Upgrading from Butane Torch... Suggestions?

[EagleRowe]

Hi all!

I've gotten to the point in my metalsmithing where I'm ready for a big girl torch. For the soldering I'm wanting to do, my butane torch just won't cut it anymore. I need something that gets hotter.

I'm soldering small jewelry--bands, studs, small centerpieces--and was wondering what the best "kit" for me would be. What tip? Mixture of gases? Etc. I've started to do my research on this but got quickly confused so I thought I'd reach out to see what other metalsmiths use.


Thanks in advance!
Andrea

[littlecherryhill]

I'm in Australia and I use an Orca torch. It came with 3 different sized tips, but I tend to use the smallest all of the time. I still use my butane for some things too though. And the gas I use is just normal gas...I don't have an oxy/acet set up.

[Former_Member]

A couple different "kits" from Rio. I own both of these but seldom use the "little torch".
http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Smith-Little-Torch-Propane-and-Oxygen-Set-for-Disposable-Tanks/5000...

http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Smith-Silver-Smith-Acetylene-and-Air-Soldering-System-with-Tank/500...

[Former_Member]

+1 on acetylene/air... an old standby.

[khmetalwork]

I have a Hoke with an adapter kit from Otto using oxy & propane. When it's time to replace the Hoke I will buy a Meco Midget (same fuel).

I would love to get a Smith (not the Little torch) w/ acetylene (b tank), for the big jobs, but I just don't want to bring in another tank and find space and a place to secure it.

[mizgeorge]

I love my orca (sometimes called an EZ torch or shark) for propane only work. I also use a little torch on oxy/propane with an oxycon rather than tank.

However, I still use my handhelds for almost everything - often working with one in each hand to boost the heat. The convenience of not being attached to a hose beats almost everything for me.