Volcano torch

[Wendyki]

Has anyone used one of these for soft glass? How does it work is it better then a hot head
How does it compare to the minor?
I am really interested in how it only uses propane thanks :)

[Dale M.]

Volcano works on same concept as Hothead, IT draws air into it for combustion with fuel... Basically its a vertical torch inside a Ceramic (I believe) enclosure... IS said to be hotter than hot head. But only drawback I can see is it site vertical and you are kind of looking over it...

But then I too need more information about it...

I think Dogmaw has access or information on them on her Satake (sp?) glass website...

http://www.dogmawglass.com/

Dale

[ArtcoInc]

Volcano works on same concept as Hothead, IT draws air into it for combustion with fuel... Basically its a vertical torch inside a Ceramic (I believe) enclosure... IS said to be hotter than hot head. But only drawback I can see is it site vertical and you are kind of looking over it...


There are several different type of torches that people call the Volcano:

1) The brass or steel Japanese style air-burning torches. These use gas (usually propane, but sometimes natural gas) and compressed air, and point upright. Hotter than a Hot Head. Some of the bigger ones are as hot as oxy/fuel torches.

2) The ceramic Japanese style air-burning torches. These also use gas and compressed air, but the combustion is inside a ceramic enclosure. The opening again faces up. Quite hot, capable of working Moretti, Bullseye, etc. as well as Satake.

3) The German volcano torch. Basically, a Hot Head style torch laid on it's side, pointing into a ceramic enclosure. A little hotter than just a plain Hot Head.

I'll have examples of #1 & #2 at the Gathering. I have a #3, but didn't ship one to the Gathering.

Malcolm

[dogmaw]

Great explain Malcolm. I've been using #1 with Satake, and really like it. But the 8B isn't really hot enough for Moretti. One of the larger ones might be, but by then you are spending enough money that you may as well go with a betta or something similar for soft glass.

[Wendyki]

They had one at CRLOO for 300.00 that is supposed to work for soft glass and I was curious since I am again thinking of using soft glass since boro is so darn expensive and I was trying to raise money
But if its close enough to a hot head then I think I will just stick with what I have or maybe switch back to a mini cc thanks for your answers guys
and I wish I was going to the gathering unfortinutley I just dont have that much money but have fun and post pics :)

[ArtcoInc]

They had one at CRLOO for 300.00 that is supposed to work for soft glass and I was curious since I am again thinking of using soft glass since boro is so darn expensive and I was trying to raise money

That's the one I was referring to as #3. I have one, but haven't fired it up. IMHO, it's way too expensive for what it is.

Your sig states that you use a Hacker torch. Great torch for boro. If you have a Mini CC you can "switch back to", that would be a great torch for your soft glass.

Malcolm

[ArtcoInc]

Great explain Malcolm. I've been using #1 with Satake, and really like it. But the 8B isn't really hot enough for Moretti. One of the larger ones might be, but by then you are spending enough money that you may as well go with a betta or something similar for soft glass.

Thanks, Jo :)

Yes, the B8 is not quite hot enough for Moretti. The B10 is a better choice if you want to use it for Moretti and the softer Japanese glass, like Satake. The price difference between the B8 and the B10 isn't that much.

As you know, the total cost of operation of any torch is much more than the initial purchase price. Can the torch do what you want it to do? (you say you want one that is hot enough for boro, but won't boil Satake?) Can/should you even have Oxy in your home/school/studio? Factor in the Oxy costs (either for bottled Oxy, or concentrator(s)) of an Oxy/fuel torch, and what is your total cost of operating the torch?

Malcolm

[Wendyki]

I love My hacker torch I even use it with soft glass it loves the new glass terra I was just thinking something more fuel economy wise until I start keeping more then I throw away :)
What I really think I need to do it save up and pay for a class rather then this torch from what it soulnds like :)
Thanks for helping me make the desicion
wendy

[loopydo]

I used a volcano torch about 6 years ago to make hollow beads. The only problem for me is I get spastic and would touch the sides of the volcano with the hot bead at least every other bead. I have a habit of looking the other way and the hand comes with me I guess. It is a bit boxed in feeling but you do get nice heat! If you can work in a small space it may be good for you. I tend to wave my bead all over the place!!!!! Also the beads I made were somewhat reduced now that I know what to look for. I don't know if that could have been offset by a more diligent instructor checking the flame out more often. At the time I didn't know anything except that glass is fun!!!!
Linda