2nd Oxycon vs upgrade torch

[JaySpangles]

My situation is that I am a slow and careful worker, but I am also frustrated.
I work on a minor and oxycon.  My oxycon works at 3.5 to 4.00, after that it beeps frantically at me.  I am going to take him to his daddy to have him checked out, but it has got me wondering...

I would like to have more heat so that I can do the basic build ups faster, then I am quite happy to do the decorative bit in slower time.  I feel this would speed up my production somewhat, and allow me to explore further afield, and render me less frustrated!

With this in mind, do you think I would be better off buying a second oxycon to beef up my minor, or should I change to a hotter torch, Mega minor, Carlisle Mini CC or Bobcat, or should I go the whole hog and get a Lynx and another oxycon.
I admit that the thought of having a tight focused flame for detail work does appeal, but it is not a matter of life or death in this stage of my torching career. I don't make huge beads (it takes me too long) and at this stage I am not bothered about boro - when then is so much to explore in soft glass, but I would never say no to the future.

I wondered what you more experienced torchees feel, particularly those who have experience of working a minor with two oxycons?
Thanks in anticipation.

[MadelineBunyan]

I cant answer your comparison question, but I'm watching with interest, I'm thinking of extending my set up somewhat.(ideally a midrange with minor top, 2 oxys, plus bobcat, one each or switch to both oxys for midrange)


I will say this, I work on a bobcat, and my one oxycon is rather old and tending towards wheezy, doubt it ever goes much above 4, but I don't do slow, I melt pretty quick and work fairly fast, big beads don't bother me on the bobcat.

the only minor I ever worked on was on tanked and I hated it, burnt the snot out of everything, think it might have been the settings the college had it at though.

[Lush!]

I'd say consider swapping your Minor for a Bobcat, it should be fine with a wheezy oxycon.

[♥♥Tan♥♥]

I picked up a midrange and two oxycons fairly cheaply on ebay. I have both oxys wired to the midrange but usually just work with one oxy and the minor top even for boro and large soft glass sculpture I find this enough.

For larger, denser pieces say one and a half inch marbles or big lentils I pop the second oxy on just for speed. I rarely use the midrange torch but when I do I am glad of it.

I don't need a tight flame for detail work because I have learnt over the years how to use different parts of the flame to do what I need, the only time I wish for a needlepoint is when I am joining very fine pieces.

[sarah t]

i think you will be surprised the difference a happy oxycon will make .........mine has just come back from his holiday in yorkshire 

i get enough heat from my minor  but a bit more control over bushy and pin point would be nice ...but would like tan have got used to where does what in the flame .....

[puffin]

You must have been reading my thoughts as I have been feeling frustrated for some time . I had a go on the lynx and fell in love but Kaz suggested buy the 2nd oxy to try with the minor first then have a go at the flame off with the torches and then decide.

I am glad I was not the only one feeling this way .

[Nick]

Hi,

I would agree with Tan having the same setup. Two oxycons into one torch is great but again usually only use the one. I alternate oxycons for each session. Also use them with a propane/oxy jewellers micro torch which works great. Never tried the micro torch on glass though.
Hope this helps

[stuwaudby]

I have two oxycons, a minor and a midrange / minor top. Adding another oxycon to a minor make a big difference. I often fire the second one up to speed up forming medium / large beads. I even use minor + 2 oxy's for boro. I rarely use the midrange unless working one something very big that needs even heat over the surface.

My ideal set up would be a mega minor + 2 Oxy's, Cant justify it at the moment though.

[puffin]

This is good to know . It makes sense trying with a 2nd oxy before buying a new torch .

It also help to know what other people use as well.

[Lyn G]

If you use two oxycons, do you get a more oxygenating flame?

[sarah t]

in theory yes lyn but you can compensate with more gas to get the balance therefore giving you more poke ....this is what i assume anyway 

[liquidglass]

I definitely need another oxycon!!