[Jewelry making - Article 01335] - Re: [Orchid] Shopping for my first torch

[John Donivan]

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>     I started with a Prestolite, myself. Later, I switched to Smith
>     (Silver smith torch) which works essentially the same way-- but
>     much better, in my opinion.

    Yeah, Noel, I've never used that, but it looks like a nice torch - as
    you say, it's essentially prestolite with different name/features. In
    a more generic sense, though, to answer the question to newbies
    looking for a torch, I'll ask What is a torch? Well, it's a source of
    fire. It's hoses coming from the gas/O2 source, going through brass
    valves, and out a tip. There's a mixing chamber, but otherwise they
    are about as simple as can be. You can literally get a piece of pipe
    (don't, though), punch some holes in it to get air, and have a
    primitive torch - again, don't do it, you'll hurt yourself and
    others. The thing is, as long as you get one that covers your range
    of work, has a handle that you like and stuff, it really doesn't
    matter all that much which one you get. A mini torch is for mini work
    - if you want to make 3 oz. silver pieces it just won't work. The
    Hoke torch, or there's a similar one with a brass handle, is bigger
    but only goes SO big, and they both use oxygen. And that's why, for a
    first torch, I recommend the prestolite, as do many others. I will
    agree with Noel that the Smith looks good, and is basically the same
    torch in performance terms. It will give a good range of flame with
    varying tips, will melt and solder anything up into intermediate gold
    work, it's easy to use and maintain, it's reliable, and most of all
    it's very reasonably priced. This is, again, someone's FIRST torch.
    Your second torch is way more complicated.... 

http://www.donivanandmaggiora.com
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