[Jewelry making - Article 00036] - Re: [Orchid] Mouth Blow Torches

[richard hart]

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>     I was wondering if you could help me, I am a jeweller in the U.K
>     about to set up a workshop and looking for some advice. I have a
>     mouth blow torch (the sort you blow into to get intense heat) I am
>     thinking of using this type of torch with bottled gas, do you
>     think this is possible? 

    Yes it is. I have a torch with air supplied by my breath, and I use
    either disposable propane tanks, or the 5 gallon tank used for
    outdoor barbecue grill. 

    I am assuming you have experience with this type of torch. If
    not...there are very select types of situations where this type of
    torch is beneficial. I would not use this for jewelry repair work.
    This torch is best for fabrication. 

    With a mouth blow torch, you have control that you do not have with
    any other torch, when you get close to the temp to melt the solder,
    you can control the pressure of the oxygen, and slow the rate at which
    the temp rises. You can reduce the pressure, and hold the temp at a
    certain place where the whole piece will become cherry red, the
    solder flows, yet not melt your elements. 

    This is important when you are soldering small wires to larger
    pieces,. and this is particularly useful with sterling, as you must
    get the whole piece up to the temp where the solder will flow at the
    place where you are trying to attach a thinner piece to a heavier
    piece.I have less problems with solder flowing from previous joints,
    even if I use the same solder for multiple joints close together. 

    This type of torch is excellent for fusing metal, and fusing high
    karat gold to sterling for doublee. This torch has a broad bushy
    flame, so you have to learn how to use the edge of the circle the
    flame produces to do the work, as the center will heat to hot, and
    you will ruin your work.. 

    It takes a bit of getting used to to coordinate holding air in your
    cheeks and using this air to breathe out, while inhaling though your
    nose to replenish your lungs. You also must fiqure out what to do
    with saliva while you are holding the mouthpiece in your lips. It
    helps if you do not tilt your head down, sending the saliva down the
    hose. If out of anxiousness, you tend to hold your breath while you
    solder, you will have trouble using this type if torch. 

Richard Hart
 
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