What style torch do yo use? - Page 4

Puddy Tat Glass · #91 2009-02-21, 10:46pm

The torch was only used for about a week by my son when he was visiting. The foot controls haven't been used at all. I mentioned to my husband just today that I was thinking about selling the Mirage but he thinks I should hang onto it for a while. He's one of those "collectors" who never gets rid of anything, figures he may use it sometime down the road. Since my studio was a gift from him I guess I'll hang onto the big torch for a little longer...it'll probably take mentioning selling it a couple of more times before he decides it'd be a good idea too. After 30 years of marriage we know the routine

Glass Grimoire · #92 2009-03-01, 11:10am

Quote:

Yeah. I personally only know of a few people with a three stage torch. I'd love to hear from some people that use them.

One of these days I'm going to get me a Cobra or Python...

I'm rockin a delta mag, honestly i don't know if much bigger is really much better. the Python and cobra seem oversized, and i love going big. i can work boro at about 9" thick and have to wear a space suit while doing it with my delta mag what more could i ask for.

shawnette · #93 2009-04-22, 5:24pm

I just got a 4-stud Phantom!

(And a footpedal, too!)

Trey Cornette · #94 2009-04-23, 5:57pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnette

I just got a 4-stud Phantom!

(And a footpedal, too!)

Right on!!!!!!

demcc2 · #95 2009-05-13, 6:11pm

Minor with tanked O2...looking to upgrade SOON.

I'm mostly using soft glass, would only like to ?play" with boro a bit in the future...Any suggestions out there... Preferrably no more than a Lynx

Duane

Mr. Meker · #96 2009-06-01, 7:50pm

I am using a Ace Hardware plumbers torch. I am just getting to this hobby. I bought a Meker burner, and am still waiting for it to ship.

http://www.labmiser.com/StoreFrontPr...=1&sfid=167854
&c=167678&i=239534341

getdul981 · #97 2009-06-01, 8:28pm

Knight Little Dragon 7

Greg

tenor_ringer · #98 2009-07-30, 5:17pm

See below. We LOVE our MegaMinors!

Oh Honey · #99 2009-08-19, 5:16pm

Phantom 4 post with a foot pedal for me.

LadyCharlie · #**100** 2009-08-23, 7:02pm

Are you still holding onto the Mirage or are you in the market to sell it?

If anyone is interested, I'm selling my Cheetah....it's in excellent condition. Maybe 40 hours on it max.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredinCoquille

The torch was only used for about a week by my son when he was visiting. The foot controls haven't been used at all. I mentioned to my husband just today that I was thinking about selling the Mirage but he thinks I should hang onto it for a while. He's one of those "collectors" who never gets rid of anything, figures he may use it sometime down the road. Since my studio was a gift from him I guess I'll hang onto the big torch for a little longer...it'll probably take mentioning selling it a couple of more times before he decides it'd be a good idea too. After 30 years of marriage we know the routine

Shrimp · #**101** 2009-10-01, 7:44pm

HH here, but getting a cricket one of these days. Maybe one day, a lynx. Still in dream mode!

lunamoonshadow · #**102** 2010-02-14, 11:03am

I can't re-vote! But I have a cricket now!!

Aleta, you will LOVE the cricket!!!

Hangs Well · #**103** 2010-03-23, 4:33am

After all this time I was hoping to see a GTT Kobuki or Viper.

SELSEY · #**104** 2010-07-22, 1:31pm

Minor, cricket, scorpion, lynx and Phantom. I use the Lynx most followed by the scorpion because my son nabbed my Phantom and now I only get visitation.

Ed_Slawson · #**105** 2010-08-23, 6:14pm

My torch is a GTT Kobuki ... it is the best torch that I have ever used! The range of flames between the triple stages is incredible. The two outer stages are hooked up to a pair of locking foot pedals. With all stages going at once the flame is something close to a delta plus.

Here is a photo of it with all three stages fired up, but dialed almost all the way down. I've been using it for almost a year now, and doubt that I would ever need anything more in a torch.

snizard99 · #**106** 2010-08-29, 9:07am

i use a HH torch but hopefully getting into something a bit more in the near future. Though having some issues with finding "how to pick the right torch" and all the other technical terms and what each torch can handle before I purchace.

Kalera · #**107** 2010-08-30, 10:52pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed_Slawson

My torch is a GTT Kobuki ... it is the best torch that I have ever used! The range of flames between the triple stages is incredible. The two outer stages are hooked up to a pair of locking foot pedals. With all stages going at once the flame is something close to a delta plus.

Here is a photo of it with all three stages fired up, but dialed almost all the way down. I've been using it for almost a year now, and doubt that I would ever need anything more in a torch.

I'd love one of these! Can't afford it right now, unfortunately.

CSIGlass · #**108** 2010-09-14, 2:44pm

I am new to the site and eight months into learning glassworking (part time). I have been learning on a GTT hand torch (basically Lynx) and plan to get the GTT Mirage one day. For my first torch, I bought a smaller torch, a used Carlisle Hellcat, since a GTT Phantom was out of my budget right now. I am waiting for it to arrive as I type. From what I have read on this site, I should be happy with the Hellcat for any small to medium work I want to do. I am hoping between these 2 torches I should be able to do anything I want with glass, if and when I learn how too. There are so many different things to create, I really like this art form a lot and am very lucky I found a good friend in my teacher as well. I am glad I have taken the time to learn as much as I have about glass, beyond just antique vases and what they are worth. I look forward to what glass has in store for me in the future. Thanks for everyone who posts information here, it was nice to be able to check out all the different opinions and information before I bought a torch.

Dragonharper · #**109** 2010-09-15, 9:41am

I'm using a used Nortel Rocket, I think I've fired up the outer ring once or twice just to see what it does.

Ed,
How is your torch shelf supported?

cheng076 · #**110** 2011-01-29, 10:36am

Using a Kobuki with 2 section foot pedal; center ring on 2 concentrators most of the time. Love that torch

Dragonfly Queen · #**111** 2011-11-02, 8:11am

I'm using minor. Don't see a need to go bigger, yet.... LOL!

I also own a hot head (somewhere) but rarely use it anymore.

iloveglass · #**112** 2012-03-22, 11:29am

Love my GTT Scorpion!

Bead Trixx · #**113** 2012-10-14, 10:02am

I use a Nortel Minor and also have a hothead, but have never used it.

PyroJoe · #**114** 2012-10-25, 6:41am

I wish I had one of those Delta's lol

uncle louie · #**115** 2012-10-25, 6:51am

I'm using a HH and am waiting for a mini 15 from jack so I can graduate to a Bethlehem Alpha my wife bought me

phentron · #**116** 2022-01-26, 7:56pm

I first used a Herbie in 1971. They were first made in the 1960’s?? & designed for scientific glass blowing, when you need to constantly change flame size (without oxy-gas ratio, thus flame temp is constant).
After a very long break from glass (& retirement), I wanted to re-start lampworking as a hobby, I know any other torch would be frustrating (to adjust both oxy & gas). It took 5 years to find a second hand one, it was in a very bad condition.

The Herbie has only 3 knobs: oxygen – to adjust from a normal flame to soft, reducing & flame annealing.
Air – I only use when working soft glass.
Flame size – this works an internal cam system, which adjust 6 needle valves to operate the 3 stage burner.

I had to re-condition several needle valves & then convert factory settings from natural gas to propane (fortunately I am an instrument engineer with experience on similar equipment, but it still took 2-3 months). My Herbie has 35mm diameter head, it goes from a needle flame (about 2 dia x 40mm long ie 0.08” x 1.5”) to a large flame (45 dia x 400mm ie 1.5” x 15”). Have used it now for 4 years, but still cannot handle the radiant heat of the big flame!!!

Herbies are designed to run at specific gas & oxy pressures – you need good quality gas & oxy regulators. One limitation is to use an oxidizing flame – you can trick Herbie by increasing the oxy pressure (but flame size adjustment is not as good – after oxidizing you need to reset the oxy regulator).

If you have the opportunity to try a Herbie, it will become you favourite torch. If you can obtain a second-hand Herbie, make shore all the flame adjustment work & it is setup for you gas (NG or propane).

Peter

derweasel · #**117** 2024-06-18, 10:20pm

Too old a post to answer?

Well, I may be talking to myself (not unusual), but HH and Bethlehem Alpha. I'm running the Alpha with natural gas which is so convenient so long as I only use the one torch. If I add another, I may have to get a G-TEC TB-15 torch booster which would allow me to upgrade to a 2 stage which I would love to do, but that additional expense keeps me from exploring options. Don't want to use propane for a couple of reasons. Maybe if I see a vast improvement in my skills, I'll take the plunge.

KJohn · #**118** 2024-06-22, 8:09pm

I loved my alpha so much, I used it for years after the HH. But i upgraded last year when the Bethlehem Star came out. It's really awesome, perhaps it would work for you too