[Jewelry making - Article 01267] - Re: [Orchid] Soldering with Propane torch in the house

[jake]

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    I know this is late, but I have not paid any attention to this list
    (and most every other) for a while. I am tiered of the same reply,
    but understand what kind of a problem this is for some, please
    contact the agents/dealer for more questions. 

    You can get a torch that will run off of a disposable propane can
    that is not only suitable for casting, but is hot enough to alloy
    gold or silver, and is good for both fine work and general
    selversmithing (construction, including belt buckles). This is a
    very nice product, in my opinion, I have no financial (or other)
    interests in the product/company etc. I do not know how long a 1-lb.
    can lasts, but it is a very long time. (Ain't cheap, thanks to the
    record low dollar.) See agents 

    http://www.planert-jewellery.com.au/precision_lp_gas_torch.htm 

    You will want all three tips, and need a 0-60 psi regulator. Due to
    government regulations (US) the manufacturer will not ship directly.
    (So much for "free trade" as China has no such barrier, i.e. the US
    wants insurance as if this were a canister of gas, as in acetylene
    etc., prohibitively expensive. Mine was shipped from Germany, but
    "free trade" or is it Wally's world policy kicked in. Can be shipped
    from Australia, our government is not mad at them, yet.) 

    Student or other in need of something less than $100, that is
    decent? See shark torch, Otto Frie is selling the EZ torch (same
    thing) for $89. 

    This is not all that bad, although it is not in the liege as the
    above, and has limitations. This is the low down on this (Did think
    of getting one a long way back, found someone who used it in a class
    they taught (insurance problem with acetylene.) 

    Do small butane soldering torches work?
    http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive/200501/msg00594.htm

    Question, Edited: 

        I hope this is not a bother, but as you have no financial
        interest in the matter, i.e. do not sell the item, I hope you may
        give me an honest answer. I saw your Orchid post regarding the
        Shark torch. I know you gave it a thumbs up, but I need to know,
        and this is important, what limitations this torch may have. As
        for myself, I cut rock. I also have got involved in
        silversmithing, belong to a rock club etc. What I need to know is
        if this torch can do large pendants, bracelets, and belt buckles
        and bolos. The last two, if it struggles a bit but will do it may
        be acceptable if it is not in the realm of ridiculous. 

    Reply, Unedited: 

        Honesty, no problem! The Bernzomatic is a piece of crap,
        wouldn't use it to burn down my house, let alone jewelry! The
        Shark torch comes with three tips, from quite fine for small
        stuff to large for much bigger jobs. I use a firebrick surround
        when I'm doing big jobs, which helps bounce the heat back at the
        object. Unfortunately, belt buckles and large bracelets are tough
        with most torches, and honestly, I end up using two of them when
        I do stuff that big. I can easily do bolos, and large pendants,
        but I think the heavy weight of belt buckles might be
        prohibitive. Now, if you have a Bernzomatic, you can use that in
        one hand to keep the heat up in the whole piece and use the Shark
        as the main focus for the actual soldering. It ends up being a
        bit awkward, but it certainly works, and is definitely cheaper
        than an acetylene set up. It is important to use the firebrick
        surround, keeps the heat up, otherwise you're fighting a losing
        battle. So in summary, it's not in the realm of ridiculous, by
        any stretch, just needs an extra boost of heat to speed up the
        process. In all other applications, I am quite happy with it,
        especially due to the cost and the fine point flame available. 

Hope this may help someone, or satisfy curiosity.
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