New Mega Minor torch? [Archive]

bclogan

2007-09-25, 6:32am

Wow. Interesting review. I'm just beginning the process of looking for a slightly bigger torch to work boro. This looks like a good alternative. I'm currently on a Minor and Piranha and just not quite happy enough. Of course, I'm also impatient...!

Dia-T

2007-09-25, 7:03am

If that is the red one they had at the Gathering, it gets much hotter then the minor does. I played with some boro on it and it melted like it was coe104. I was so not ready for that that I almost lost control of it.
Dia

bclogan

2007-09-25, 9:37am

Dia-T

2007-09-25, 1:31pm

I believe it was tanks for that area of the floor.
Dia

kbinkster

2007-09-25, 2:54pm

Were they running it on O2 tanks, or an oxycon?

I believe it was on tanks, too. I'm going to call Jean to find out the oxygen requirements/consumption rates. I would like to know how it would run on concentrators.:wave: I'll let you all know what I find out.

squid

2007-09-25, 5:21pm

That's great, Kimberly. I am thiiisssss close to buying one!

Venessa

2007-09-25, 7:54pm

I'd like to know more as well...any one know how it does with soft glass-I switch back and forth between 104 and boro.

bclogan

2007-09-28, 6:40am

I'm going to call Jean to find out the oxygen requirements/consumption rates. I would like to know how it would run on concentrators.:wave: I'll let you all know what I find out.

Hey Kim.... Any updates on the oxygen requirements of this torch?

MaryBeth

2007-09-28, 11:20am

Does anyone know if this will work well on natural gas at household pressure?
I do have 1/2 lb PSI and it works well with my minor. I also have two concentrators.

The mega-minor appears to be a great next step for me. Did Nortel publish any specs for this anywhere? Has anyone called them and asked? I think I might do that if I can't find out this information anywhere else.

bclogan

2007-09-28, 11:44am

I emailed them this morning, but haven't heard back yet. I wouldn't be able to call until after work, and then they probably won't be there either....

kbinkster

2007-09-28, 12:36pm

I just got off the phone with Peter at Nortel. He told me that he does not have any figures for the oxygen consumption, but he does for the fuel consumption. He recommended going with a 5:1 ratio for propane and a 2:1 ration for NG to approximate the oxygen consumtion (so, for every unit of propane used, guess 5 units for oxygen). He said that he would fax me the fuel consumption rates this weekend.

He also said that it will run on a single 5 LPM concentrator, particularly if you are in a low presure situation like using natural gas, but will run much better one two 5 LPM machines, like when using propane.

MaryBeth

2007-09-28, 4:07pm

Thanks for the information, Kimberly! It looks like I should seriously be considering this torch:cool:

tiggybubba

2007-09-29, 9:36pm

Ok who is carrying this torch and do we have a suggested price on it. I am looking for something a bit hotter than my bobcat and am waffling between this and a lynx. I know how much a lynx is but dont know about this torch.

Dia-T

2007-09-29, 10:24pm

Arrow springs had one on display at the gathering, I think they said it was going to run $250.

tiggybubba

2007-09-29, 10:29pm

thanks

bclogan

2007-10-01, 5:37am

Arrowsprings has an introductory special on them which, I think, ends today. $199 with free shipping.

Glasstastic Treasures

2007-10-01, 4:48pm

my hubby's not working right now. I was going to buy the new nortel at the end of september :(

But I've never worked on anything but a hothead, and my store doesn't have them set up either. I'd like to have someone show me, because I have no idea what I'm doing. Anyone in the Superior Wisconin area?

joebirder

2007-10-02, 2:18pm

I ordered one the other day from Arrow springs. I'm going to take it apart and mount it on top of my Redmax in place of the minor....
I can't wait..... \\:D/

tiggybubba

2007-10-03, 4:16pm

I'm going to play on one tomorrow. Trying to decide between this and the Lynx. Considering this is 1/2 the price of the lynx.
Leslie

bclogan

2007-10-04, 7:48am

I'll be anxious to hear what you think of it. I'm seriously considering it...

Wendyki

2007-10-04, 9:03pm

when I asked arrow springs today they said this would not run well on concentrators

but that they also hadnt had it hooked up so I will be interested in knowing more also :)

tiggybubba

2007-10-05, 11:39am

Well I tried it on tanked oxy but with the pressure and flow turned down to simulate oxycons. But not really a true test. Was it as good as I expected? No. However, I think that may be due to the hype and buildup in my own mind. It does seem easier to turn it right up and keep a neutral flame than the bobcat. I really didnt get to play that much (only melted the end of a 10mm boro rod)

At 1/2 the price of a lynx, I am still considering it. Cant get it in canada yet (ironic because it is manufactured in canada) so have some time to mull it over.

Leslie

Lorraine Chandler

2007-10-05, 12:59pm

I pre-ordered mine from Arrow Springs...should ship out today!!

YIPPEE!!\\:D/\\:D/\\:D/\\:D/

They said 30 of them had sold so far....wonder who all of the buyers are?

I was number 21 on the pre-order list so quite a few people think this is going to be a great little torch. We shall see......

Hugs
Lorraine

joebirder

2007-10-05, 7:23pm

I got shipping confirmation today on mine from Arrow Springs... I just paid for it Monday and it's on the way today... WoooHooo!!!!!
Can't wait.. Good luck to everyone who has ordered one...
Joe

wildwire

2007-10-05, 7:48pm

hi,
Actually you can get it in Canada - at www.artistryinglass.on.ca and I am sure if you call Jean at Nortel you can get it from her too.....

Shauna

Glasstastic Treasures

2007-10-07, 6:59am

Just wanted to let everyone know Arrow Springs still has it on special at $199.00!!

nagibeads

2007-10-08, 7:07pm

how big is the flame on this torch? Is it comparable to the Mini CC?
Leah Fairbanks was mentioning that she just bought one and loves it and now after reading all this I am curious :-D
(not that I would ever on my life switch from my GTTs, but a girl's curiosity gets the better of her sometimes LOL!)
Thanks!

Venessa

2007-10-08, 7:15pm

Just wanted to let everyone know Arrow Springs still has it on special at $199.00!!

I'm getting one!!!

Kevan

2007-10-08, 10:08pm

I used this torch all Saturday testing glass at Frantz. It's got a bigger flame than a minor, that's for sure, but it's still just as usable. I didn't have any trouble just sitting right down and using it. The flame is a bit wider than the minor, I thought.

nagibeads

2007-10-09, 1:35am

cool
thanks Kevan:-)
Hmmm testing glass you say? anymore hints on what's ahead? :-D [-o<

Kevan

2007-10-09, 2:19am

cool
thanks Kevan:-)
Hmmm testing glass you say? anymore hints on what's ahead? :-D [-o<

Did you see the thread Kimberly started about the new Vetrofond Odd lots?

Fall colors. Think leaves. :waving:

Reenie

2007-10-09, 2:32am

I'd like to hear how it runs on an oxy con and NG.
I have a betta and I like it but don't know much since I've never used anything else but a hothead. i want something bigger I guess but that can run as well with one oxycon.
I can do boro on this one but....i dunno....more power?
Lol...let us know how it does. Sounds like a great price too!
Irene

nagibeads

2007-10-09, 7:10am

Did you see the thread Kimberly started about the new Vetrofond Odd lots?

Fall colors. Think leaves. :waving:

uh-oh.....
:koolaid::koolaid::koolaid:

Wendyki

2007-10-11, 5:30pm

did we ever hear what kind of concentrator this will work on?

joebirder

2007-10-12, 6:12am

=D>=D>=D>=D> I got my Mega yeasterday.. I am replacing my Minor on my Redmax with it today.. Can't wait to play...
Joe

joebirder

2007-10-12, 7:19am

I just played with the Mega and it is (I think) an improvement over the minor. I found in a few minutes of playingthat It was much easier to get a nice hot oxidizing flame. I am working on tanks/propane, so sorry I can't answer any questions on concentrators or natural gas... I just had to leave the red heat sheild on.. it looks so good with the Redmax body....
Joe

Venessa

2007-10-12, 9:12pm

That does look GOOD together. I should be ordering mine on Monday, I can't wait!

kbinkster

2007-10-19, 9:34am

Peter never did send me the consumption data. I may have to acquire one of these torches to test for myself. I have quite the torch collection going.:)

joebirder

2007-10-19, 5:54pm

I'm not trying to bum anyone on this torch.. While I think it is better than a Minor, I find I still can't get the Hot Oxidizing flame I want with it... I think I just need to change my whole torch setup... Anyone Got a Knight DragonFire laying around they want to swap me for..:lol::lol::lol::lol: (LMAO)

Wendyki

2007-10-19, 5:58pm

This will run on 2 5lpm machines I have spoke with Nortel as well as a tester of thiers who works it on 2 5lpm machines she says it works great ...I just thought I would share :P

Wendyki

2007-10-21, 10:35am

Well I got a chance to use this torch last night and I have to say I really dont see much diffrence between it and a minor. Maybe my minor was older and so the ports were already wider from cleaning it so much or something but it didnt seem to me to be wider or that much hotter.
I did see a diffrence in the way the candles looked more spread out but I couldnt crank it up and out the way I did my minor.
I will still be keeping it for a while to use as a detail torch but man I should have never sold my wildcat..........altho now I get to buy a little dragon :P

Wendyki

2007-10-21, 10:37am

but not to say this isnt a good torch it looks cool and does what it says it will I just had trouble with it getting a nice hot flame too.

I am also a huge flame loving momma and I should have know better then to try and move down once I moved up

bclogan

2007-10-21, 5:20pm

Well, I'll add my $0.02 in to the discussion. I have 2 different set-ups I generally use.
1. Minor on NG and under-powered 5lpm oxycon (at home)
2. Piranha on tanked O2 and propane (at camp)

I decided I just had to try out the Mega Minor. It came and I set it up and ran it this weekend using the following configurations.
1. NG and the above-mentioned underpowered oxycon - I felt it definitely ran hotter than the Minor on the same configuration. Not tons, but enough so that I'd go for the Mega Minor over the Minor. I could push the flame a bit more and get it a little bit hotter.

2. Tanked O2 and NG working with boro - Oh my! Again, I'd say it's hotter than the Piranha, but not a huge difference. Of course, I'm used to running the Piranha on propane and I was using NG (I didn't want to hook the propane up inside the house). I think if I was to use this torch on propane I could push it even hotter. And I also think it was easier to get an oxidizing flame on the Mega Minor than the Piranha.

For me the bottom line is:
I'm going to sell the Piranha and replace it with the Mega Minor. At some point in the future I'd like to go to a Bullet Burner, at which time I'll replace the Minor with the Mega Minor.

Venessa

2007-10-25, 5:25pm

I got my Mega Minor this week, and got to use it Tuesday. I only tried soft glass, but did notice that it was hotter. I made some sculptural pieces and they did take less time than 'normal' even though I felt I worked more on them. Not sure if that makes sense, but don't know how to work what I mean. (I use propane and tanked oxy.) I also noticed that I was bubbling some of my glass. I will try to get out tomorrow and have a go with the boro, and give my thoughts there.

Nicker

2007-10-30, 2:07pm

Nortel sent me one to try and I LOVE this torch! It's hotter and a broader flame than my regular minor. I used it today on one concentrator, next time I'll try tanked oxy. It keep smy sculptural pieces warmer without boiling the bejezzus out of them, I really LIKE this torch!

Wendyki

2007-11-01, 8:05pm

Yeah I have to pipe in again and say that after I sucked it up realized I did move down a torch and then tried to push this torch to its limits I realized I have alot more control with it then I ever did the wildcat.

I am overall happy with it now it just took me a few days :) I think I will be keeping it and staying with this is my all around torch. Its great on oxygen :)

Humble newbie

2007-11-13, 4:10am

Anyone running the Mega on just one 5 oxy? Trying to move away from a National. Will I like this? Thanks in advance!

Nicker

2007-11-13, 9:17am

Yup I am and I love it!!

Cabanlet

2007-11-21, 6:37pm

Does anyone know how the mega minor compares to the lynx?
Amy

tasminann

2007-11-25, 9:25am

I'd like to know, too. I'm guessing that it's somewhere between a bobcat and lynx, but I'm curious to know which one it's closer to.

I'd love to get a lynx (I have a bobcat), but I can't seem to scrape up the extra $$$ for it. If the mega minor is between the two, it would sure be a consideration for me.

MaryBeth

2007-11-29, 2:41pm

I just ordered my Mega Minor from Arrowsprings. I'll be running it on NG with either one or two oxycons. I'll probably hook both up and see how I like it.

I'll let you all know how I like it!:-D

gubnavnania

2007-12-02, 12:00am

Nortel sent me one to try and I LOVE this torch! It's hotter and a broader flame than my regular minor. I used it today on one concentrator...

I've been keeping an eye on this thread.

What is the minimum requirement of the oxycon?

How is it compares to mini CC?

Sorry for all that questions, I need to know how much $$$ I have to save to get dual torch and oxycon. (at the moment I'm considering mini minor and mini CC, but not sure if mini CC will be okay or not to run just with 1 oxycon)

Kym

2007-12-02, 12:19am

Yunita,
Christine runs her Mini CC on one concentrator and she seems pretty happy and considering the size of bead she makes, it can't be too bad. She makes some whoppers!

Kym

Humble newbie

2007-12-03, 7:33pm

MaryBeth

2007-12-03, 7:44pm

Has anyone gotten one of these yet? I ordered on the 13th and found out today that I'm number 6 on the next batch that goes out, whenever it comes in. If you've gotten one on here recently and had a chance to play with it, please tell us about it. Thanks

Who did you order yours from? I just ordered mine from Arrowsprings on the 28th? I haven't heard anything about a delivery date yet.

Venessa

2007-12-03, 8:39pm

I got mine within a week to week and a half of ordering, but that's been since mid October.

Humble newbie

2007-12-04, 6:19pm

I ordered it from Arrow Springs on 11/13/07. They got some in last week but are passing them out in order of when they were ordered. I'm cancelling my order as I nabbed the last one from another dealer, same price today. You may want to call them and see where you are on the waiting list.

MaryBeth

2007-12-07, 3:20pm

I received a ship notice from AS yesterday. It looks like I will have it by Tuesday:-D

ellyloo

2008-01-18, 8:07am

How is everyone liking them?

Venessa

2008-01-22, 5:51pm

I love mine. I took it to the STL party this weekend, and several others liked it a lot as well. I can tell it is hotter, esp when I first got it-I was frying all of my soft glass!

villa design

2008-01-27, 12:17am

Has anyone tried this torch with an oxycon? Thanks to Venessa, I'm thinking of buying one.

beadescape

2008-01-27, 8:34am

I had a Minor and bought the Mega Minor in December. I was not happy with the torch until I added a second concentrator and now I am thrilled. There was hardly any difference between the two with one concentrator but two works well.

Humble newbie

2008-01-27, 9:45am

I agree with Jan. It needs that second concentrator.

Nicker

2008-01-27, 9:48am

I havent found that. I just made a huge 2 inch goddess on it with no problem at all.

Venessa

2008-01-27, 6:21pm

Has anyone tried this torch with an oxycon? Thanks to Venessa, I'm thinking of buying one.

:cool: I don't know what you are talking about...lol

villa design

2008-01-27, 6:40pm

Hmmm... maybe I need to borrow Vanessa's again and test the one oxycon theory. ;)

Venessa

2008-01-27, 8:02pm

Hmmm... maybe I need to borrow Vanessa's again and test the one oxycon theory. ;)

Hmm, who is this Vanessa? She sounds generous. LOL

villa design

2008-01-27, 8:27pm

Miss Venessa with an E ! :)

ewdb

2008-02-20, 1:39pm

soooo all of you that have had this torch now for a few months, any updates on this thread? i'm most interested in the propane/one oxycon vs ng/one oxcon users.

also, how does it compare to a Mini CC?

I'm thinking of moving to a dual fuel system later this year and the Mini CC was my first choice due it being well known for maintaining great ambient heat for larger sculptural pieces - is the Mega minor as good in that area?

anything else y'all might have found out about this new torch?

The Glass Chef

2008-03-18, 1:47pm

Okay, I am totally clueless on the torch buying thing but I am wanting a Mega Minor too. Why is it that you get 2 oxygen concentrators instead of one stronger one? Is there such a thing? How much does it cost for 2 oxy cons? Thanks in advance for your help.

oxydoc

2008-03-18, 6:35pm

when I asked arrow springs today they said this would not run well on concentrators

but that they also hadnt had it hooked up so I will be interested in knowing more also :)

Hey Ya'll, we have the Mega Minor in our shop studio and it runs fantastic on an M15. We hooked up 2 M15s to just for the hell of it and we were burning thru 1" boro rod in seconds. My sister works with boro daily with this set up. She loves the Megs. I think 2 5 liter machines should do fine. jack

Nicker

2008-03-18, 6:46pm

The Glass Chef

2008-03-19, 7:10am

Nicker,
Which concentrator do you use?

dogsrlove

2008-03-19, 7:23am

Arrow Springs said it wouldn't work on a concentrator? Huh, that's very odd. Everyone I know who has one has them on concetrators and tehy run just fine. I love my Mega it's on a concentrator and works just great!

AS couldn't have said that, perhaps you misunderstood? I tested the MM for Craig, on one and then on two concentrators for a month. Mighty fine little torch. I REALLY liked my colors that "popped" in boro.

Vanessa

Nicker

2008-03-19, 9:19am

Well the quote oxydoc did from Wendyki a few posts above said Arrow Springs told him it wouldn't run well on one concentrator, so they must have said that to her at least.

Anyhow I find it runs fantastic on mine its a refurbished Alliance and I can do large pieces on it no problem.

Carolyn M

2008-04-09, 1:02pm

I have a prototype Mega from Nortel and have been using it for a couple of weeks. I have it on one 5 liter oxycon and I find it is only slightly hotter than my minor. To do boro I would definitely recommend tanked oxy or two concentrators.

I really like this torch. I find it very easy to use for beads that require fine heat controll such as fine stringer work. It was easy to find the 'sweet spot' and the flame is strong and clean. I use a lot of silver colours, and after the first day or so I was easily able to strike and/or reduce them. The colours were phenomenal, they almost seem brighter than when I was using my Minor

The flame seems more focussed to me, but that may be my imagination.

All in all I would highly recommend this torch, and will be looking to purchase one soon.

The Glass Chef

2008-04-10, 6:25am

Thank you, Carolyn! That is the information I was looking for! I know now that I will buy one too. Yay!
Peggy
The Glass Chef

glassactcc

2008-04-10, 6:30am

Ok, what you said, I wanna do that:twisted: Is that hard to do, or can some unsuspecting husband do it? Talented husband of course.

I ordered one the other day from Arrow springs. I'm going to take it apart and mount it on top of my Redmax in place of the minor....
I can't wait..... \\:D/

Jeri

2008-04-10, 2:27pm

I have to chime in that I love my mega minor and that I use it with an M-15 concentrator NO problem. Jeri

The Glass Chef

2008-04-11, 4:47am

Okay, Mega Minor with an M15 concentrator. That was my next question. Cool!! Thanks everyone! What kind of M-15 do you have? Is there more than one brand?

Jeri

2008-04-11, 5:18am

An M-15 is a model made by Unlimited Oxygen, I'm not sure if any other manufacturer calls it by that letter/number. Jeri

volkanokaren

2008-04-19, 1:52am

Carolyne,is there any difference tn the look between the prototype and the one you well purchase

Karen
Volkano Exotik

drfab

2008-04-24, 10:46am

Hi, I thought I'd chime in too. I love my mega minor. (It's Jeri's too!) and the new ones seem to have B-type hose fittings instead of hose barbs. That's good so you can use B-B hoses and no more hose clamps. Neil (aka Drfab)

Beadzz

2008-05-26, 1:46am

Mine is on its way to me, can't wait to try it. Have a Minor now so i'm really curious :)

volkanokaren

2008-06-18, 10:56pm

Mega minor with Ex 15 , I love it

Karen
Volkano Exotik

The Glass Chef

2008-06-19, 6:20am

Another question. Are the oxygen concentrators okay to run on a high humidity screened-in porch? I'm just about to buy the M-15 and the Mega Minor and wanted to make sure it will be okay outside. Rain won't bother it and I can pull it inside at night if it's not a pain to unhook. Is it? Thanks guys!
Peggy

kbinkster

2008-06-22, 9:44pm

It would be better for your concentrator if you could run the concentrator indoors and run a line out to the torch. Humidity can affect the performance of any concentrator. Couple that with heat, and it gets worse.

The Glass Chef

2008-06-24, 3:44pm

Okay, so what kind of line do I run from the concentrator and where do I get it? I really appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Peggy

Ekkie

2008-06-24, 4:01pm

I found very little difference between the minor and mega minor when I upgraded earlier this year. The flame is only fractionally wider so have just bought a mid-range. However, I should add that I use natural gas so that may be the cause. I may have to go to tanked gas with the mid-range for boro. I have replaced my two 5lpm oxycons with an 8lpm 12psi oxycon and that made a huge difference to the amount of heat available.

Jenn