Welding Torch For Lampwork??

[Orchid40]

I have been looking to upgrade from a hh. A friend of the family told me that he has several welding torches. Is it possible to convert (use) a welding torch for lampwork? I haven't seen these torches yet, because the guys who's storing them is out of town. Any thoughts?? Ohh & I would be using a propane, oxygen set up...

Thanks!
Char

[loco]

All of the welding torches I have used burn dirty (lots of carbon). If they would be willing to let you play without paying, I would say give it a try. Would I buy one (ever for 25 bucks) to try? NO. A minor is cheap but personally I would buy a mini cc. Here is a good deal:
http://www.dichroicimagery.com/product_info.php?cPath=9&products_id=1987

[rosiescreations]

No
I started on a HH but could not stand the noise. I decided to buy the torch I thought I wanted instead of buying several till I got the one I wanted in the end. Jeez, that sounds confusing
Anyway buy a tourch that is more than you think you may need. That way you won't outgrow it so soon.

[MikeAurelius]

Once a torch has been used with acetylene, it is ruined forever for glass work. Additionally, all these torches are pre-mix and pre-mix and soft glass do not work well together.

[Orchid40]

Wow!! That's an overwhelming NO! :shock: Thank you for letting me know. The guy is going to give one to me, so it won't cost a dime. He doesn't use them anymore & they have been stored for the last 14 years. Since it will be free I going to give it a shot. Is there anyway to clean it?

I was planning on spending the money on a mini cc or minor, but just haven't reached the point of desperation yet, though the noise of the hh does drive me bonkers, (no wait I was already bonkers), but yeah they are way too noisy for my taste.

Thanks loco, I book marked the site for when I'm ready :grin: .

Thanks guys! Any other opinions??

[MikeAurelius]

No, there's no real way to clean them. It's best to start with a torch that is designed to work with glass in the first place.

[Orchid40]

Thank you!

[Juln]

I know of people that have used welding torches for Boro. I don't know if they had ever been used for acetylene prior to that. He was making nice pieces... detailed but small.
The torch approximates a National 3A with a lousy tip, so I'm sure it would be awful for soft glass in the same way a National is due the the premixiness.