What torch next?

[Krysia@No98]

ps Krysia, i love your theory about your torch being on its way already!!

got to control that excitement some how 

[Fruddy]

I've been on a Minor and Oxy-Con in the utility room now for a month and it is brilliant!

At the moment, I don't have any professional ventilation - looking to get this before the really cold weather sets in, but I have a hole in the wall directly above my torch and the door behind me fully open.  Because it is not a huge space and there is lots of air circulating I haven't had a problem as yet.  I have a carbon monoxide alarm, and I take regular breaks from the torch.

I honestly don't think that you can go wrong with a Minor as your next step up.

[garishglobes]

Having gone from a HH to a mega minor and then to a Bobcat, I would have to rate the Bobcat as a hotter, more intense flame for the same level of oxygen. There may not be a lot in it, but I know that I couldn't melt boro the same on my mega minor as I could on the Bobcat. I suspect the Cricket would be fairly close to a Bobcat, too.
I did love the mega minor for its ability to go from very thin flame to quite wide, bigger flame - I think it just depends what you are likely to want to do with it. I would definitely suggest trying a few out before committing, if you can.

[Yellow friend]

I have a Bobcat too - very good for fine work too.  I did ask Martin about the new torch - The Comet - but I think there a few things to be ironed out before it's launched. Was looking for a flame that can be made larger for generally heating larger pieces plus being able to do finer work as well - which is what this new torch is meant to be able to do.  I think it was in the range of about £250/£275 I think - best ask Martin - Something else to consider.

[garishglobes]

Comet?? Haven't heard of that one - but I'm sure it'll be out of this world 

[Krysia@No98]

oh dear.

Yeah Martin said that they had one to play with for a while.  I hope that there are some at the flame off to try.

oh why can't we have one every six months...

[awrylemming]

I'm beginning to think that the Minor isn't going to do what I want it to, and I won't be able to afford another one for ages.  Perhaps the bobcat would be the better choice, with the option of a second oxycon later    Or a Lynx    Or a Scorpion    Or a Comet     It really isn't easy to decide is it - it's not particularly cheap kit, so I want to make sure I make the right choice, but not sure if I can hold off til after the Flame Off.
I still haven't got round to converting to bulk, so I may do that so at least that part of it is in place, sort out the workstation and ventilation, then wait patiently    until April.  Torture.

[fionaess]

I have a Bobcat too - very good for fine work too.  I did ask Martin about the new torch - The Comet - but I think there a few things to be ironed out before it's launched. Was looking for a flame that can be made larger for generally heating larger pieces plus being able to do finer work as well - which is what this new torch is meant to be able to do.  I think it was in the range of about £250/£275 I think - best ask Martin - Something else to consider.

Comet made by ?

[garishglobes]

http://www.mountainglassarts.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.11135/.f

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjMj04UFPMA

It looks a bit like a kid's toy microscope to me

[julieHB]

Here you are: http://www.waleapparatus.com/catalog.asp?prodid=677128&showprevnext=1

[julieHB]

Sorry, Emma - too slow again! 

[garishglobes]

Cross-posted!  

....do you think it is called a comet because of its space-age looks?

[mizgeorge]

Looks good, but I see it wants at least 5lpm oxy, which would rule out a lot of single oxycon users.

[julieHB]

I actually think your kid's microscope was spot on, Emma!!   That does not mean that it is not good, though, the specs look quite impressive.

Before I upgrade my lovely bobcat, though, I need more oxygen!!!

[fionaess]

Looks like Lego made a torch