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Beads of Courage


 
  #1  
Old 2012-02-28, 7:17am
ElizabethCreations's Avatar
ElizabethCreations ElizabethCreations is offline
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Join Date: Aug 27, 2005
Location: Somewhere in the middle, QC, Canada
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Default Anyone have an Alpha Bench Burner?

I am looking to get a new torch. I am working soft glass but sometimes, I am playing with boro...
I was think about the BETHLEHEM ALPHA BENCH BURNER.
Anyone have this torch?

I am on a 5lpm Oxy concentrator and propane so I was wondering if it was enough to work with this. I don't wanna buy a torch that I won't be able to work with. I don't really want to have to buy another oxy concentrator though.......

Actually, I have GTT bobcat (that I am using) and a Minor that I have not used in ages....

Any reviews on the Alpha?

Thanks!
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Last edited by ElizabethCreations; 2012-02-28 at 7:27am.
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  #2  
Old 2012-02-28, 8:18am
Talonst Talonst is offline
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Default Re: Beth Alpha

I've been using the Alpha for about the last 6 months. Great torch with alot of flame adjustments. Don't know how well it will work with your concentrator as I'm using tanked oxy.

I often make 1-1/2 inch marbles with the Alpha - works fine, but a bit slow.

I'm waiting on an M15 which I'll use for the Alpha piggybacked to a midrange running oxy, then I can update on concentrator performance
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  #3  
Old 2012-02-28, 11:13am
Signguy Signguy is offline
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Default

I'm totally in love with my bravo and it's center fire is the same as an alpha. Couldn't recommend it more! I had both a cricket and a mega minor and a bobcat and like the flame control much better on the alpha, and it's less expensive. Or, if you can afford it the bravo is totally awesome...
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  #4  
Old 2012-02-29, 6:36am
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ElizabethCreations ElizabethCreations is offline
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Default

Thanks! I will check! I love my Bobcat but I think I need to improve a bit. I like to do boro once in a while and it takes FOREVER to make a single bead.

I appreciate your reviews!
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  #5  
Old 2012-03-31, 1:06pm
Role Role is offline
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Join Date: Mar 29, 2012
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ElizabethCreations View Post
I like to do boro once in a while and it takes FOREVER to make a single bead.

I appreciate your reviews!
A bit late to the party, but better late than never.

Your Bobcat just needs more oxygen to handle borosilicate and the
Bethlehem Alpha will likely not perform any better as they are very
similar in size/performance.

Here is a tip on oxygen concentrator use:

Do not set your concentrator to it's max 5 lpm output, reduce output
to between 3-4 LPM.

1-2 LPM under the max output increases oxygen purity which will make
the flame hotter. (this is true for ALL O2 concentrators)

Another option is to add a second oxygen concentrator.

The bottom line:

More Oxygen = ability to add more propane and remain neutral =
bigger hotter flame for harder glass. (within the limits of the torch size)

Addendum:

It appears the Alpha is pretty hungry for Oxygen.
Full Flame consumption:Oxygen: 8 psi; 27 cu. ft./hr. (765 l/hr.)

You would need 2 M15 concentrators for 100% capability.

Last edited by Role; 2012-03-31 at 4:12pm.
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