[Jewelry making - Article 00027] - [Orchid] Swiss or Versa-torch

[The Mihaliak Family]

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    Hi all - I hope everyone is net yet tired of addressing the question
    of "which torch is best,"  I have read everything I can find in the
    archives. However, there are two torches that I cannot find reference
    to in the Orchid archives or anywhere other than suppliers pages.  A
    couple of people have asked whether anyone has used the Swiss torch,
    but there has been no response (no users?).  It sounds good on paper. 

    Another one that was recommended to me by the metals teaching
    assistant at Touchstone was the Smith Versa-Torch.  I know where I
    can get it, but no one has ever mentioned using it on Orchid.  Does
    that mean no one likes it for metalsmithing/jewelry creation?  I like
    the idea that it can use several tip sizes, including the Little
    Torch tips - which I hope means I could do the smallest repair work
    up to small-quantity silver casting.  Is that true? 

    As an overly analytical-type, I'm going crazy researching all of the
    torch-types and fuels.  I'm in a position right now to spend in the
    neighborhood of $500+  on the soldering tools/tanks set-up, so I
    don't need to buy the $10 propane torch from the hardware store. 

    My studio space is in our basement with no ventilation options.  So,
    I'm setting up my soldering station in the garage, next to the
    window.  In the short-term, I'll probably focus on
    sterling/copper/brass, relatively small scale, i.e., from jump rings
    to pendant-type pieces no larger than 5 inches in one dimension. 
    Someday, hopefully gold will be in my budget.and within my ability. 

    The archive has me thinking that acetylene is the dirtier fuel
    (although it has a loyal following), so I'm leaning toward an
    oxy/propane set-up. I live in a somewhat rural area, with no natural
    gas lines available. The propane was recommended to me as better for
    the garage environment, where it will be quite cold in winter. 

    Any advice on the Swiss or Versa-torch would be greatly appreciated.
    Any opinions not previously posted on the Meco Midget, Hoke, etc.
    will also be appreciated.  Thank you in advance for your further
    information!! 

Kim Mihaliak

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