Why not this?

[Jinxie]

Hello

Can someone please tell me if there's any reason why I Shouldn't use this??

It's far cheaper than the hothead set up and includes the bulk kit as far as as I can tell.

Thank you in advance?

JINXIE

[Jinxie]

Might help if I show you what I'm talking about lol. Sorry!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sievert-Primus-Propane-Blowlamp-Torch-Kit-Pro-Tool-/130328537082?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Crafts_Other_Crafts_EH&hash=item1e582fa7fa

Thanks

[Kaz]

Dunno - my initial reaction would be that it might burn dirty but I guess it might be worth a punt at that price - you could always take the torch bit off and put a hot head on?
Kazx

[SilverGems89]

It doesnt seem to burn very hot...but then i dont know what temperatures the hot head gets

[garishglobes]

To make successful beads with decent colour, you need a reasonably oxygen-rich flame. Basically, propane on its own is too reducing and will make your beads look mucky. A plumber's torch is just designed to use the heat from the propane so the flame is still very reducing. The Hot Head is designed to pull in as much oxygen as it can from the air around it, making the flame much more oxygen-rich. I tried a plumber's torch years ago when I first made beads - it turns most colours quite murky and I would have to say, I wouldn't recommend it!
You can do the bulk part yourself and you can buy TLHA adapters for the HH to fit onto (though it would be recommended to get a plumber, or someone who knows what they are doing, to set it up for you for safety reasons).

[Jinxie]

Thank you. I was thinking of doing as Kaz said and just take a punt on it. But now that you mention the oxygen / reducing flame thingy, that rings a bell somewhere in the dark and murky recesses of my brain.

Oh well, didn't hurt to ask. One day I may actually get around to starting this so called new hobby of mine Have to crack the whip this weekend and get my hubby working on clearing out the wretched garage.

Thanks again both.

Jinxie

[princess pink]

i'm pretty sure these are the things they use for building/soldering pipes together/plumbing etc. they blow out a HUGE flame. wouldn't think its suitable x

[noora]

The sievert isn't just a plumber's torch. What you use it for depends on the burner (the cylindrical part closest to the flame itself) which is exchangeable. The smallest burners give you a tiny pinpoint flame used for soldering and the largest give you a huge bushy thing used for plumbing or something like that. You'll want something "in between" :-)

The lampwork teacher who taught me the basics of lampwork said you can use one of those as well as a hothead as long as you figure out a way to attach it to the table. I haven't tried it myself though.

[Krysia@No98]

So I wonder if with a small burner on if it would be suitable for soldering silver?

(sorry for piggy backing on you're question there)

[mizgeorge]

I have melted glass with a sievert (though not always deliberately), and it's a bit grubby, but as Emma rightly points out, it doesn't draw in enough oxygen to get un-murky colours.

It would take a bit of mucking around to attach it safely and keep it stable as well.

I still think a hothead is the way to go for starters - it's designed for the job it does, and does it very well.

Krysia, they're used a lot for general metalsmithing, including soldering, but the smallest tip needs a different neckpiece. I use mine more for annealing than soldering (but only because I'm not very keen on the 'balance' of the handpiece.

[noora]

I always use a sievert for soldering silver That's what I used when I learned silversmithing, so it's what I'm comfortable with.

The two smallest burners for the normal neckpiece are small enough for soldering IMO. I haven't tried the tiny one with the different neckpiece.

[ARBeads]

Has this been discussed on here recently? I think it may have been Red Hot Sal or Lush asking a similar question? of to search the forum....

Found it http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=21322.0

[Krysia@No98]

You're right she has, sorry didn't check the thought just popped into my head. I shall have a read of that.

the more I think about it I think this is the type of thing we have at college, and You're right George, it's not particularly comfortable to use

[Nick]

Hi,

I have one of those but have never tried melting glass with it so couldn't comment. However if you do want to take a punt look at this first

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/fc109-gas-torch-with-nozzles/path/gas-torches-soldering-irons

This is the one I use and it comes with three interchangeable tips for different size flames.  They also do different size tips. I would say though the hothead is designed more for the job.

Regards