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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?
Last edited by Caro; 22-04-2021 at 01:25 PM.
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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!
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Check out Kim's guide to torches: https://youtu.be/yS1zPo0t_K8
You might like the go system she uses
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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
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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.
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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
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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
Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk
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https://www.gasproducts.co.uk/ is a good source for Sievert.
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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
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