Torch choice

I've got the Blazer GB 2010 micro torch which runs on butane and has a max temperature of 2500º.

It's lovely for small jobs but if there is a significant amount of metal ( especially copper) it really isn't up to the job and I'm having to use the husband's plumber's torch which has the oomph to get the solder to flow but no finesse! The flame is huge, not very controllable and no good for fiddly jobs.

I clearly need to upgrade and I was looking at the propane Sievert torches but the beginners one which Cooksons tells me runs on propane only reaches 1900º. Is this going to be any better than my Blazer? They don't say how hot the pro version gets. Would it be any hotter?

I'm a bit intimidated by the Smith's Little Torch to be honest and don't have room for a lot of tanks. It's also probably out of budget at the moment but I'm significantly frustrated to consider it.

Any other suggestions please for a beginner hobbyist who has already blown her budget to smithereens?

An orca running on mapp might be a good choice. It has the advantage that you can switch it over to propane if you prefer with an adapter.

The option is to double up with a pair of handhelds (one in each hand). Making a little firebrick 'furnace' helps with this. I know Dennis has some pictures of just this setup so hopefully he'll be along to post them!

Check out Kim's guide to torches: https://youtu.be/yS1zPo0t_K8
You might like the go system she uses

I’ve always had a sievert and it meets my needs but don’t know which compared to the 2 you’ve mentioned as I’ve had it a long time

Dear Caro,
First of all, the temperature of the flame is often given, but what is really relevant is the energy output, which is related to the size of the burner (the tube the flame comes out of) and the gas mixture used.

I have not been able to find the torch you mention, but recently, due to self isolation have got myself a Cookson Max Flame pro https://www.cooksongold.com/Jeweller...rcode-999-955C, which is refillable with lighter gas, delivered with groceries from Tesco.
To my surprise it will tackle quite large pieces, although it is quite pricey in itself and in the cost of gas.

Hand held plumbers torches can be modified by adding an Ω shaped strip of copper, or brass to partially close the air hole, and as George has suggested it helps to work in an enclosed space made from bricks.

The Orca torch is an improvement on the Sievert, in that it is lighter in the hand and has a ring for adjusting the air intake Dennis.

Thank you everyone - such a confusing choice out there. This is a link to the one I have, it's great for small jobs but add a heavy backplate or any form of heat sink and it struggles.

https://www.hswalsh.com/product/blaz...ng-torch-tt385

I've also discovered that the Sievert is an awful lot cheaper from reputable building trade suppliers than it is from the jewellery suppliers - about £100 cheaper in fact ( Thanks to Andrew Berry for that tip!).

I'm going to have to make a decision, a variation of that lovely All that Glitters bangle from Hugo ( the one he got the size wrong) is in my sights as the next project and I know I'll need a lot more firepower than I have

hi Caro..
if I can jump in on this one ... I would highly recommend the Smiths little torch if you can stretch your budget to this mighty torch and set up ... once you get used to mixing oxygen and propane it’s not such a big deal and is incredibly versatile from a tiny intense flame the size of a gas lighter to a hot blasting nozzle superb for melting a full crucible of silver Grain quickly ... A must have for anyone doing a lot of casting . Oxy propane flame is Extremely hot precise and versatile And is very quick for production work such as soldering dozens of jump rings at a time. The propane needed can be very economical the sort that comes in a red bottle from a local garage or garden centre I get my oxygen from a supplier called hobbygas Who do a refundable deposit for their bottles. I also have my sievert torch connected to the same propane bottle.... all the best nick

Hi Caro,

I've got the same torch as you and its perfect for small jobs, but not so great for larger jobs. I've also got the plumbers torch, but as you say its all puff and no real heat!

I'm about to get this one https://cpc.farnell.com/gosystem/mt2...70g/dp/TL19778 which seems to suit my needs and is ok for me at the current time. I'll be going for a SLT in future, along with an oxygen concentrator, but for now it will suffice for the in between stage.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nicks creative stuff

hi Caro..
if I can jump in on this one ... I would highly recommend the Smiths little torch if you can stretch your budget to this mighty torch and set up ... once you get used to mixing oxygen and propane it’s not such a big deal and is incredibly versatile from a tiny intense flame the size of a gas lighter to a hot blasting nozzle superb for melting a full crucible of silver Grain quickly ... A must have for anyone doing a lot of casting . Oxy propane flame is Extremely hot precise and versatile And is very quick for production work such as soldering dozens of jump rings at a time. The propane needed can be very economical the sort that comes in a red bottle from a local garage or garden centre I get my oxygen from a supplier called hobbygas Who do a refundable deposit for their bottles. I also have my sievert torch connected to the same propane bottle.... all the best nick

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Thank you - I don't sadly have space for all the cannisters and I'm not sure I'm mentally ready for this set up yet!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Petal

Hi Caro,

I've got the same torch as you and its perfect for small jobs, but not so great for larger jobs. I've also got the plumbers torch, but as you say its all puff and no real heat!

I'm about to get this one https://cpc.farnell.com/gosystem/mt2...70g/dp/TL19778 which seems to suit my needs and is ok for me at the current time. I'll be going for a SLT in future, along with an oxygen concentrator, but for now it will suffice for the in between stage.

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I think that's the one in the Kim video isn't it?

Yes it is Caro, that's why I suggested it, as it doesn't require any extra setting up and you don't have massive tanks around either. I think its a good half way house. Its not the same as the one in B&Q either, so should be good. I'll let you know how I get on when I receive mine.

Well I went for the Sievert in the end. I gave the cannister torches serious thought but I have small hands (my bracelet size is 6" to give you an idea of how small!) and I don't find them easy to hold especially in the non dominant hand.

It arrived yesterday and having eventually found some gas for it (an unexpected side effect of Covid - a shortage of propane gas cylinders!) I gave it a work out this afternoon.

Oh my goodness the difference. Nice neat flame but it made short work of the pendent I have been struggling to solder. I thought I'd use the Blazer for the jump ring but after the usual nothing much happening switched back to the Sievert and the job was done.

Anyone want a secondhand microtorch? I'm converted!

Glad you like it and doesn’t it make a difference. I do my jump rings with the sievert too. I’d keep the micro torch as its handy for balling silver or balling the ends of earwires

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Caro

Anyone want a secondhand microtorch? I'm converted!

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Hi Caro,
Glad you're happy with your Sievert. Don't get rid of the micro torch, its always useful as a backup ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Petal

Hi Caro,
Glad you're happy with your Sievert. Don't get rid of the micro torch, its always useful as a backup ;)

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And for working on thin chains. Dennis.

I was thinking it might be useful for lighting charcoal :)

Or lighting an open fire...:-D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Caro

I was thinking it might be useful for lighting charcoal :)

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Quite good for burning the skins off peppers too!

And of course crème brûlée

Hi I've looked at this after reading this thread - Cookson have one double the price ! Am I missing something ? - just want for silver in addition to blowtorch- thanks

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/si...blow-torch-kit

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https://www.gasproducts.co.uk/ is a good source for Sievert.

Thank you - I'll check it out

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This was the one I bought - a fraction dearer but Hamilton were out of stock and I wanted the shorter hose anyway. The 4m one would really have been annoying.

I'm still delighted with it ( and I'm loving all the suggestions of what I can do with the micro torch!)

https://www.tradecounterdirect.com/s...t_p9nrt2x.html

Thanks Caro

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Finally going to buy this - https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/si...blow-torch-kit
but need to know if I need to buy this also
https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/si...ors?code=B0093 any help appreciated
Ethel

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Buy from Cousins at your peril, as they have a dreadful reputation for poor customer service.

Thanks for that info - even if I buy somewhere else do you think I need the regulator as well

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Hi Efo,
The torch in the picture that you linked has a propane outlet already crimped to the hose, just plug this into a red propane bottle, the thread will be in reverse (opposite to normal) test the joints with a leak detector spray or foam after turning on at the bottle. …. And away you go…… always turn off at the bottle when finished.

This type of torch is great because you can change the nozzles to different sizes from very small like the one in the picture to really large. … hope this helps…. Nick

That's the one I'm using. I still love it. It comes complete. The only thing else you need, as Nick says, is a cannister of propane.

A "quirk" to be aware of is the black button on the brass end that attaches to the tank. You can see it in the picture. When you light the torch after turning it off at the cannister you need to press the black button to get it to flow otherwise the flame dies. I was luckily warned as I'd have thought I had a faulty torch.

Thanks Nick


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Great Caro would never have done that ..

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