Noah
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2003
Posts: 102
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Post by Noah on Dec 8, 2003 13:23:39 GMT -5
Since I got my pencil torch i've played with it for a few days and its pretty nice if you don't need to burn the flame at large length...it seems to last for a few hours before it needs a refill, but it definately makes a nice field tool.
-Noah-
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Post by Noosh9057 on Dec 8, 2003 15:19:40 GMT -5
Well what do you use a pencil torch for? Is this some kind of hardner tester?
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Post by docone31 on Dec 8, 2003 18:37:27 GMT -5
A pencil torch and other fine flame torches is used for soldering fine pieces. Too much flame and the piece can either melt, distort, or lose fine detail. A smaller more precise flame for small work is needed. I have a Smith mini-torch, but I prefer propane torches with most work. It is all about btu's, firescale, and heat control.
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Post by Noosh9057 on Dec 8, 2003 19:00:20 GMT -5
Well thanks I was off. Well I know now.
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Post by docone31 on Dec 8, 2003 22:29:44 GMT -5
The only foolish question is the one not asked and acted upon. Looking back, there were a lot of "stupid" questions I should have asked. My pride kept me making scrap and getting discouraged instead of art. One thing I use pencil torches for with great success is putting my stones on metal dops. When I facet, I have to transfer my stone to a second dop. The alignment is critical. With meet-point faceting, the planes must meet at the girdle. I take some dop wax, place it into the second dop. I then take the stone assembly and set it into the second dop. With a pencil torch I can heat the stone, dop, and keep it aligned. A propane torch can discolour the stone, an alcohol lamp which is reccomended, I have had the stone misalign. I use a tumbler to polish the stones to be faceted so I can see the planes, fractures, and get a rough idea of the type of faceting I will do. Keep asking questions, if someone doesn't know it here, someone will probably look it up. We all started at the beginning once, I did it twice. The second time I asked questions.
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Post by Noosh9057 on Dec 8, 2003 22:54:41 GMT -5
Yes you are so right. If you dont ask you will never know!!!!
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Noah
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2003
Posts: 102
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Post by Noah on Dec 9, 2003 0:30:34 GMT -5
Yeah, I plan on using the pencil torch for shows so I don't have to lug along the heavy ass propane tanks.
-Noah-
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Post by docone31 on Dec 9, 2003 9:02:47 GMT -5
Noah, try the bernzomatic mini-torch. It uses a remote screw on propane or mapp tank. It is very light weight, flame controllable, and effective. Walmart sells a two tank package for 1.89$ ea., and a tank lasts me a week easily. It runs out of usefulness for me when I have built a complete ring and I am hard soldering a big piece on to it. At this point, I use the bernzomatic pencil torch head. I bought the torch for 48.95$, and the pencil torch with tank for 14.00$ My Smith mini-torch is still sitting in the box I packed it in when my wife and I left Portland Or. I like it simple. I also do my casting with my pencil torch. Just hold it upside down when melting silver or gold. I also use a potatoe for steam casting. It attracts a lot of attention at shows, and folks buy because they have never seen it done, let alone that way. I can melt up to four ounces of sterling with the pencil torch. I have found it is cleaner than two gas mix.
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Noah
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2003
Posts: 102
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Post by Noah on Dec 9, 2003 13:37:27 GMT -5
Quite interesting Doc whats the temps on the torch...just curious...I'm sure it'll beat the pencil torch, but I'm wondering if I might be able to use that type of mini torch to do cast molding for when I make my own chain mail links out of 10gauge Iron. Its just not very pliable without heating it up. I make the Chainmail Links for people in my area...theres like 10 guys who make chainmail vests and jewelry I just make the links I don't have the patience to interlink all the rings and do the designs... ;D Anyway I'll check that out Doc thanks for the info =) -Noah-
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Post by docone31 on Dec 9, 2003 14:34:58 GMT -5
The mini torch will not do anything but small casting. I use a propane torch for casting ring size pieces. Propane is good for 4300 degrees. Hard silver solder melts at 1530, and flows at 1575. Use borax soap for flux, it works perfectly. For spot soldering, mix borax with 90% alcohol to make a paste. It works wonders. good luck.
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Noah
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2003
Posts: 102
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Post by Noah on Dec 9, 2003 14:51:09 GMT -5
Cool very cool looks like I'm makin a trip to walmart this afternoon ;D
-Noah-
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Noah
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2003
Posts: 102
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Post by Noah on Dec 10, 2003 3:34:59 GMT -5
Just a question anyone ever use Flux Gelly...they make it for various types of metals it comes in a seringe. It says that it will create melting reaction for specific types of metals at less than 600 degrees...some even states 350...wondering if this is bullshit or you think it will actually work...or if you have used it...does it work...and how well....seems too good to be true...and I wanna know why walmart doesn't sell borax soap!.....anyway...thanks in advance...
-Noah-
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Post by docone31 on Dec 16, 2003 19:43:24 GMT -5
Noah, I would be reluctant to use any solders that use lead or tin. If not for the health impact, real or imagined, it ruins the silver or gold. Walmart down here has 20 Mule team borax laundry soap. That is what you are looking for. It is in a green box with an hokey cartoon of the old mule team. I use borax powder on a joint that is giving me trouble, or mixed with alcohol to a paste to spot flux. I also mix in a bottle of alcohol just to the point where if I do not shake it, a little sediment falls out. With that I put the whole piece in and fire it off. It will burn green and leave a white residue on the entire ring to be soldered. Cleans off in pickle. You cannot reduce the melt or flow of solder without changing the alloy. Matching colour is also important. I use only hard solder with my gold or silver creations. The colour is the same. I use easy flo for soldering gold filled. Too much heat and the gold filled turns permanent red.
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Noah
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2003
Posts: 102
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Post by Noah on Dec 17, 2003 12:43:07 GMT -5
I figured that stuff was junk, and too good to be true. I did find the borax at a local convenience store.
Thanks Doc!
-Noah-
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