[Jewelry making - Article 00245] - Re: [Orchid] Little Torch vs. Meco Midget

[Thackeray Taylor]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

Dear All,

    First I want to say I have great respect for all of your opinions and
    your experiences, it means a lot to me when this group offers its
    expertise and critiques. However, while I agree the Little Torch does
    have some limitations I can see there are a few opportunities to
    clarify just a little regarding the Little Torch. 

    Alan had stated 

>     The very small size of the tips along with the use of
>     Oxygen/acetylene limits this torch to very small work; chain
>     repair, retipping and small gold fabrication. It is fine for that
>     size of soldering operation." 

    You may not be aware -- and others may not be either -- that the
    torch has various tips that range in orifice and flame size, please
    see below. Also there is a very informative chart on page 390 in our
    tools catalog, it describes tip size and the flame size for each
    tip. We also have rosebud tips available for acetylene or propane
    for melting up to 3 ounces of silver or gold or these can also be
    used to anneal large forms such as hollowware. 

    #2.006 less than 1"
    #3.011 up to 2"
    #4.020 up to 7"
    #5.029 up to 6.5"
    #6.037 up to 7"
    #7.047 up to 7"

    Also stated 

>     The Little Torch's flame works best in oxidizing mode, which makes
>     it impossible to heat things slowly with a reducing flame, as often
>     desired. The only way to heat a large object is from a distance
>     with a flame that is really too hot." 

    That hasn't been my experience. I teach classes at Rio using oxygen
    and propane, as well as various jewelry shows using disposable
    propane and oxygen tanks, all the time routinely creating reducing
    flames, neutral flames and oxidizing flames. I feel this is a very
    important part of any soldering curriculum. 

>     I wonder how people are going to learn to make jewelry if they are
>     limited to the Little Torch's small oxidizing flame. It is
>     certainly less than ideal for silver jewelry. 

    I have personally used this torch for many silversmithing
    applications including melting several ounces of silver. Some of my
    work included hard soldering western style belt buckles, hard
    soldering heavy cuff bracelets, each weighing several ounces. And
    I've never had a problem using either acetylene or propane as a fuel
    source. Not enough heat? Bump up to a larger tip. Too much heat?
    Back off or use a smaller tip. 

    Please understand that I have no problem with anyone's preference
    for the Meco Midget, or any other torch. I have a Meco as well as an
    acetylene air system, and I like them for some applications. Yes I
    am a tool junky! But after using these torches extensively, my
    preference is actually for the Little Torch, because of its light
    weight and flexible hoses, as well as easy to adjust torch handle.
    Everyone has a different learning curve and different preferences,
    they key is to be able go with what works for you. I guess that's
    what makes the jewelry world so unique, different strokes for
    different folks. 

Respectfully yours,

Thackeray Taylor
Rio Grande Technical Support
800-545-6566
505-839-3000 ex 13903
technicalsupport AT tbg.riogrande.com
____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________