Stringers - Does torch size matter?

[baddogglass]

I upgraded to a Mega Minor (from a Minor) because I wanted to dabble in boro and make larger soft glass beads. Not that I had great stringer control before but ... I can (usually) control thick to medium stringers but I'm finding it impossible to work with the skinny and super skinny stringers ... I know you're supposed to find the sweet spot, stringer out of the flame, move the bead not the stringer, but to put tension on the thin stringers I have to hold the stringers pretty close to the flame ... I keep burning my fingertips!

Could it be that my torch is just too hot? I turn it down but I still get burned (overheated finger tips is more accurate but still an 'ouch'). I'm also worried that I could wreck my torch by turning it down all the time (not sure why that happens but I've read that it does). I suppose I could switch back to my Minor while I practice thin stringers but before I do I want to know if it's just me or if my torch can take some of the blame.

Any suggestions? Is anyone out there working with a Mega Minor? Anyone else burning their fingertips?

[Otter's Flame]

I by no means have great stringer control but I do work with several different torches. The Mega Minor is a nice torch for stringer control actually because it does not have near the radiant heat that a torch such as a Carlisle Mini CC has and I have found it easier to work thinner stringers with the Mega Minor.

Like anything it will just take practice with your new torch. Each torch will have different characteristics, learning them does take time. I have several Mini CC's and each individual torch is actually different. I am sure you will find the sweet spot with your Mega Minor, just give it some time.

As for turning your torch down, I find the Mega Minor to be pretty tolerant running a low flame to do stringer work and other applications like that. It does not seem to carbon up very easy. I would not recommend running it like that all the time but it seems to do fine with frequent flame adjustments.

Good luck!

Otter

[baddogglass]

Thanks for the info, Otter. So I guess it's just me (darn).

I'm surprised to hear that the mega minor has a relatively low degree of radiant heat. Good thing I'm not working on another torch, I'd be toast!

Ok, I'll try and find that patience that I always seem to lose and keep practicing different approaches.

Can I ask you one other question though? Where exactly is your stringer hand? How far up the flame? And how close to the melting tip of the stringer are you holding it?