Reducing oxygen

[Nalla]

Is there someone to explain me the way to reduce oxygen when working with Double Helix for example or any silver rods.
I mean, french lampworkers (i am a poor frenchie newbie  ) say i must not reduce oxygen by the button on the torch, but by adding a sort of faucet on the oxygen pipe, if not, the oxycon may explode.
Don't know if it makes sense to anyone, sorry my english is a bit bad.
And if you do that, do you have some photos to share ?
Thank you so so much ladies.

[paintboxcrafts]

Hi,
Welcome to Frit happens.
I reduce double helix by increasing the propane, i.e. by turning the propane up using the knob on the torch.

Cathy

[Nalla]

Thanks Cathy,
So, you never reduce the oxygen ?

[princess pink]

hi nalla,

i also increase the propane instead of reducing the oxygen. What i do i turn the propane up a little and do not touch the oxygen at all. I waft the bead in the flame until it has reduced and then turn back to a neutral flame to encase.

Shahlaa x

p.s. welcome to FHF!

[Nalla]

Ooooh thank you too Shahlaa for your answer. I am really amazed by the quik answers you gave me ladies. And thanks for your welcome message on this forum.

[garishglobes]

Wouldn't reducing oxygen at the pipe have the same effect on the oxycon as reducing it at the torch? I do know that turning the oxygen right down isn't recommended because oxycons don't like the build-up of pressure, but would think if you were aware of that, turning the torch button would be ok?
When I did Double Helix, I used to turn the oxygen down slightly and the propane up - I did both because otherwise the flame shot to the kiln, I couldn't reach the end and it was very hot!! (I may have worked quite hot anyway!)

[julieHB]

I support what Emma says, I think it is only turning the oxygen off for some time that will damage the oxycon, and I cannot see it makes a difference to what button you use to do so.

Many artists prefer to use a cool reduction flame (i.e. turning the oxygen down instead of turning the propane off) for certain glasses. Personally I always turn the propane up and waft the bead in the top of the flame to reduce the glass.

Some torches (like the GTT Bobcat) do not like a small reduction flame as it can over heat the torch. Normally it is not a problem, because you never keep a reduction flame going for very long.