Are all hotheads the same

[lorisue]

I'm a newbie and am working to set up my own work area at home instead of continue to pay to use the space where I had classes.
so - I found this website that is calling their torch "great lampwork torch" and claims it behaves very similiar to the hothead. the picture looks like a hothead.
can you help me understand if there is a difference and/or what that is?
it appears to be 1/3 the cost as well.

[Dale M.]

There is a torch out there called the MT 245 made by Magna Industries. It is a exact work alike for the hot head if its not the same torch manufactured for sale as "Hot Head" ...

http://www.magtorch.com/PROP200sub.htm

Dale

[lorisue]

so I guess I shouldn't be too concerned with a name then...if a lampwork supplier has a torch that serves the purpose - it shouldn't matter, right?

[Dale M.]

Not necessarily.... There is a torch out there being sold as a "lampwork" torch (I forget the name - Senior moment here) and it is supposed to have a self lighting feature and everything but its a dismal failure and everybody sort of has learned to stay away from it....

Some have argued that the Magna Industries MT 245 was not anything close to a hot head and some set out to prove it, only to prove it was indeed the same torch for about 1/3 the price....

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ighlight=MT245

IF you are looking at alternative be sure it looks exactly like this image in every way....



And the question still remains is this image of a MT 245 or a "Hot Head"....

Dale

[amazon]

Originally Posted by Dale M.

Not necessarily.... There is a torch out there being sold as a "lampwork" torch (I forget the name - Senior moment here) and it is supposed to have a self lighting feature and everything but its a dismal failure and everybody sort of has learned to stay away from it....

Dale

I think the torch you want to avoid is a Fireworks torch.

[Dale M.]

Originally Posted by amazon

I think the torch you want to avoid is a Fireworks torch.

Yes, that be it!....

Dale

[De Anza Art Glass Club]

I have stopped posting here, but happened to see this thread.

No, the MT245 and the official HotHead are not identical. They look identical on the exterior but the orifice assembly is different. The biggest difference is that the HotHead has a filter in the orifice assembly and the MT245 does not. I have posted pictures showing the difference.

That is not to say that, for lampworking purposes, their operation is not the same or close to the same. There is anecdotal evidence that some people believe the MT245 has a hotter flame.

Whether or not they are identical, the cheapest place to buy an MT245 is at AutoZone, where it is less than $10.

[lorisue]

thanks to everyone for giving me the scoop. I did order a Hot Head. In fact, I just got my workstation setup yesterday and managed to get the area warm enough to make a few practice beads. thanks again!!!