upgrade questions

[dealupa]

First, I just want to put it out there that I'm very much an amateur and really don't know that much about torches, fuels, etc.

I currently use a hot head torch with a small disposable can of mapp gas. Now that I've worked with it for over a year, I've found that I can't work with it for more than an hour or so without the flame becoming too cool to work in. I've moved on from teeny beads and want to experiment with larger or more elaborate creations. My father (who's knowledge of torches extends to welding not glass) and I looked into upgrading to a larger tank of the gas and the local store said they were phasing it out. They also said that I couldn't switch the hot head to propane.

Their suggestion was: The Little Torch from Smith Equipment (http://smithequipment.com/products.htm)

On to the questions:

-Can the hothead be used with a propane and hose setup?

-Is the Little Torch large enough to work with glass? (I only make beads, really and as a hobby, clearly not professionally)

-Any recommendations for what type of gas to go with for the Little Torch (propane or acetylene)?

-Any idea of the price on the Little Torch, particularly on the kits?

-If the Little Torch isn't good for lampwork, what's a good, not terribly expensive upgrade for an amateur hobbyist?

Thanks!

-Dealupa

[Cosmo]

I use a Little Torch for soldering and for small glass work like attachments. But, for making beads or anything larger, the Smith isn't going to be big enough for you.

The next step up from a Hot Head is a dual fuel torch. I would suggest you look into a Minor torch. The torch itself is $165. You will then need an oxygen and propane source, hoses, and regulator(s). Propane is easy - those 20 # BBQ tanks you see everywhere.

Oxygen is a little more involved. You have two choices - tanked oxygen or an oxygen concentrator. Tanks are cheaper up front, but you have to get them refilled. How often you need to get them filled will depend on many different variables that I won't get into here. The main advantages are the purity of the oxygen and the unlimited amount of pressure you can get out of a tank. Even if you decide to go with the Smith torch, you will still need oxygen.

A concentrator is more expensive up front, but you never need to get it refilled. However, you are limited to how much pressure is available, and no concentrator is going to put out oxygen as pure as a tank.

So, it's a bit of an investment, but the good thing is that you will work faster and with less effort. Also, if you ever need to get rid of it, they hold their value pretty well.

[Dale M.]

Moving up to a fuel/oxygen torch (not dual fuel as there is no such thing) will probably give most satisfaction, and probably best route if you intend to say with lampwork. There are several good "small" that will probably fill your needs, the minor as Cosmo recommends also there is the GTT Bobcat, and the National 8m With SM7 tip and a few others.... All are about the same investment factor ($$$) to setup and produce plenty of head for large projects.

If you decide to stay with Hot Head there are several options as to what you can use for fuel, Most prefer MAPP, but many use propane or propylene. Essentially any "brazing" of "cutting" fuels are potential fuels for HH, BUT acetylene which is way to dirty a fuel you need to stay away from...

Here is some good information on how to use HH to best advantage...

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7

IF you decide to stay with HH be sure to get hose long enough that bulk tank remains outside at all times even when torch is in operation....Hoses can be acquired in lengths up to 24 feet, stay away from 4-5 foot hoses as tank is pretty much under your feet which is not good.

Dale

[dealupa]

Cosmo, thanks for the advice concerning Minors and their fuels. I'm looking into those now!

Dale, thanks for the info on hotheads. Good to know that I can convert it if I decide to stick with it.

-Kathy