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-   -   Taking the Plunge (http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273094)

RockinRobyn 2014-12-08 6:01pm

Taking the Plunge
 
Hi Everyone,

As I have done more research, I'm thinking it's just the best to take the plunge! I am going to start looking for my first torch :D I would love some suggestions, my max budget would probably be $300.00 CND.

Here is what I want to do with my torch;
-small figurines
-beads
-small paperweights
Any suggestion of models?
I would be running it on propane and oxygen tanks. (I know the risk of using oxygen and propane tanks, my house hold welds)

I am looking into some kits at my local glass place


Such as this one
1 x Hot Head torch ( can be upgraded to minor or mega minor price will be adjusted)
1 x econmy flameworking glasses
1 x heat resistant work surface with bottle clamps
10 x 1/16" mandrels
10 x 3/32" mandrels
10 x 1/8" mandrels
1 x bottle of bead release
1 x graphite paddle
1 x rod rest
1 x bead rake
1 x blunt tweezers
1 x set of shaping/spatula tools
1 xlarge masher
1 x grooved/flat marver plate
1 x fiber blanket
56 x Moretti glass rod assortment
10 x Moretti clear glass rods
65 x Moretti assorted stringer bundle
1 x bead reamer
1 x "Passing The Flame" book by Corina Tettinger
Graphite Pad 6x6

I'm not sure on prices for the whole kit... But are the kits worth it? Or is it better to buy separate usually?
Thanks for the help

snoopdog6502 2014-12-08 6:51pm

The big selection of rods and the hand tools make it a good deal.
Lot of glass to get you started.

The minor torch is sweet, seen amazing things done on one.

In the long run an oxygen concentrator will save you money.
My tanks and fills have cost me enough to buy a very nice oxycon.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you get.

julieann1674 2014-12-08 7:04pm

I would suggest buying a minor or mega minor, to start. Passing the Flame, yes....

glass obsessed 2014-12-09 9:12am

RE; Here is what I want to do with my torch;
-small figurines
-beads
-small paperweights


Do you have a kiln or an annealer? Just asking because the items you plan on making will need to be annealed.

RockinRobyn 2014-12-09 10:01am

Quote:

Originally Posted by glass obsessed (Post 4687485)
RE; Here is what I want to do with my torch;
-small figurines
-beads
-small paperweights


Do you have a kiln or an annealer? Just asking because the items you plan on making will need to be annealed.

Not as of yet, I'll be making my own. As my family is pretty handy at creating stuff like that.

losthelm 2014-12-09 12:35pm

First update your profile, there may be some local sources that can help.

A number of those hand tools can be acquired over time as needed.

Likewise with books, it may be available through inter library loan.

For beads you may like annealing bubbles better then the fiber blanket.

Anything more than a hot head also needs o2, lines, regulators, and arrestors.
Worth getting but may not be in your budget, or fit your work space.

RSimmons 2014-12-09 1:15pm

Don't forget to budget for a decent ventilation setup. A hothead will give you especially noxious fumes if not vented well.

Robert

melody 2014-12-09 3:18pm

I have a minor torch (Nortel) with gauges, hoses, regulators and a marver on top for sale for $250. I plan on posting pictures for the Garage Sale later on tonight or tomorrow. PM if you are interested.

RockinRobyn 2014-12-09 8:47pm

Thanks everyone! Lots of valuable info. I actually was doing some more research on kilns and found a used ss-66-c kiln for $150 Canadian. It will need a bit of tlc, but can a ceramics kiln work for glass annealing, if it had a controller? Sorry for all the newbie questions, so new to this. I only ever worked with kilns at college. I'll have a look melody :)
The kits at the glass place are only at the top end around $675.00 with a mega minor torch, but I'm considering the mini cc torch too. Any preferences between those two?

KJohn 2014-12-09 9:30pm

Yes I had a ceramics kiln, I ended up batch annealing with that but as long as it can reach and hold temps (which are much lower for glass) then it should be fine.


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