Torches for metal-smithing?

topic posted Sat, July 26, 2008 - 10:49 AM by 
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I'm wondering what kind of torch you use, and how you like it?

I'm hoping to set up a torch in my small home-studio, and would prefer the type that connects to a larger vs. smaller fuel source. I'll be working mostly with silver.

What other tools are "must haves" in your book?

Any input and / or suggestions are very much appreciated!

Cheers,

~eyefleye~
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  • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

    Sat, July 26, 2008 - 11:52 AM
    I swear by Victor torches.One set has served me well for 30 years,welding cutting,brazing,and small forging.
    They may be a bit more initially but they are made better in my opinion than say Smith or Harris ,and replacement parts are always available.
    If you're just wanting a mini-torch for tiny silver soldering,that's another animal entirely.
    A jeweler would be better able to recommend for that...
    Fire extinguishers are a must,within easy reach...
    • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

      Tue, July 29, 2008 - 7:51 PM
      Thanks Stephen,

      I'm just starting to research these, and there's no big rush as my studio is far from finished. I really appreciate your input, and will check into these brands.

      How's life?

      Cheers,

      eyefleye
      • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

        Tue, July 29, 2008 - 8:18 PM
        I am good thank you,
        and making my way through fabricating 250 medallions for my number one patron to take to Burning Man.
        I've had every conceivable ridiculous delay over the past few months but now working in earnest to deliver these on time.
        It is a heart shaped medallion in stainless steel with the burning Man symbol laser cut out of one side. There is a RED GLASS BEAD welded INSIDE the pendant and the back of the bezel is cut away so the light can shine through and light up the man.
        My client likes to surprise everyone ,so I shan't be showing these online till there in his possession.
        I've promised him magic and so now I'm trying to make good on my claim...
        • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

          Thu, July 31, 2008 - 6:07 PM
          Oh my, those sound absolutely amazing!!! I'm thinkin' that I'm really really hoping to run into your #1 patron on the playa and make a favorable enough impression ...

          Good luck with your task - I'm sure everything will turn out as intended.....

          Is there any chance that you will be making it to the burn this year? If you do, let me know - I'll do a swing-by to visit! :-)
  • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

    Wed, July 30, 2008 - 12:37 PM
    I've used both the Victor and Meco Midget torches. We gave up on the Midget just because it was confusing having two types of torches and the Victors are very hard to abuse. The ones i've used have a tendency to drift slowly to a more oxidizing flame, so you always have to adjust it, but overall they work well. I know people that swear by the Midget and it seems like a decent torch. I like both because they can handle different gasses. We currently use oxy-natural gas with the natural gas coming from a line to the lab. This means that we only have to replace oxygen cylanders.
    • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

      Thu, July 31, 2008 - 6:11 PM
      Hello Iansane,

      Thanks for that information. I like the idea of only having to replace oxygen cylinders. I'll have to look into how that works. I do have natural gas lines in my house, and it would be fairly easy to tap into those from my basement studio, if that's how it works....

      As I"m just getting started with this (however I suspect I will flourish and thrive and grow with it), I am hoping to set it up so that it's not too complicated for a fairly newbie, but substantial enough to grow into and not grow out of too fast.

      Cheers!
      • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

        Thu, July 31, 2008 - 7:54 PM
        Dear Eyeflye,
        Sadly the desert completely creeps me out.
        I'm an Ocean person with salt water in my veins.
        If I even get out of the range of the SMELL of the Ocean I start to desiccate.(not a pretty sight). That, plus the prospect of shlebbing my EXPENSIVE artworks to one of the most inhospitable environments on The Goddesses Green Earth ,and exposing my "babies" to 40,ooo wackos who just wanna get sideways,is not an enticing prospect. To tell the truth of it ,my work is what floats my boat at this particular juncture of my life. My 30 something housemates ALL go to Burning Parts so it's the ONE TIME OF THE YEAR where there is some peace and quiet around here. The Burn is always on my birthday week so the Universe gifts me each year with the opportunity to NOT hear Hip Hop til 3 AM,have my personal space polluted by plumes of dope smoke (which is toxic to me),have to 86 hanger ons that camp on the property,and fight for the washer...LOL
        I hope you DO find my client.
        He is a Prince in every regard...
        • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

          Fri, August 1, 2008 - 10:44 AM
          Stephen,

          I can so understand your sentiment and desire for space and water. I'm just sorry the desert creeps you out. I too am very much a water person, but have learned to really love the solstice I have found in the dead of the desert too!

          To me there's so much more than the partying drugged out delinquents; but I'm sure you hear this often, and no one should try to change your mind anyway.

          Your birthday coming up then; may I ask which date?

          Hugs to you!
      • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

        Fri, August 1, 2008 - 12:38 PM
        you might also look at the Hoke natural gas/oxy torch. They are pretty cheap, but still work well.
        • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

          Fri, August 1, 2008 - 3:48 PM
          These are great suggestions all Eyefleye,
          What talented and knowledgeable folks in this tribe!

          I'm a double Virgo born on Aug 27th,sort of on the cusp.
          Most folks take me for a Leo.
          And about the Burn,I think it's probably exactly as you say ,TOO many people have been WAY TOO FORCEFUL in their efforts to persuade me to go...
          Had I discovered that little event on my own,I might indeed be into it.
          I have a secret spot North of Jenner,a secluded beach,hard to get down to,off the beaten path,protected from the wind,where it's just me swimmin nekked with the seals and collecting special stones...That's my little part of Heaven.
          And that's where I'll be for my birthday,Goddess Willing.
          • Re: Torches for metal-smithing?

            Fri, August 1, 2008 - 8:07 PM
            "just me swimmin nekked with the seals and collecting special stones"

            Now THAT sounds exactly like the perfect way to spend your birthday!!! Makes me wish that my birthday was during warmer weather, but alas it's not. (February - very Aquarius) :-)

            Double yay for that!

            Hugs,

            eyefleye

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