[Jewelry making - Article 00064] - Re: [Orchid] Using MAPP gas for silver work?

[Len and Judy Bjorkman]

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>     Because of my article on torches in Art Jewelry, I have just
>     received an inquiry about using MAPP gas for silver work. Is there
>     any reason it would not be OK? I've used it for glass, but never
>     metal. An expensive way to go, but should be plenty hot. Has anyone
>     had experience with it as a metalworking fuel? 

    Noel, I have used Mapp gas for years, mostly on the base metal I use
    in making jewelry. I use the smaller tanks available in hardware
    stores, which cost only a few dollars more than the similar-size
    propane tanks. I understand that Mapp gas burns a little hotter than
    propane (which is desirable for me because I make larger pieces of
    jewelry and my solder melts at higher temperatures than most silver
    solders). But I've not noticed much difference among using propane,
    Mapp gas, or air-acetylene. 

    Obviously, the size of the flame makes a difference. Years ago, I
    acquired a screw-on torch head with a small orifice for my Mapp gas
    tanks, so I can use a small flame, more suitable for soldering.
    Unfortunately, these are no longer available (to my knowledge --
    Sears Craftsman made them originally). 

    On the rare occasions I work with silver, Mapp gas is fine. I just
    have to be very careful not to melt the silver because I am used to
    working with metals that have higher melting points. But that's not
    the fault of the Mapp gas! 

Judy Bjorkman
Owego, NY
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