Re: Torch for Jewelry

On Dec 11 2007, 8:07=A0pm, mbstevens <NOXwebmast...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:
> ran...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:
> > 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.
>
> Are you using Oxy/acetylene, oxy/propane, or just acetylene?
>
> > 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).
>
> _If_ you're using oxy/acetylene a smaller tip will probably be of use.
>
> I would get a pure acetylene torch (like a Prestolite)
> before getting a Little-Torch. =A0I use my oxy/acetylene little torch
> for fusing mostly, using the Prestolite for hard soldering/brazing.
>
> > 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
>
> A pure acetylene torch is less than half that. =A0They work very well
> for larger pieces. =A0You won't even have to order it; they will have
> one at your welding shop.
>
>
>
> > for the
> > TT? - Thanks
>
> > Randy- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Nothing was made mention of what metals or size of your intended work.
Something you can do is to take a extra tip and tap the end of it to
accept additional tips which would screw on. I have a Meco Midget
torch which has additional tips available. The tip is threaded to use
1/4 SAE threads. I have made tips for my meco midget torch using 1/4
SAE nuts silver soldered to hypodermic needles ( I used all metal
stainless steel needles just like veteranians use on large animals. )

If you have the money to spend I would recomend the Meco Midget as the
most flexable jewelry scale torch available. Save your big torch for
use in melting for casting.
ROBB.