I can get with the one concentrator. The only problem I see is that I can't get a really hot oxidizing flame. Plenty of heat with a neutral flame though.

[artsyuno]

Totally off-topic here, but what is an oxidizing flame used for?

[Judi_B]

Some of the folks that get REALLY good color out of Terra and Raku say that they do the initial heating in a hot oxidizing flame. I get so-so color, so I think I'll blame it on inadequate oxygen :badgrin:

[Tanja]

It sure was tempting at that price ... at Frantz. I was definitely considering it.

[botree]

Cosmo..is tanked oxy sufficient to run the Piranha since you prefer more oxy?

[artsyuno]

I get so-so color, so I think I'll blame it on inadequate oxygen That must be it. :wink:

Tanja, that's what got me thinking about it, too.

[FourTailsLampwork]

My sister used tanked oxy with a Piranha, and she loves it. I have a Bobcat, and I just bought COsmo's used Piranha, because I have liked my sister's so much. It'll run on once concentrator, so likely I won;t be able to get the FULL piranha effect :) Basically, what I've seen in limited use of both torches is that the Bobcat's good, but it does get carbon buildup and it's harder for me to get a good pinpoint oxidizing flame. KBinkster says, though, not to have any tellow tips to your candles if they are about 1/4" and that will take care of the carbon buildup. It seemed to for me. The Piranha seems like a less fussy torch in general, AND it has expansion power--if I want more torch power, with the Piranha I can go totwo concentrators OR a tank job (but at my level that day will be a while). You can do boro on both, SLOOOOWLY, but a little faster on the fish :)

I love my Bobcat, but I am llooking forward to my own Piranha :)

[beadworkstudio]

I usually run one concentrator with my Pirahna and it works great. I only hook up the second concentrator when I need an oxy flame, or when I'm making really big beads. I LOVE my Pirahna.

I would highly recommend an M10 concentrator (I think they are reconditioned Airseps). I had a Devilbiss, and it seems like it put out about 2/3 the oxy. That's probably not technically accurate, but that's how it "feels."

[artsyuno]

I think you guys have convinced me. I'm going to order my torch and equipment to go with it tomorrow and order an oxycon some time this week after doing a little more research. Thanks for all the info!

[Cosmo]

That must be it. :wink:

Tanja, that's what got me thinking about it, too.

Yep. Tanked oxygen is better than any concentrator or combination of concentrators.

[artsyuno]

I ordered my Piranha from Frantz Art Glass today and I should have it by Friday! (I won't have my oxycon until next week, though, so I'll have to wait a little while before trying it out). Thanks for all of the info, y'all.

[Judi_B]

You're gonna LOVE it!

[Abacus Beads]

I have a Piranha and run it off of one oxycon. works fine for me if I stay with the center flame, If I had to use the center and outer flame there just isn't enough oxy with one oxycon
Liz R

[artsyuno]

I've used mine once now. I can see that I'll want a second oxycon as I have to keep the flame fairly small, but I think I can get by on one for a while. My plan is to buy a kiln soon and then possibly a second oxycon a few months later.

[Abacus Beads]

Well hit me in the head with a brick
I dont have a Piranha I have a Barracuda. It must be using my" Monday I hate to be at work brain"
Liz R

[Kaye]

Having spent quite a bit of time on a Piranha, I can tell you that I do not recommend one for a single concentrator. For two it should be fine, but on a single concentrator it's hard to get any good heat out of it.

I haven't worked on a Bobcat so I can't comment on it.
hmmm I use a piranha on one..and do just fine, three inch tubes, 1-1/2 inch lentils...large beads. maybe cuz I am sea level? who knows...but I love mine...upgraded from a minor.