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  #1  
Old 2018-02-14, 10:07am
AZStacey AZStacey is offline
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Default Minor vs Bobcat pro/con

Hello All,

New to lampworking and looking to purchase a torch. I have researched and researched and researched but am still on the iffy side of what to purchase. I have a 5lpm concentrator and a propane tank. Looking to do soft glass bead type things for now with possibility of boro sometime in the distant future. Also, what might be the longevity and the maintenance on these torches?

If you have any type of insight on the pros/cons of each (Minor vs Bobcat,) I'd greatly appreciate the insight! Thank you.

Last edited by AZStacey; 2018-02-14 at 2:46pm.
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  #2  
Old 2018-02-14, 4:02pm
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Eileen Eileen is offline
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My experience with the Bobcat is with just one class. I am used to a Minor, and the Bobcat had a more focused flame, and less ambient heat in my limited experience. Or maybe just the one I was on, but I prefer the Minor for what I do.
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  #3  
Old 2018-02-14, 4:03pm
AZStacey AZStacey is offline
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Interesting, thank you Eileen!
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  #4  
Old 2018-02-15, 6:04am
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echeveria echeveria is offline
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And I prefer the Bobcat! I find it hard to melt glass on a minor, too slow. You frankly will probably like whichever you start on better. You may also want to consider an Alpha.
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  #5  
Old 2018-02-15, 11:34am
AZStacey AZStacey is offline
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Thanks!
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  #6  
Old 2018-02-18, 10:36am
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RanRhoads84 RanRhoads84 is offline
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Bobcat or alpha over a minor all day.

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  #7  
Old 2018-02-22, 2:07pm
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Hayley Hayley is offline
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I have used/taught on Bobcat, Cricket, Minor, Mini CC, and Alpha. My own torch is a Barracuda (Bethlehem has replaced that with a Bravo and its center fire is an Alpha).

Bobcat is hotter than the Minor but isn't as friendly on only one 5lpm oxycon. You are better off with a Cricket which is almost as hot. But both Bobcat and Cricket will have carbon buildup especially on lower lpm oxycon. I find having to flick off the buildup on the torch face annoying.

I'd recommend a Bethlehem Alpha. It's just as hot as the Bobcat/Cricket (hotter than a Minor) and doesn't have carbon buildup. Its flame is between a Minor and Bobcat/Cricket.

Eventually, you may consider adding another oxycon (two 5s) or upgrade to a 15.
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  #8  
Old 2018-03-17, 7:19pm
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Iwantonetoo Iwantonetoo is offline
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I have a bobcat at home, but where I teach they're all minors.

I prefer my bobcat by far. (Plus it's colorful)
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