QuestionQUESTION: Hello-
I have been using a simple torch called "easy torch" with a disposable propane canister for a while now and it works very well for about 90 percent of what I do. I use it mostly for soldering copper and sterling silver. However, it is too small for about 5 percent and too large for about 5 percent of my work. First, do you have any experience with the "easy Torch" and what do you think of it? For the larger work I think I will get a plumber's type propane torch, which should be OK. For the times I need a smaller flame, I would like to get something like the Smith Little Torch, but I don't want acetylene or oxygen tanks in my house (where my bench is). What do you think of butane pencil torches? American Science has one for five dollars which fits my wallet. Thank you.
ANSWER: Hello dave,
I don't know of the maker of the easy torch off hand.But DON'T buy the 5 dollar pencil torch.It is not worth the five bucks unless you are doing breadboard soldering.Far better, and highly recommended is the Bernzomatic hand held torch: it is black abs plastic and has a removable base, runs to 2400F on butane refills and eliminates the need for having fuel/O2 cylinders in the house ( which you would need with the Smith little torch- of which Gentec's brand small jewelers style torch is better than and cheaper though I recommend a Hoke, or Mecco Midget, or even a Prestolite that uses room air and a fuel cylinder if you are going into jewelry making professionally or as a sideline to your livelihood ).But be aware that Bernzomatic has another pencil type torch as well- don't get it despite the under $20 dollar price tag.The model I recommend has some attachments ( like a heat concentrator, hot knife and one other thing that is useless to me in making jewelry so I forgot what exactly it is..) and is available at home stores, Wal-marts and some hardware stores for around $26 bucks.you can buy a large can of butane for about 43.50- at least twice the amount of butane in the small Ronsonol brand cans they stock near the torches at the home stores that sell the Bernzomatic's or Wal-Mart's tobacco dept. ( they have you sign for it in some stores!).Local rolling paper or tobacco shops sell larger cans at a more reasonable price.In the Southeastern US there is a chain called "Ra Shops" that sell the large cans at $3.50 - occasionally flea markets have vendors that also stock the larger cans from Asia quite inexpensively.They will refill the hand held torch at least 10 times.All totaled that's about 4 -5 hours of soldering or a few gos at melting scrap as the hand held model is fine for reclaiming small amounts of silver in an open crucible melt ( basic white, melting dishes of fused silica) and pour to roll out or draw into wire or other necessary raw materials ( we are talking a few grams to less than an ounce of sterling or fine silver). Bernzomatic also offers a unit that I love for occassional use for the hobbyist jeweler or to use for outdoor demos, workshops etc. where there is no metals studio set up available.It uses disposable fuel/O2 cylinders that can be expensive, but the unit can melt gold, fuse. anneal, heat treat, or anything else a "little torch " can do.It has a flashback arrestor built into the handle and a mixer in the torch head.The Oxygen is adjusted by knobs on the included regulators ( that only fit disposable cylinders though) with the appropriate amount of either propane or MAPP ( a proprietary brand of acetylene) that together are capable of cutting cold rolled steel..Best of all that outfit is under $45 dollars ( though perhaps nearer $50 with taxes).If you remove the cylinders when not in use they are easily stored in a cool place : wherever you store your plumber's torch.
The problem with plumber's single cannister of fuel torches is that you have no ability to control the air to fuel mixture as you do on the hand held or the disposable Bernzomatic's. For a small budget and most small scale jewelry making I can't recommend enough the Bernzomatic line of torches that are suitable for almost everything a jeweler needs to do with a torch while deciding if the (ultra expensive for what it is ) Smith style torches are right for your needs.
Oh, another option if you don't want to deal with fuel cylinders is investing in a water torch.They are on the high end cost wise but they manufacture their own fuel ( hydrogen fuel cells are what they run on from regular household current and an electrolyte/alcohol mix), don't require regulators, and are allowed in apartments and don't affect one's homeowner's insurance. I use them in my school and frequently come across water torches for sale at far less than the near 1000.00 or more that vendors sell them for .The major drawback to some of the water torches is support from manufacturers if something should need replacing.that's why the good old Bernzomatic hand held ( it must have that base and look rather like a torch sold for creme brulee/flambe'), or the oxy fuel set up seem to be what you would be happiest with. I have never seen an on- line coupon for them so looking for one is probably a waste of time. Just check out your local Ace, x mart, or home store and then decide whether you need the capability of melting and pouring your own karated gold alloys and silver scrap, or if you simply want more soldering control- then buy the appropriate model.
Hope this answers your questions.
Best, Ari
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
EZ Torch
QUESTION: Ari-
Thank you for your prompt and thorough reply. Let me explain further. The torch I have is called the EZ torch, available from Otto Frei for about $125. I am very happy with it. What I am trying to find is a gas-air torch with a very small but hot flame. I have looked at the hand held butane torches you describe and the nozzle apears to be about the same size as what I have, so I assume that the flame will be about the same size also. That is why I was interested in the pencil torches, because the nozzle appears to be smaller. Do you still say stay away from them?
Thanks,
Dave
AnswerDave,
Pencil torches are fine for very small jobs on silver, or perhaps attaching a jump ring to chain with 14-18 kt gold.No major heat requirements, no extended time with the flame on as in melting or reclaiming metals. Avoid the bernzomatic blue bodied pencil torch as it is useless - the charge it holds is not sufficient for jewelry ( more for heat shrink tubing or lighting a charcoal chimney for barbecuing) I have purchased three none of which worked for various reasons: poor design.I have had more success with the $2.99 harbor freight pencil torch.Inspect it before buying as each is different.And when you get it home ( or bring the charge with you to the store) fill just a small amount to make sure it works- you may have to try a few to get an optimal unit.You want a good gasket, straight orifice and uniform flame/air burn on all sides of the head.Signs of a bad gasket are audible! They have one model with an electronic start ( piezo electric) that are far more suited than the cheapies as you have some control over the fuel/air mixture.
I apologize for the lateness of this response but I simply didn't see it in the hundreds of emails I get daily.
Best regards,Ari
