GTT Scorpion Torch vs. Red Max?

VenusBeads · #1 2009-10-22, 7:28am

Just wondering if anyone has any info on the new Scorpion torch...

Right now I use a Red Max with a minor on top and was wondering if the Scorpion would be better for my set up. I use the Red Max for boro or larger work and the minor for soft glass and detail.

I have an Integra oxycon and a Regalia oxycon that I use with propane. I think both oxycons are 10 lpm with 7-9 psi.

Would a Scorpion be better with my oxycons? I don't want to just trade across. Any input would be awesome!

Kris Schaible · #2 2009-10-22, 7:50am

Venesa this is a cut and paste from the GTT website but I think it best explains the Scorpion. Give them a call or check out the website. I know the torch was designed around use on an oyxcon..Once again rising above the ordinary, GTT has created the next generation of the standard torch, but there is nothing standard about it. The Scorpion uses the mighty Cricket as the center fire for this unbelievable torch. The Cricket is well known for its efficiency on a 5 LPM concentrator and the great ability to work both soft glass and borosilicate glass with ease. The Scorpion has an 8 jet outer fire using our new patent pending 100% surface mix design that optimizes 10 LPM or two 5 LPM concentrators with optimal results. The Scorpion makes the flame size of larger torches with fewer jets, owing the phenomenal performance to the newest GTT innovations in jet design. The Scorpion was designed with concentrators, low pressure and low consumption in mind. The Scorpion runs great on one 10 LPM concentrator, two 5 LPM concentrators or tanked oxygen. Oxygen consumption is 11 LPM (22 CFH) at the maximum flame size. It requires as low as ¼ psi to 5 psi of natural gas or propane with a low consumption rate of 1.5 LPM (3 CFH) at the maximum flame size. The Scorpion is the master at using low pressures for optimal results for soft or hard glass.

As a side note, I have made 1 1/2 inch marbles on my cricket on an oxycon, boro goddess, etc.... A friend did a bunch of implosion pendents, about 2 inch in diameter.

I don't think you will go wrong in any way with a GTT torch. www.glasstorchtech.com

VenusBeads · #3 2009-10-22, 9:36am

Thanks so much for the reply.

I did see the descriptions of the Scorpion and it sounds awesome, but I'm just not sure if it's better than my present torch. I'm always excited to get new toys to play with, but don't want to waste my money if I end up with the same heat as my Red Max. You know what I mean?

My Red Max is a little hotter than a Major and on top of the Red Max sits a Minor. I'm thinking the center of the Scorpion would compare to my Minor. And the inner/outer ring together compare to the Red Max on the bottom. My main question: Is the flame hotter and/or better than what I have now b/c the Scorpion is actually designed to work with oxycons? Or would I be trading an apple for an apple?

Thanks in advance for more input!!!!!!

Kris Schaible · #4 2009-10-22, 9:49am

These best thing to do for exact answers is give GTT a call, but I can do my best. It is my understanding that the Cricket is just as hot if not hotter than the Minor( I personally think it is almost as hot as the Lynx) and I will assume, Since have not yet worked on a Scorpion, that the outer ring will be hotter.( done a bit of talking about the torch to GTT Gang myself) and better quality. Also it will burn cleaner with less fuel needed, by design on all GTT torches. Again, best answers will come from GTT, but It is for sure not a lateral trade it is 100% a move up. I am also considering an up grade to one of the larger GTT torches, So I have done some comapirson in the GTT line of torches, I have a 6 torch teaching studio and have all GTT torches, Cricket, Bobcats and Lynx... I think the Scorpion is my next torch in the line...

Hope this helps, sorry I can't give exact numbers on flame temp and type, but you can never go wrong with a GTT...

FlameTree Glass · #5 2009-10-22, 4:21pm

I ran the G.T.T. Scorpion at the I.S.G.B. show in Miami and I loved it! Very powerful torch! The radical NEW dual surface mix design of the G.T.T. Scorpion is extremely unique, providing once again the best of both worlds in power and efficiency in glass torch design. Way to go Willy and Wally Horn of Glass Torch Technologies for once again thinking outside the box!

My Best To You All,
"It's better to light a G.T.T. torch, than to curse the darkness"
Lance McRorie /FlameTree Founder
www.FlameTreeGlass.com
1-888-FLAMETREE

VenusBeads · #6 2009-10-23, 11:34am

Kimberly from Pyronamix is going to be running some tests on the Scorpion and posting her findings on facebook. She said she'll be able to let me know if it's a true upgrade from my Red Max. Her hubby thinks the Scorpion might have more heat since it's made to work with oxycons, but they won't know for sure until they test it.

Todd · #7 2009-11-06, 9:30pm

You will not be sorry if you get a GTT I have had the red max and the GTT has way more power and is much easier on the glass.. All around a better torch by far! I have had the minor the major the red max a carlisle CC and the GTT Mirage ...... By far the best is the Mirage the Lynx center fire is awesome.. And I am willing to bet that the Scorpion is a great torch..

Birdy · #8 2009-11-09, 11:45am

I'm so tired of struggling to run my Red Max with an oxycon. Just got off the phone with GTT -- ordered a Scorpion! Woohoo!!! They haven't started shipping yet, but are hoping to get the first batch out before the end of this month.

In addition to the great intro-price discount they are offering, you can also get the Scorpion set up as a 4-stud at no extra cost. I don't own a foot pedal, but went ahead and ordered mine with the 4-stud config so it will be ready in case I decide to add a foot pedal later on. They are going to put on a Y-connector for me so it will be all ready to go when it gets here.

The folks at GTT are just amazing! I used to be a dedicated Nortel buyer, but the Cricket was such a great upgrade to my Minor that I'm now a loyal GTT fan. It's so wonderful to have a torch manufacturer who understands the limitations of oxycons, and design torches that are optimized for them. If you are lucky enough to be using tanked oxy, the Scorpion should give you a great cost-savings compared to running a Red Max.

Now, Santa just needs to bring me a new Regalia oxycon to run the Scorpion, and I'll be all set!

Birdy
Running a Cricket on propane and 5lpm oxycon, with a Red Max gathering dust for lack of enough O2 to make it happy.

Ilene · #9 2010-03-30, 7:35am

When did they start selling the Scorpion? Just wondering when it became available to the public for purchase and not just the production model. I was asked this question recently and didn't have an answer.

Thx

echeveria · #10 2010-03-30, 7:44am

Icre8art, did you ask GTT? I am sure they can tell you.

kbinkster · #11 2010-03-30, 1:14pm

They started taking orders back in July. Those orders weren't filled until February or so.

Mr. Meker · #12 2010-03-30, 4:22pm

I really want a scorpion, but it seems to me that you will just be trading a red apple for a pink or what ever color you want apple. If it were me and I had money to spare, I would buy a lynx and replace the Minor with it, then give the minor to who ever gave you this awesome idea. It looks like it could be done pretty easy with a few screws and a hose clamp.