Natural Gas Question - cant decide what torch

shari-kim · #1 2008-01-04, 5:00pm

this probably isnt the right forum, so please correct me - its a natural gas /torch question.

But im going to buy a torch, i live in Canada - Vancouver actually and i dont know if i can use a Minor here with Natural gas. I had a friend tell me she didnt think it would work well with a Minor and a BEtta would be better (but this is definately more expensive). Does anyone know what i need to know in regards to natural gas & a oxy con in Canada - what kind of torch works. Id rather get a minor only because they are less expensive and i have found one here on the listserve that I was hoping to buy.

GAs experts please help me! Especially any Canadians

Baird Beads · #2 2008-01-04, 5:05pm

I use a minor and natural gas and love it!! Recently switched from propane to NG and saw no difference in my flame, reduction, etc.

shari-kim · #3 2008-01-04, 5:14pm

thanks for replying... this is looking more afforable

GlassGalore · #4 2008-01-04, 5:27pm

You will probably get more info by posting this question in the Tips/Techniques section under the Sub-Forum for Torches. You can come back and delete this thread once you re-post over there...

JoyasdelSol · #5 2008-01-04, 6:20pm

Mini-cc, Mini-cc, Mini-cc

glasswinder · #6 2008-01-04, 7:44pm

I've been using a minor with natural gas for several years now and LOVE it!

LyndaJ · #7 2008-01-04, 8:54pm

I'd vote mini cc as well. I run on NG with two concentrators. I've also read that the Betta's were designed to work with NG and one concentrator, but I've never run on one.

Jayne · #8 2008-01-04, 10:29pm

I'm on a Minor, NG, and one concentrator and everything works hunky-dory

Reenie · #9 2008-01-04, 11:31pm

I'm on a betta and natural gas. Love it! works boro too

I've been searching for a second torch and tried the mega and the lynx....Went back to another betta!
Irene

Parrotise · #10 2008-01-05, 12:28am

I use a Mini CC, NG, & 1 concentrator. I love it!

glass_affair · #11 2008-01-05, 12:45am

Well, I live in Vancouver, BC and I have a Betta... that I run with one concentrator on propane. We do have the option of natural gas - so I am very interested in what people might have to say about this.. I have been very happy with my set up, but haven't tried much in the way of boro (always thought I could add another oyx con if I had to). I am told that propane burns hotter than natural gas.... so I might notice a 'negative ' difference if I change my ways!

Reenie... do you work with one or two oxy cons?

Sue

Beckah · #12 2008-01-05, 8:01am

I'm using a Mini CC on NG with a Regalia which is the equivalent of 2 oxycons (10 LPM). I just upgraded from one 5LPM-8PSI oxycon because I found the MiniCC too reducing on just one oxycon. The NG side of the equation has not been a problem at all. If I was starting over again with NG and 1 oxycon, I'd look closely at the Bobcat, Minor and Betta. I'm still debating a move to a Betta since it seems to be very efficient on the low pressure (1/4 PSI) of household NG.

You may want to check with whoever provides your NG to see what pressure it is provided at. Most US NG is provided at a 1/4 PSI.

Reenie · #13 2008-01-05, 11:15am

Quote:

Originally Posted by glass_affair

Reenie... do you work with one or two oxy cons?

Sue

Sue,
I worked with one oxycon until just a few months ago. The boro could be worked on one and I did with it but "Mr. Smiley" told me that 2 oxycons would make boro "Sing!" Took me awhile to save up for one. Now boro melts very,very fast. When I do shows, I bring one oxycon and propane.
The difference that I notice with the propane is that the candles are clearer. I don't know how to explain that but they are really crisp and defined. Not so much with the NG. Also, yes it does run hotter. I came home and used the propane for awhile but went back to the NG just because for one, it's so much easier not having to constantly fill the tanks. Two, I don't feel comfortable with propane in the house and three....it really wasn't that much difference where I had to have propane.
Hope that helps
Irene

Daggybeads · #14 2008-01-05, 12:55pm

The extra oxygen is what is going to make the flame hotter, not so much the gas. I use a Bobcat on NG and 1 oxycon and it takes me forever to melt boro. I had to have a booster of sorts put on my gas meter outside my house because gas pressure to a house is less than I needed for my torch - so you might want to check into that.

OnCloud9 · #15 2008-01-05, 2:12pm

I'm in Toronto. I use a minor with natural gas and 1 5L oxygen concentrator. I am connected to the direct gas line coming into the house . .the PSI is fine for a minor torch. Both purchased from Nortel here is Toronto. What you will notice is that natural gas burns cooler than propane. So it will work for Morretti, Lauscha and Bullseye . . but won't do boro. You can boost the heat by having 2 oygen concentrators. Nortel also recently introduced the "mega-minor" which also works on natural gas and apparently hotter than a minor so it will do boro.

Carol

LyndaJ · #16 2008-01-05, 2:40pm

I can melt boro on my mini with 2 concentrators and NG. It melts a little slower than BE for me.

Beadanna · #17 2008-03-09, 7:58am

Thanks everyone for your input - these replies are helping me in getting set up. And thanks Shari-Kim for asking.
All the best
Beadanna

KCGirl · #18 2008-03-10, 5:46pm

I have a betta and a 5L oxycon with natural gas and I love it! Its awesome for soft glass and I can burn boro fine. I am thinking about getting an 8L oxycon because I am using boro most of the time now and I want to be able to melt it quicker. Good Luck!

DesertDreamer · #19 2008-03-10, 6:32pm

I use a Midrange Plus on NG and an oxy generator. (see my sigline). Love it!!!!