lessons or torch ?

[Blue Box Studio]

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).

[cbeadies]

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!   

[Studio Girl]

Torch definately

[Sheena]

WOW 
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!  ) 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

[Shirley]

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.

[flowerjasper]

i have a mega minor and love it,
I agree with everyone else, torch , tuts and time 

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

[Madam Steph]

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

[Enchanted Cobwebs]

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

[Redhotsal]

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.

[Madam Steph]

Sal's DVD's have been invaluable to me.
Thanks, Sal x

[jammie]

Yep, Sals dvds are excellent. 

[Amber]

Torch and tutorials