GTT Sidewinder

Mary K · #1 2012-01-08, 7:42am

I am currently working with a Scorpion, & wondered if anyone has experience with the Sidewinder. It has a Lynx in the middle, instead of the cricket , and I think I would like that better. However it does not have the triple mix valve.
If anyone has this torch Please share what you run it with. I have 2 Regalias, and I could spring for a third (Uggh) if I went with a Sidewinder.
But my studio gets SO hot in summer ( I have an air conditioner, but it can't keep up) with the Scorpion, I'm not sure the bigger torch is a good idea.
But I want it.

Bunyip · #2 2012-01-08, 9:17am

I live in Florida and melt glass without the benefit of Air Conditioning. You get used to it although the on the worst days I tend to skip working. In your case, you can always just use the centerfire and make smaller pieces if it's too hot out.

My 2c, and without experience of the Sidewinder, is to go with a triple mix if you're going to upgrade - you gain more flame characteristics that way, rather than just more heat. Perhaps the Phantom for a little bit more $? Go with the 4-stud so you have the option of using a tank for the outer ring later on (and for increased resale value).

Baywinger · #3 2012-01-08, 9:50am

fyi that is a bobcat center, the lynx is triple mix.
I agree if you can get the triple mix tech, the triple mix helps in striking, shapes the flame for a sharper point and delivers a more penetrating heat which is great for boro work.

nate-d · #4 2012-01-08, 9:15pm

I'm wondering if maybe the triple mix is meant for tanked oxy and the Sidewinder is meant for concentrators. Does the triple mix have much benefit with oxycons?

Bunyip · #5 2012-01-09, 2:41pm

I ran a lynx on 2 5LPM oxycons for a long time, and yes the triple mix "works" with oxycons. Just works better with tanked, and it helps to have some experience on both to get dialed in. You'd definitely want a minimum of 3 regalias to run both inner & outer rings on the phantom... and it will not be the same as running on tanked but it will work.

In YOUR situation Nate, I think the Sidewinder may be a good fit, for example. Carting tanked oxy in would be a hassle (unless you pop for a homefill system!) I would personally still go with the triple mix, tho

LarryC · #6 2012-01-09, 5:31pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate-d

I'm wondering if maybe the triple mix is meant for tanked oxy and the Sidewinder is meant for concentrators. Does the triple mix have much benefit with oxycons?

Yes. In my experience and according to the manufacturer this is true. The newer standard mix designs are intended to optimize the lower available oxygen. The triple mixes really only shine with higher pressures. I have used both the sidewinder and Lynx on both Tanked and concentrators and would suggest you buy the torch that is best for your setup as GTT suggests.

BAGGEDCHEVYS · #7 2012-01-10, 2:29am

sorry but i wouldnt spend the money on a GTT unless it was a triple mix

rjw69215 · #8 2012-01-10, 10:42pm

I've been using a sidewinder for about the past 3-4 months and it is awesome. I use 2 m-15 for the centerfire and tanked for the outerfire. My next torch will be a triple mix but hauling K tanks is such a pain and everyone I have talked to say the triple mix torches are real oxygen hogs. I am extremely happy with the sidewinder set up I am using now, I average about a K tank a week (I do about 12 or so hours on a K). Thinking about getting 2 m-20's for the outerfire once I get sick of lugging big O2 tanks. Think I would be giving up some boro color if I did that, so who knows.

rjw69215 · #9 2012-01-10, 11:05pm

Sorry, me again. I've heard that using an oxycon in a non air conditioned studio with high humidity causes poor oxygen to come from the concentrator? Is this true?

But back to the sidewinder, I love it and I talked to Wally at GTT and gave him my numbers, propane pressure and oxygen situation, (was looking to get a triple mix) he didn't try to sell me on the triple mix because he knew I wouldn't be happy with the performance with the numbers I gave him. The sidewinder works fantastic for what I do. If I were you I would call GTT and ask them if the difference between the torches is worth spending the extra money. I also have a cricket that I used for the past several years and it is fantastic for soft glass and bead work, the sidewinder centerfire (bobcat) will burn thru a 3/32 mandrel before you know it, I never had that problem with the cricket. If I had an oxygen supplier closer to the house and it wasn't so expensive ($35.50 to fill a K tank) I would go with the triple mix, but spending more then $140.00 (I make that back with the few things I do sell) a month on a hobby isn't being fiscally responsible.

BAGGEDCHEVYS · #10 2012-01-11, 9:19pm

If yoy are paying $35 for a k tank you are getting ripped off. I pay $12 for K tanks and $125 for liquid(about the equivilant of 14 k tanks) ask your company if they orice match if so i will send you one of my receipts. Lol

Baywinger · #11 2012-01-11, 11:37pm

K tank prices vary greatly by region $40 is retail around here and $18 is the best high volume price here

todda · #12 2012-01-12, 2:22am

K tanks around $27 in Iowa

Over the Moon · #13 2012-01-12, 5:58am

Be happy Boro peeps. K tanks are over $60 here in Quebec.

Bunyip · #14 2012-01-12, 5:59am

Gas supply can be a somewhat shady business. If they think they can foist ridiculous high prices on you they will. Knowledge is power. I paid $10.00 for my last K tank. IN the same market, one company is quoting $30.00 (with volume discounts if you set up an account of up to FIVE percent a tank!!!). Another quoted me $16.00. Be an informed, assertive consumer. Oxygen costs about $0.10 per # to make. The rest is overhead (salaries, vehicles/fuel cost, rent, etc) and profit.

rjw69215 · #15 2012-01-12, 7:59am

Yea, from what I've been reading that this is really high for K tanks. Problem being is that they are the only game in town, unless I want to drive even further. I'm going 40 miles now. This is why I try to use the oxy cons as much as I can. The company I am using is Praxair, they took over my cheaper place a year or so ago Weldco.

LarryC · #16 2012-01-12, 9:58am

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjw69215

Yea, from what I've been reading that this is really high for K tanks. Problem being is that they are the only game in town, unless I want to drive even further. I'm going 40 miles now. This is why I try to use the oxy cons as much as I can. The company I am using is Praxair, they took over my cheaper place a year or so ago Weldco.

I use Praxair and pay significantly less than you do. I have a wholesale account with them. Its all about the relationship with the supplier.

LyndaJ · #17 2012-01-12, 5:33pm

Bob, have you tried Airgas? I don't use tanked at home, but we get gases from them at work.

Baywinger · #18 2012-01-12, 5:40pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryC

I use Praxair and pay significantly less than you do. I have a wholesale account with them. Its all about the relationship with the supplier.

yes it is I played three different stores off one another for the best price then built a a good rep with the guy with the original lowest price and he dropped it another $5 to the 18 I pay now I use matheson tri gas played them off of praxair and a matheson in a different town.

rjw69215 · #19 2012-01-12, 5:48pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LyndaJ

Bob, have you tried Airgas? I don't use tanked at home, but we get gases from them at work.

I called them a year or so ago and they were funny about selling to an individual, who knows maybe they didn't understand me (which is a good possibility). I actually might give them a call again before my next fill up.

Thanks

LePatron · #20 2012-01-12, 8:10pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjw69215

I've been using a sidewinder for about the past 3-4 months and it is awesome. I use 2 m-15 for the centerfire and tanked for the outerfire. My next torch will be a triple mix but hauling K tanks is such a pain and everyone I have talked to say the triple mix torches are real oxygen hogs. I am extremely happy with the sidewinder set up I am using now, I average about a K tank a week (I do about 12 or so hours on a K). Thinking about getting 2 m-20's for the outerfire once I get sick of lugging big O2 tanks. Think I would be giving up some boro color if I did that, so who knows.

Search Box: "Homefill"

Enjoy filling your tanks at home and selling all that M-XX stuff for more than it costs than the entire homefill system...........

rjw69215 · #21 2012-01-12, 8:27pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LePatron

Search Box: "Homefill"

Enjoy filling your tanks at home and selling all that M-XX stuff for more than it costs than the entire homefill system...........

I was actually thinking of doing that. Over the next 6 or so months I'm going to see if I slow down any, if I don't I will be looking into a home fill system. The other problem is, I rent the tanks for $6.00 a month (they refuse to sell K tanks) so if I stop bringing them in for a refill they would probably try to make me turn them in.

Mary K · #22 2012-01-12, 9:36pm

Homefill is over 3 grand?????
http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhq...OID=-536885230

Baywinger · #23 2012-01-12, 9:41pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mary K

Homefill is over 3 grand?????
http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhq...OID=-536885230

new from a medical distributor yes

LarryC · #24 2012-01-13, 12:01am

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjw69215

I was actually thinking of doing that. Over the next 6 or so months I'm going to see if I slow down any, if I don't I will be looking into a home fill system. The other problem is, I rent the tanks for $6.00 a month (they refuse to sell K tanks) so if I stop bringing them in for a refill they would probably try to make me turn them in.

Praxair sold me Ks for relatively cheap.

LePatron · #25 2012-01-13, 7:48pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mary K

Homefill is over 3 grand?????
http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhq...OID=-536885230

The entire system, used, will run you $1000-$1200. Usually used means "We got this for Grandma, and she's dead now, so..................... please someone take this out of the house its taking up space ty". Very rarely do you find one for sale with a lot of hours on it, and they do have hour meters so you know the exact condition.