Frit-Happens !

Technical Forum => Studio/workspace/setup/equipment => Torches => Topic started by: firedinglass on July 02, 2008, 08:28:14 AM

Title: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: firedinglass on July 02, 2008, 08:28:14 AM
I'm working at the moment on a minor and one oxycon. I'm thinking of upgrading because the flame on the minor is not big enough or strong enough for large beads.  I'm hoping at some stage to have 2 oxycons linked.  Question is will the flame be much different on the midrange and what about the midrange plus? I don't work in boro . much appreciate opinions from others! :)
Title: Re: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: glassworks on July 02, 2008, 09:06:01 AM
we use the midrange plus here all the time - which is basically a midrange mounted under a minor... the midrange is brilliant for gentle heat over a wide area, it is very "gentle" if thats the right word... on a single oxycon it is fine for soft glass - on two it will easily do boro marbles etc... it is not very good for detail work, having said that with a bit of practice and working on the edge of the flame you can do the finer stuff... the midrange plus has the minor bolted above it, which kinda gets in the sightline of the face of the midrange, but otherwise works well as you can switch between flames as needs be, using one to light the other while working, or both on a dual oxycon setup..
Title: Re: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: Billie on July 02, 2008, 09:32:10 AM
How big a bead are you doing on the minor?  When I'm doing up to 55mm barrels or 36mm to 40mm lentils I switch from my Minnow to my FIL's Minor and it's adequate (as long as I remember to move the bead around).  Are you doing bigger than that?

I'm also thinking of the midrange plus amongst others when I'm ready to upgrade  :)
Title: Re: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: Mary on July 02, 2008, 10:22:34 AM
I upgraded my Minor by adding another oxy-con, it's like a different torch.
Title: Re: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: dinah46 on July 02, 2008, 12:11:39 PM
Quote from: Mary on July 02, 2008, 10:22:34 AM
I upgraded my Minor by adding another oxy-con, it's like a different torch.

Hi Mary, do you mind me asking what connection you use to add more than one oxycon and where you got it from?
Title: Re: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: Mary on July 02, 2008, 12:27:33 PM
I bought a Y-connector off eBay, like this one (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-WAY-BRASS-8MM-LPG-PROPANE-HOSE-CONNECTOR_W0QQitemZ290085898144QQcmdZViewItem?_trk). I imagine you'd get them most places that do gas connectors.
Title: Re: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: firedinglass on July 02, 2008, 03:15:04 PM
hi mary, iwas thinking maybe that would be an option, are your oxycons identical? i already have one bought a few years ago and hopefully would only need to buy one new one. I will have to have an even bigger workshop when we eventually move.... ;D
Title: Re: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: LesleyMac on July 02, 2008, 03:21:06 PM
I really think I need to add another oxycon as well, next on my list of things to do. When I have some cash. ;D
Title: Re: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: Mary on July 02, 2008, 03:36:47 PM
Yes, they are identical. I'm really glad I bought my second one, I love it!
Title: Re: Nortel mid range torch- opinion please!
Post by: dinah46 on July 02, 2008, 10:57:31 PM
Thanks for the link Mary :D