Buying Guide
The Best Jeweler’s Torches Of 2023: Our Reviews Of Top Soldering Tools
9 Minute Read
The best jeweler's torches will help you tackle all sorts of fabrication projects handily and precisely. However, as there are lots of options it's important to know exactly what you need. In this guide we've outlined the factors you need to take into account when buying a jeweler's torch such as your budget, your current needs, and the type of gas, to name a few.
Plus, our team has chosen and reviewed the best jeweler's torches on the market so you don't have to. We picked top-notch jeweler's torches suitable for most jewelry makers and outlined all the key things you need to know to figure out which is the best choice for your own work.
So, read on and see our top picks!
Comparison Charts
Budget
Number of Tips
4 tips
Gas Choice
Oxygen & Acetylene
Budget
Number of Tips
5 Tips
Gas Choice
acetylene, propylene, Mapp, hydrogen, propane, or even natural gas
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The Best Jeweler's Torches: Our 2020 Reviews
"Although one of the most affordable pro jeweler's torches out there, it lives up to our expectations"
The Original Hoke Torch Oxy-Natural Gas is an affordable jeweler's torch that professional jewelry makers reach for in their daily work time and time again. Although one of the most affordable pro jeweler's torches out there, it lives up to our expectations and provides smooth performance far beyond what you'd think for the price. So, if you're a jeweler on a tight budget, this jeweler's torch is definitely your perfect match!
Pros:
The Original Hoke Torch Oxy-Natural Gas is adept at managing different tasks. You can use it for precision fabrication, finishing, soldering, and brazing-pretty much everything you need to handle. It's more versatile than other budget options.
"one of the most affordable jeweler's torches on the market"
At the same time, it's much better than a one-size-fits-all solution. You can adjust it to suit each task. The Hoke allows you to select the flame size you need (from large bush all the way up to pinpoint), thanks to the fingertip controls as well as the selection of tips provided.
When it comes to its build, this torch is made of solid brass stock and the seamless brass tubing is nickel-plated. That's much better than other budget models on the market these days.
This jeweler's torch is one of the most affordable pro jeweler's torches on the market. It usually costs around $60, and it's our go-to recommendation for any jewelry artist on a budget. This is the least you can pay for something that's actually prepared for the job.
Cons:
The Original Hoke Torch Oxy-Natural Gas comes with three tips, which is a decent range but which may not be enough for absolutely everything. Tips are designed for the particular applications in which they ought to be use (there are different tips for heating, cutting, melting or gouging) and of course pros will want more. If you'd like to have a greater selection, we'd recommend the Smith Little Torch.
The valves can wear out faster than on Smith torches. That's an expected downside of a budget tool. Still, the Hoke is more resilient than anything else in its price bracket.
"you get value and quality that matches those of even more expensive jeweler's troches"
The Smith Little Torch is a very well-made torch that we suggest to jewelry makers looking to get the best value for money. For approximately $140, you get versatility and quality that matches those of even more expensive jeweler's torches. The Smith Little Torch is rugged, it's very easy to set up, and using it is a pleasure.
Pros:
Due to its clever design and diminutive footprint, the Smith Little Torch can be used in areas not easily accessible with other conventional torches. And considering all the shapes and patterns you come across when working on fabrication as well as repair projects, this is definitely one of its best features.
"can be used in areas not easily accessible with other conventional torches"
Another feature which we absolutely appreciate about the Smith Little Torch is its lightweight design - it weighs only 1.5 ounces. It's extremely ergonomic.
This jeweler's torch is one of the most configurable ones out there. It can be used with different fuels such as acetylene, propylene, Mapp, hydrogen, propane, or even natural gas. Others can be used only with acetylene.
It also has a very powerful flame (up to 6000 degrees °F) for a compact tool, and although the Original Hoke Torch Oxy-Natural Gas above allows you to choose the flame you need it's nowhere near as powerful as the Smith Little Torch. The stable flame of this jeweler's torch has the capacity to melt practically anything, and to do so accurately.
Cons:
You may find that the flame is a bit difficult to control at first. It's a small little control mechanism, and it can take time to get used to it.
The side valve on this one has also been known to leak occasionally. It's a quality control issue, so just check yours before the exchange window closes.
"one of the best high-quality jeweler's torches currently on the market"
We think the Smith 239-193 Outfit Silver Smith Handi-Torch is the best high-end jeweler's torch currently on the market. It's great for any general jewelry work, but we especially recommend it for soldering and light brazing. The precision and build quality here are impossible to argue with.
Pros:
The Smith 239-193 Outfit Silver Smith Handi-Torch is very easy to use. The precision of its flame is unmatched for all kinds of fabrication and repair projects. While the Smith Little Torch has a flame that's a bit trickier to figure out how to control, this one allows you to do your work quickly and easily right off the bat. It's exactly what you want from a high-end tool.
This jeweler's torch is of very impeccable quality. It has a handle made of nickel-plated brass which makes it sturdy as well as durable; and the synthetic sapphire orifices ensure strong flame control. Plus, they can be replaced with ease if necessary, so it's a great long-term investment.
"The precision of its flame is unmatched"
The Smith 239-193 Outfit Silver Smith Handi-Torch is extra safe. Its manufacturers have gone to great lengths to add heavy industrial regulators as an extra security measure.
This torch is especially great for jewelry artists working with silver. As you're able to adjust the flame whichever way you please, you can pay extra attention to not not melt your tiny silver components and make sure the flame doesn't interfere with your jewelry work.
Cons:
The Smith 239-193 Outfit Silver Smith Handi-Torch is the most expensive torch on our list - it costs around $230.
You may also need to purchase additional tips for your jewelry work, as this one comes with the smallest one only, although that's also the tip most commonly used in jewelry making.
Conclusion
Finally, how to choose the jeweler's torch that fits your requirements best?
For starters, if you're on a tight budget and looking for an affordable torch that covers all the basics, we'd suggest purchasing the Original Hoke Torch Oxy-Natural Gas. Not only is it very reasonably-priced but it's very practical too, plus, it comes with three tips. You can adjust the flame as needed as well.
If you're searching for a jeweler's torch that offers the best value, consider the Smith Little Torch. It has a lightweight design, a powerful flame, and can be used with different fuels. It may be pricier than the Original Hoke Torch Oxy-Natural Gas, for example, but it's definitely a worthwhile investment. It comes with more tips, you can use it with different fuels and its lightweight design makes using it a piece of cake.
If you're on the lookout for the best possible tool and you aren't fussed about the cost, you should definitely look into the Smith 239-193 Outfit Silver Smith Handi-Torch. It's well-built, it has a nickel-plated brass handle, heavy industrial regulators, as well as synthetic sapphire orifices - all of them quality materials that will make sure this torch serves you well in years to come. If you're looking for a sturdy torch that will serve you well for ages, then this one is ideal for you.
How To Choose the Best Jeweler's Torch
Decide on Your Budget
Nowadays the market is so vast that there's a jewelry torch for any budget. This doesn't mean you should opt for the cheapest torch though, as it will likely have significant drawbacks. However, it doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune to find a high-quality one either.
"the market is so vast that there's a jewelry torch for any budget"
That's why we reviewed torches that are both affordable and of great quality. If you're really not in a position to pay more, we'd advise you to check out the Original Hoke Torch Oxy-Natural Gas.
However, if you really want to invest in a tool that you're going to use in the years to come, and you want top-notch features, then opting for a more expensive one will pay off in the long-run. If you can afford a more costly jeweler's torch, we'd go with the Smith 239-193 Outfit Silver Smith Handi-Torch.
Number of Tips
The tips that come with the jeweler's torch (or don't come, for that matter) can be a deciding factor when purchasing a tool such as this one. Since the tips you'll need depend on the type of jewelry work you engage in, it's good to know what you're planning on using the torch for and what tips are suitable for it.
"the tips you'll need depend on the type of jewelry work you engage in"
Namely, if you're into basic jewelry work, then the 00 tip would be enough. However, if you're working on larger projects and using a variety of materials in your jewelry creation, you'll definitely need tip 1 and 2 at some point.
So, if you decide to purchase the Original Hoke Torch Oxy-Natural Gas, you'll get the tool and three tips. However, if you opt for the Smith 239-193 Outfit Silver Smith Handi-Torch, you'll get just the basic one (the 00 tip), in which case you'll probably have to purchase additional ones.
Gas Choice
The gas choice may not be your primary concern when considering which jeweler's torch to buy, however, it's still a very significant aspect. Some torches are less flexible, and can only be used with certain types of gas, whereas others are much more adjustable.
"may not be your primary concern when considering which jeweler's torch to buy, however, it's still a very significant aspect"
Namely, if you consider the Smith Little Torch, you'll see that it can be used with a variety of fuels such as Mapp, hydrogen, propane, natural gas, acetylene, or propylene without any problem. This is a big plus, as it offers you flexibility to choose the type of gas you want and can afford while getting the work done.
A: The different types of flames are: reducing flame, neutral flame, oxidizing flame.
A: Jewelers use acetylene, propane and natural gas, hydrogen, butane, and MAPP (1). They're very frequently combined with oxygen to produce an even stronger flame.
A: Some precautions that should be taken when using a cutting torch are the following:
- Use shaded face shield (to prevent eye fatigue);
- Check your pockets and dump all lighters, matches, and flammable items;
- Make sure the gas bottles are upright, and secure the cylinder caps (when not in use);
- Wear flame retardant welder jacket/welding gloves;
- Remove all accessories that conduct heat or could become entangled in the equipment (2).
What's Next?
We hope you found our reviews of the best jeweler's torches informative and you now feel ready to choose the jeweler's torch suitable for you.
And in case you'd like to read more on the subject or if there's anything else you're keen to know, let us know in the comments below. We'd love to help you out!
Also, is there any other jeweler's torch you'd like to see on our list? What's your first choice?
In the meantime, make sure you don't miss our other guides on more jewelry-making tools!
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