Hi,
I'm on a hot head on bulk fuel but now want to move up to a duel fuel BUT I'm also at the stage where I need some intermediate lessons to get the best ot of DH glass, consistancy, shaping etc...... As I live in Ireland when I add up the cost of Flying over to UK, trains, accomodation and lessons it's coming to same price as torch and oxycon!
So being experienced bead makers what would you suggest?
1, Get lessons and stick with the hothead for a while longer (but will get frustrated if I have the know-how but not tools)
2, Get torch (but will get frustrated with cool equipment if I don't really know how to use it to get the best results)
Any sugestions appreciated....
Sheena
Personally, I would get the torch, Sheena! Just having a dual fuel torch would widen your abilities, and get you closer to getting the best out DH glass and shaping etc!
I would also get the torch first, you will learn how your new flame reacts in readiness for lessons in the future, as most teachers will have duel fuel set ups. :)
I'd agree. Go for the torch - the dual fuel set up may well help with some of the DH glass. And do lots of reading about the glasses and so on, and how they might work with that new torch :)
torch - you'll see a massive difference straight away. Plus there's masses of info and advice on FH!
Kirsty
Definitely torch first :)
What they all said :)
Get torch and play. Buy some e-tutorials? Much cheaper than flights and lessons. ;)
I'm pleased with my Nortel Minor. Very easy to use. ;)
Torch, torch, torch, torch, torch!
Imagine having lessons on a lovely dual fuel set up and having to go back to your hot head!
The torch first.
I've had my GTT Cricket a couple of months now and it's so much more versatile.
I have my first lesson booked for beginning of November, so it's all practice time 'tween now and then
Another vote for torch. Coz otherwise you'll 'waste' the first half of your lesson getting used to the dual fuel torch you're being taught on. Get used to it and save, then do lessons.
Another vote for the Torch!!
I think that the best way to learn about glass is just to play and practice with it... as others have said, get a couple of Tuts (Anouk's Tutorials on how to make Silver Glass sing are brilliant) and just have fun!
Id vote torch too :)
just in case you havent seen them there are always EOM Workshops (http://www.eomworkshops.com/index.htm) in Ireland, they have some great classes
Definitely torch. :)
Hi, are you the Sheena I took to Milton Keynes station after Flame Off this year???
I've now got a Nortel Minor, oxycon and extraction system from Tuffnells without having any more tuition and love it! I would say get the new torch set up then practice, practice, practice.....then get lessons later on. They will make much more sense having got to know your torch first. You won't forget anything from your tuition cos you will be able to go back to your torch straight away.
Are you coming to flame off next year?? If you need any help with transport again don't hesitate to ask ;D
Corinne x
I had the same dilemma in May. I went for the torch and oxycon, it's given me more opportunities. The lessons will follow (and there are some excellent tuts out there).
I'm glad you asked this because I have been wondering much same, whether to upgrade or just keep plodding on with the hothead.
I hesitate to book on a class in case it takes me ages to get used to the dual fuel and I make a total mess of things... :-[
Looks like the unanimous answer is to get a torch! :) :)
Torch definately
WOW :o
That's it then! Torch it is....
Thanks so much for taking the time to offer words of wisdom.
Now which one..........
(yes I've read all the posts and no nearer deciding)
Between minor and cricket, but would like to do boro and there doesn't seem to be too much of a price difference.... (look at me wanting to run before I can walk! :D) so would I be better to shell our the extra few quid now and go one up?.If so it's between Bobcat (worried about the soot and having to send it away if I have problems, but looks pretty) and a nortel mega minor (ugly but sturdy).........
More words of wisdom appreciated .
Sheena
I've got a bobcat and have had it for over three years. Have never had a soot problem. Get the occasional bit of carbon on the face but it can be knocked off easily enough with a rake. It's definitely hot enough for smaller boro' work, especially if you can get hold of a second oxycon later.
i have a mega minor and love it,
I agree with everyone else, torch , tuts and time ;D
all of us that have gone from a hothead to a duel fuel torch found we had to relearn things.. but its worth it ;)
have fun ,
sandy
Reason I went for my Cricket was that I tried it and the Minor at Flame Off and prefered the Cricket.
The final deciders for me were:
1) The Cricket can be turned down to a needle fine flame. Useful for spot heating.
2) The Cricket was devised for the optimum performance with one oxycon in mind. I would have gone for the £20 extra outlay for the Bobcat, if I could have been assured at time of purchase the it would be just as effective with just one oxycon. I'm sure though, that on here there are a lot of Bobcat users who happily use the Bobcat with one oxycon, and with fantastic results.
Linda x
I went for the torch a year ago, never had any lessons and very much still learning but there are so many helpful people on here that I'm waiting till I know the basics then get lessons on the fancy stuff.
Good luck from a fellow Irish colleen living now in UK
Helen
Sorry for a shameless plug here as I have a set of four DVDs which will take you through beginner/intermediate and advanced stages for about half the price of a lesson, plus you can refer back to them again and again. They were made using both hothead and minor burner to show that it is possible to do all the techniques on both torches. They're here if you're interested: http://www.lampworkbeads.co.uk/userimages/procart7.htm
Having said that - I think I'd agree with the others. Buy the bigger torch and give yourself some time to get used to it. Most people notice a huge difference going from a hothead to a dual gas torch and it will take you a while to get the hang of it. Also - you need to spend time just playing with the glass and then you will know what your strengths and weaknesses are when you do get round to having a lesson.
I think I would probably avoid boro to begin with. You're going to have to throw oxygen at boro which will mean at least two oxycons. Ask yourself exactly why you want to do boro? If it's for the colours then maybe you can get good at Silver glass - Double Helix or TAG. If it's for sculptural fair enough - but I'm sure many boro people will say that you can learn an awful lot obout heat control and glass working from soda glass to begin with.
Sal's DVD's have been invaluable to me.
Thanks, Sal x
Yep, Sals dvds are excellent. :)
Torch and tutorials :)