chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on May 8, 2017 8:18:51 GMT -5
I had a great Arts and Crafts Society(Lexington, Mass) that I dearly miss since I moved to Cape Cod and have not found anything similar on the Island.
I've bought a micro torch Blazer that runs on Butane. It works on some small pieces but it is very hard to get metal hot enough to solder. I dont really want a tank in my basement and don't know if there are any better alternatives.
Charlie
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Post by rockjunquie on May 8, 2017 9:09:38 GMT -5
I have a blazer, too. I looked on youtube and found a lot of videos for butane torch jewelry. I have a couple of videos that I got from Craftsy, I think, too. While you are restricted to smaller pieces, a lot can still be done.
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metalsmith
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 1,537
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Post by metalsmith on May 8, 2017 12:21:21 GMT -5
This was my first torch. It's a cracker! I still use it pretty routinely as it is quick to pick up and put down. The piezo ignition went wonky pretty quick, but I don't mind lighting it with a lighter or from a tealight. Beyond that I've made many bezel cases, a belt buckle all in sterling and in one case with a small 'igloo' to capture the heat, even melted a small amount of copper. That takes some heat.
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Post by spiceman on May 8, 2017 20:21:28 GMT -5
Don't know much about the torch but I do know Mapp gas burns hotter. Can it be made to use Mapp gas? Don't know. Sorry Just an idea.
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Post by Peruano on May 8, 2017 20:59:28 GMT -5
My small butane torch heats the nail enough very quickly to allow the superglue that I dob the stone to the nail with to release. Just a touch and the superglue bond can be popped. If I'm going to melt silver, I will probably go bigger. I also agree you don't want a tank in your basement. I have a friend who's sister was badly burned by a leaking tank in the garage.
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Post by Pat on May 8, 2017 21:04:42 GMT -5
My Blazer is my favorite minitorch. Like the on/off knob.
It can easily handle pieces up to the size of a quarter and a little bigger.
For bigger pieces I use the Creme Brûlée torch.
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icatz
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2015
Posts: 453
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Post by icatz on May 9, 2017 8:22:17 GMT -5
Everything I make.
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Post by Rockoonz on May 13, 2017 19:21:56 GMT -5
Is there a place you can put a tank outside and run a line in? The main torch I use is a basic type torch like a plumber would use with a disposable bottle, I have a hose I got with it from home depot and an adaptor to use the larger tank. There are adaptors for refilling the disposable bottles as well, that way you could keep a larger tank outside the house and just use the smaller tanks that hold about the same as the butane torch refiller can. I also have a Smiths little torch for propane/oxygen, good for quickly heating small pieces, but the cheap torch and hose will easily heat up big stuff.
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chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on May 27, 2017 14:31:00 GMT -5
Is there a place you can put a tank outside and run a line in? The main torch I use is a basic type torch like a plumber would use with a disposable bottle, I have a hose I got with it from home depot and an adaptor to use the larger tank. There are adaptors for refilling the disposable bottles as well, that way you could keep a larger tank outside the house and just use the smaller tanks that hold about the same as the butane torch refiller can. I also have a Smiths little torch for propane/oxygen, good for quickly heating small pieces, but the cheap torch and hose will easily heat up big stuff. Great idea Lee
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Post by johnjsgems on May 30, 2017 12:32:30 GMT -5
A guy that used to demonstrate silver work at shows used those little torches with low temp silver solder for jewelry repairs. I think oxy/acet. or oxy/propane small torch sets would be safe properly maintained. I used them for 30 years without issues doing HVAC work. The guy that grabbed his extra oxygen bottle to blow out a grease clogged gas vent line was sorry he did. It spontaneously combusted and set fire to the AC filter boxes in his van. A little excitement to raise the blood pressure. We carried CO2 and nitrogen but the oxy bottle was closer to the side door.
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