If you knew then what you know now-how would you set up your kit?

[Dora]

If I were to start lampworking all over again, I would always start with a HH, even if it means coughing out more $ for the MAPP cans in the beginning. Why? Because with a HH, the glass melts slower and allows you more time to play with the glass, control it, work it with stringers and dots without them becoming a huge glob on your bead. I agree that there is a transitional phase from HH to a pro torch but the time taken to adjust to a Minor, Bobcat, etc is relative and these torches are so much hotter than you'd imagine. For a beginner, these torches can be scary as the flame/temp is so much higher and more difficult to control the glass. As a beginner, a HH allows you to make a bead nice and round, the pro torch allows you to make asymmetrical beads easily.

What I would save if I had to jump ship? Definitely my torch and my tools lying on my workbench.