Re: Torch for Jewelry

<randyh@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:iggtl359h23k5i57lt18q62g9n9i0vsnmv@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> I'm a beginner in metal-worked jewelry. Up to now I've been using cold
> joints. I'd like to try some soldered/brazed pieces. Everyone I talk
> to says I should get one of the versions of the 'Tiny Torch'. I am on
> a limited budget. I have a Victor J-28. It's a light duty brazing /
> welding torch about 6" long. The main difference I see between the two
> is the orifice size of the tips. The smallest 000 tip on the Victor
> is .022 where the smallest tip (#1) on the TT is .006. The 000 tip is
> equivalent to the #4 TT tip (.020). I'm not trying to repair points on
> a gemstone mount. I'm building relatively heavy metal jewelry akin to
> what's on the cover of this months Jewelry Artist mag. Will the Victor
> work for my needs or do I need to bite the $130 dollar bullet for the
> TT? - Thanks
>
> Randy

  The Victor will work quite well. You will be ahead of the game to switch

from Acetylene to Propane for your fuel gas though. Both for economical
and 
chemical reasons. Acetylene is a "dirty" fuel in Jewelry applications. 
Acetylene forms metal carbides when the reducing flame is used with Silver

and Gold due to the excess Carbon in the flame, these are not formed when 
Propane is used. If you do switch to Propane you might have to buy a new
set 
of hoses made for Propane use though. Also, be aware that when using
Propane 
for cutting and "tulip" tip heating of larger m***** of metal to melting 
temperature the tips have a slight recess to let the Propane burn properly

in those applications. The standard welding/brazing tips are OK for either

gas.

-- 
Don Thompson

Stolen from Dan:  "Just thinking, besides, I watched 2 dogs mating once,
and that makes me an expert. "

There is nothing more frightening than active ignorance.
~Goethe

It is a worthy thing to fight for one's freedom;
it is another sight finer to fight for another man's.
~Mark Twain