Question about torch tips

[Former_Member]

Hi!
I am learning some metalsmithing and I am wanting to place an order for an
Oxygen / Air torch

Since torch tips are pretty expensive, I am wondering do i need every tip --
size 00 , 0 , 1 , 2, 3 , and 4
or would i be ok with just a couple different ones?
if so which ones?
thanks for your time!

[khmetalwork]

Specifically what torch are you buying? what type of fuel?

[wavejewelry]

I use an acetylene/ oxygen "little torch" with a #4 tip most of the time.

[JonEicher]

I'm with Julie, I find a tip size that works for me and generally use that most of the time.

Since your just starting checkout www.tinmantech.com. He has a ton of old time gas welding/metalworking stuff including specialty gas torches from unique applications like gas welded airplanes, all for sale. He is one of the few people out there with these metal working tools actively selling them. A lot of his brazing and soldering supplies will work for jewelry too.

[Former_Member]

Air acetylene -- i think i am going to get the silver smith set up from rio grande

i realize i misposted this in my first post!

[Former_Member]

that is good to know that you can mostly get by using the same tip
maybe i just need two or 3
it comes with a 00
maybe i should also get a 3 and a 1

[JonEicher]

Smith makes high quality torches. That sounds good skipping a tip size. You can always add more later

[FlameOnGlass]

The Smith Little is a great torch & it comes with 5 tips.

[FlameOnGlass]

Rio Grande has great stuff but I think you could get set up a lot cheaper than one of those sets they sell. Make sure that is what you want before spending that much money.
How much torch work are you planning on doing?I used a little butane torch for soldering for quite a while before getting a bigger torch.
Also, a lot of people go for the smaller disposable tank system & you can get into that for a few hundred $$ & not have to worry about the handling & storing of big tanks.

[Former_Member]

I did wind up getting the torch from Rio Grande
I do have a propane plumbers torch but i never did use it!
My metalsmithing teacher said it would work and that he used one for years before he finally got a real set up and that he wished he had just gotten the real deal from the beginning
I think having a fully functioning shop i will wind up creating more than if i am not in 100%

[Former_Member]

i was SO LUCKY
i got two large (3 foot tall) acetylene tanks FULL on craigslist for $180 total!!

[khmetalwork]

Just the tanks would have been more than that!

I bought about 75% of my studio off Craigslist - bench, 2 torch systems, rolling mill, scads of hand tools, enamels, etc.