Setting up

[katy]

Hi all,

I am trying to set up a lampwork studio in my garage. I've been lampworking for a year or two now but only used my college's or rented equiptment but not sure how to set it up myself!  I so far have a Nortel Minor burner, and a small propane tank which is for a BBQ. I know I need an oxygen tank (I know an oxycon would be much better, but I am on a tight budget and want to get a set up together to make beads for xmas!), hoses for both tanks, fittings, regulator, flashback arrestor etc but not sure where to get it from and am afraid I might get the wrong stuff. I know Tuffnells do good set up packs but this all seems very expensive compared to other places I have looked ( for example propane regulator at Tuffnells is £40 where as on ebay they are as cheap as £5). Is this just for quality or do you need very specific fittings?
I was wondering if anyone could give me a list of specific items I need and any sugestions as to where I could get them. Or does for example any propane regulator fit on any propane tank?

Sorry if this seems like a lot of daft questions.

Thanks x

[garishglobes]

The propane regulators on ebay are fine I think the regulator should be 0-4bar and an adjustable regulator. Propane regulators should be universal so any propane regulator will fit any propane tank.
If you are using a colleague's set up can you look at that and see what they have and how it is put together? I'd say all you need apart from the regulator are hoses (one length orange propane high pressure hose, and one oxygen hose), clips to fit the hoses to torch etc... and then the flashback arrestor.
There are threads on here showing studio set-ups as well, which might help.

[madpup]

Being brand new I'm a bit like you,
the thing i did notice was other than flashback arrestor you have not mentioned
any safety equipment IE glasses, apron, ventilation etc,
i would rather spend my money on theses things first.
Seeing that i nearly burnt the house down on my first go, lol
regards

Mark

[Calico Cat]

Propane regulators should be universal so any propane regulator will fit any propane tank.

I'm not sure that's the case - I have a propane tank from B&Q for the BBQ which has a completely different regulator fitment - I tried and it wouldn't take the regulator I got from Tuffnels - ended up buying a Calor gas tank.

[katy]

thanks for your help..
I have safety equiptment, glasses and ventilation.I've had a look through the forums and got a bit more advice..Like one of you said about the BBQ propane tank i didn't want to go out and buy things and them not fit together! and i dont want to blow myself up either! thanks again,
Katy