[Jewelry making - Article 00026] - Re: [Orchid] Cutting bezels easy way

[Noel Yovovich]

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>     Ah hah, Helen. I was not aware that you were using a butane
>     torch... 

    For the sake of my students and readers, as I think I mentioned
    before, I have been using a butane torch, exploring what it can and
    cannot do. 

    I found, recently, that I could complete a heavy band ring with a
    tube setting, using just my little $25 Home Depot model. 

    Now I'm making the bracelet I mentioned in the "reversible clasp"
    thread, constructing a series of 1" x 1" links-- 22g sterling
    backing with 3mm x.75mm bezel. I soldered the first two or three
    just fine with the butane torch. Then, on the next one, the solder
    began to flow, then just stopped. More flux didn't help. Nothing I
    could think of to do with that butane torch would budge the solder
    any further. I turned on my Meco Midget, and, boy, what a relief!
    Even the smallest tip puts out more heat than the butane. 

    From this, I conclude that (to quote one of my favorite movies,
    Moonstruck) the butane hand-helds "are fine, as long as nothing goes
    wrong. And something always goes wrong." (Vincent Gardinia, talking
    about copper pipe) 

    If I had no choice but to use a hand-held, I would have a second one
    on hand. It would maybe be a little tricky, soldering with two of
    these at once, but it would get you out of a dilemma such as I found
    myself in. 

    I've grown to like my little butane torch. Its fluffy flame is great
    for some jobs, and it is nice not to have to turn two tanks on and
    off. A second one would overcome some of its limitations (if I
    didn't have the Meco, as well as a Smith, right there...) 

Noel
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