[Jewelry making - Article 00742] - Re: [Orchid] Do small butane soldering torches work?

[Bryan Roesner]

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>     I'm now trying to set up my own studio space. After weighing all
>     my options, my garage looks like the best space to use. The only
>     drawback of using the garage is we have a gas water heater with an
>     open pilot light flame. For safety and insurance reasons, I can't
>     see risking an acetylene tank. 

Tracy,

    I know I'm not the first to say this, but I won't beat around the
    bush either. Jewelry making requires these things.  Propane, Butane,
    Acetylene, Hydrogen, Natural Gas, Oxygen, Compressed Air.  These are
    the things that create jewelry.  All jeweler's are Pyro's at heart.
    Heating metal to a bright glowing red does it for us and these are
    the things required to do that. Learn to use them safely.  I had a
    student catch her hair on fire b/c she and another girl where
    sharing a lit plumber's torch. 

    Now, think about this: 

    Butane is a not worth it. It's expensive and the heats not worth the
    price. 

    Hydrogen is very expensive and usually only for Plat work, high
    heat. 

    Acetylene is mid priced, the highest heat. and you can do any gold
    or silver work with the right torch tips. Down side to Acetylene is
    it's dirty and almost too hot. 

    Propane is cheap ,can be picked up a Walmart when you run out and
    can do any gold and silver work with the right torch tips. It's
    clean and more forgiving then Acetylene and Mapp b/c of the lower
    high temp. That's why it's the most used gas in jewelry making. 

    As far as Oxygen, Compressed Air, or Air: 

    Oxygen gives the most control and highest possible heat. 

    Compressed Air is cheaper because it comes from a air compressor,
    lower heat. 

    Air gives the lowest heat and much less flame control. 

    I learned the hard way.  I bought a Butane Micro torch, about 10
    years ago. I was 17 years old and couldn't wait to save up the $120
    for the "Little Torch". So instead I paid $70 for the Butane Micro.
    I still keep it as a reminder of what happens when you become
    impatient and buy the cheap tools. It will solder jump rings. :) 

    Take this advice b/c I've seen no one else give it yet. Order a Rio
    Grande tool catalog and a Otto Frei tool catalog.  Both are free. 
    Look for the torch you've been learning on, I'd bet it's in there.
    If not, you've probably been learning on a standard welding outfit. 
    
    Also check E-bay, there are always Smith "Little Torches" on there
    for $100. I bought one off there 6 mos ago for $100 with the
    disposable bottle regs. If you want a standard welding outfit, get a
    Victor or Smith, call welding shops and check places like Sam's
    Wholesale. Harbor Freight has a Victor set for $170 with Regs right
    now, but you'll need to get different tips from a welding shop. El
    Cheapo wielding sets are good for about 1 year before something
    quits working and cost about $100 plus shipping. 

    Just look around, but don't make the same mistake I made and waste
    your money on the wrong equipment. All you'll get is headaches. 

Bryan

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