neural
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2019
Posts: 114
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Post by neural on May 30, 2020 22:35:55 GMT -5
I'm looking for a short term solution for soldering silver and/or brass. I say "short term" because I have a Smith's propane/oxy torch that I will get to using later when I can afford the oxy and a new propane tank for it. I have one of the hand held Bernzomatic type torches which works, but I have some questions in that regard: 1) What are the limitations of a small torch like that? Is it going to work for simple things such as rings and bezels? 2) is the fuel type going to interact differently with silver than what I'm used to with propane/oxy? Also, because I might as well ask, as my memory is annoying at best: I am looking to work in a 2 car garage size area which has an openable window that I can use for ventilation. If my work area is right under that window, can I forego creating a ducted fan system and just put a small fan in the window in order to deal with fumes? (by "ducted" I am referring to a 6" metal pipe & hose that I used to have set up which had it's opening right above my soldering work area). thanks
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Post by Pat on May 30, 2020 23:07:19 GMT -5
I suggest a small butane torch. Bed, Bath, and Beyond sells a good butane torch for creme brûlée. Comes with recipes and sometimes little cups for the dessert. Works well on bezels and rings—- generally anything about the size of a quarter. I think my favorite is by Blazer. It has one knob.
Creme brûlée torch is a little bigger than the mini torches. Propane torches work faster than the butane torches. We use the propane Benzomatic from Home Depot for larger pieces. They both have a place in my workshop.
Do not get the small butane torch from Harbor Freight. Bad.
Good luck.
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Post by Pat on May 30, 2020 23:10:38 GMT -5
We work in our shed. Has one window and a double door, as well as a ceiling fan used on hot days, but we turn it off when soldering. We’ve never had the sealed 6” duct you described. Sounds nice.
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neural
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2019
Posts: 114
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Post by neural on May 30, 2020 23:32:01 GMT -5
The duct fan and ducting were items I got years ago at Lowes when I lived in Virginia. Works really well, but the fan is made for bathroom vents and such, so it needs to be hard-wired to a switch and power source. I found the torch you were referring to. I think we have one similar to that here. I will run some tests with it. Thank you
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Post by hummingbirdstones on May 31, 2020 10:11:12 GMT -5
neural, the butane torches will work on the small stuff. The Bernzomatic will also work, but will heat up larger items better than the butane will. Just open the window and put a fan in there so it pulls the fumes out. Crack the door or something so you have some fresh air coming in. The type of fuel you use will not affect the metals but the different fuels do burn at different temperatures and you'll need to be aware of that just so you don't melt stuff.
I'm keeping my eye out for a used oxy generator so I don't have to use oxy bottles.
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