[Jewelry making - Article 01073] - [Orchid] Answers to recently asked torch questions

[jake]

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    I have not been following the list lately, long story. I have seen
    the same torch questions again come up on the list lately. I know
    this might be getting old to some members, but to those new to the
    list they would not know about this. The archives are good, but only
    if one knows the right questions to ask. They have the same
    questions I once did. One of the major problems has to do with gas
    restrictions. 

    First there are other solutions also, see below. As to gas
    restrictions, as far as I know the one pound (throwaway) propane can
    is legal and not restricted for use or storage (two in total) in any
    residence in any state, county, district, or city in the US.
    (Actually this weighs 14.1 oz. with propane, 16 for mapp, several
    ounces going to the container) It meets the national fire code as
    has been adopted in all 50 states. A rental lease might preclude it;
    this is a private arrangement. Even then with camping gear and hobby
    equipment etc. this is almost universally allowed. 

    Now what if I told you that you could get a torch that operates off
    of the throwaway can that you can alloy gold and silver with. It is
    especial good at fine detail work such as filigree and you can
    re-tip prongs as well as cast. This torch was designed for and is in
    use by professional jewelers. As for silver work (I got one for that
    reason) it works nicely. This torch was designed from the start to
    operate off of LP gas (propane etc.). This is important, as converted
    acetylene rigs (such as Smith or Goss) are not, they have tips
    allowing them to burn propane and operate at low pressure, the same
    as their acetylene models, and take a serious performance hit. (This
    is also why if you connect this torch to a canister you need a 0-60
    PSI regulator; a Smith regulator is preset to 8-10 PSI, not enough).
    I had wondered what kind of acetylene torches my club uses. Those
    are not exactly the same as anything I had seen in catalogs. So one
    day while changing tips I took a real good look, in very small
    lettering was Smith, although obviously a rather old model. In use I
    would say they are in the main about the same as per result and ease
    for typical construction. Work a bit different. I could not say one
    is better than the other on this, having used both. The Smith can
    melt more, more total output with the largest tips; this can do
    things it can't. See: The Precision LP Gas Torch. 

    http://www.apecs.com.au/guild/lpgas.htm 

    Other: Natural gas is an option. A high school in North Ogden has a
    night class; all of their torches are natural gas only. I have no
    comment on this, not having used one. One guy on another list
    mentioned that he got a hold of a used oxygen generator for $100
    (stole, might be a better description) and has it hooked to his
    Little Torch using a can of propane. I will mention the Smith Little
    Torch with a throwaway oxygen can, be aware that those cans are
    about $10 each, I think it was said that the maximum time is 23
    minutes, just something to be aware of. For a hotter flame that
    oxygen can empties much faster. I can not see it for use on silver,
    it will add up very quickly, if working with gold that makes a little
    more sense. Another solution is to have or store the tank(s) outside,
    if you have an apartment, that is not an option. Large propane tanks
    are usually illegal in residences, as the problem of gas pooling is
    dangerous. This is avoided with the throwaway can due to lack of
    volume; caution still needs to be used. Insurance where acetylene is
    allowed can also be a downer. 

    A water torch is not the best for use on silver (besides being
    expensive), a Little Torch or other oxygen/gas torch is also
    lacking. Those however can and are used. There is a reason why
    air/acetylene is preferred on silver. I would add the LP torch to
    that list, although it is a bench torch. See, Advantage of
    air/acetylene: http://users.lmi.net/drewid/PWR_gasses.html 

    As you can see if you ask what the best torch is, first you must ask
    for what. What is it to be used for? Every type has a niche at which
    it is best. Then there are personal preferences. Among silversmiths,
    the Smith air/acetylene has a very large following, while others
    prefer Prestolite. For gold you see the same thing. I like my torch
    for its range and versatility. The LP gas torch definitely solved my
    gas restriction problem. My preferences should never influence a
    decision; this should carefully considered as to needs and use. 

    Since many persons will want an air/acetylene torch I will give the
    links for the best prices (I know of) for a Smith and a Prestolite.
    Get a kit with all the tips that (any) torch comes with, you will
    save in the long run. Not needing a torch I have not kept up on who
    has the best deal now. Only so much for the almost no inflation
    bunk. Still shop around, it pays. This applies to any torch as well. 

    Smith
    http://www.jandrweldingsupply.com/store/Smith/SmithHandiHeet.html
    (Also see the Smith Site http://www.smithequipment.com you may want
    to check locally.) 

    Prestolite 
    http://www.jsritter.com Product 14.235
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