Can I use Smith little torch to make glass beads?
 

Hi!

I'd like to buy a torch for glass bead making and jewelry(mostly silver and 10K gold).

I don't want to spend money to buy two torches(glass and jewelry) for now.

Can I use Smith little torch to make glass beads? I might buy different tips for the bigger frame for glass frame work.

1. Smith Heating Tips(Propane or Natural Gas 13717)

2. Shelbo Whisper Tips (50 holes)


I know I can use a little torch for jewelry.
Is there anyone who uses Smith little torch for glass bead making?

* Anyone selling used torches? oxygen generator? *

Thank you!

Maybe very very tiny beads. But, no. Not really. And modifying it to work would have no benefit when you consider the cost. Lampworking uses bench mounted torches designed for softer bushier heat, the metal torches are handheld, with a very narrow flame meant for heating a tiny section of metal without turning the whole piece into a puddle. Metal and glass have completely different working qualities.

Just a suggestion: Look in the Facebook Lampwork Destash Groups and see if you can find a minor burner used- they are usually around $100-125 used. If there is a lampwork supply company or another lampworker near you, maybe you can arrange to see a lampworking setup in person.

I may have a minor burner available, I bought several used for a local makerspace and it might not pan out. Message me if you're interested, I should know within the month.

That's what I was thinking, but I've not got much experience with jewelry torches so didn't want to jump in earlier.

What you can do is use the same tanks and regulators to power both torches. Set them up with a y connector, or with quick connects.

Thank you for your answer!:)

Thank you!

I need to see how Y connector works. :) Can I use same tank and regulator?

I'd like to buy EX-5 OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR. Do you think it will work?

Thank you!

My thoughts went to using a hot head on fuel only with using the Smith little torch for spot heating if you feel the need.


But I am spit balling and letting my imagination run free here.

I started with a GTT cricket on a 5lpm concentrator. I added a Smith mini torch with a T splitter on the same propane tank and the same concentrator. Works just fine. In my case, I attached the splitter right at the tank and the concentrator, with then two hoses attached at each: one for the mini torch, one for the large torch. I can open and close the flow to each hose.

With the mini torch you can get the heat to melt glass (including borosilicate), but you can only 'spot heat'. It would be very hard to get a whole bead evenly hot with the mini torch. Also, because it is a handheld torch, you wound need to put it in a stand to be able to have both your hands that you need to hold the mandrel and your glass rod.

you'd be better off getting an inexpensive hot head or fireworks type torch- they are inexpensive and a great way to get started with minimum cost.

The splitter is the best option if you want to use both at once. Alternatively, if you just want to use the same oxy and propane sources at different times, you could put quick connects on both and your oxy and propane sources and quickly swap the torches in and out.

I don't think they make a Shelbo 50-hole tip for the Little torch - the biggest I've seen is 12-hole. I've used a 13-hole Shelbo tip for the National 3a, and I'd take it over a hothead for making beads.

:)
 

Thank you so much!
I will buy the used minor torch and will buy new Smith little torch with magnetic support.

This is really helpful Floorkasp! I really appreciate it. :)

I am a beginner so I have no idea what tools I need to buy. I'd like to buy EX-5 OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR(5 LPM) it's about $300. would it be fine? which one are you using? If I can see the work set up, it would be really great to understand how to set up.:)

Thank you!

Thank you!
 

Thank you! artsyuno

Can I use both torch at the same time with the same oxy and propane?
or I have to use only one torch?

Thank you!!
 

Thank you! dusty!

So I can use Smith little torch with 13 hole shelbo tip to make the beads??

If you wye-connect them, you can use both.

Thank you! I will buy Y splitters for oxygen and propane.

Hopefully, I can share the torch setting with you guys also for the beginners like me lol:)

I just got the used minor torch!

and I will buy oxygen generator today.

Any recommendation for oxygen generator?

I would like to buy the below one EX-5 (5 LPM).

https://www.abrimagery.com/store/pro...trator-p-99614

It sounds like I'm late to the party, but you made the right decision. My wife uses the Smith little torch for metalworking, and out of curiosity I fired it up and tried to melt glass. No luck, though the tiny flame is handy for striking/reducing much smaller areas of a bead than I can manage with my main torch.

Also, you can definitely use splitters on the oxygen/propane lines to run both torches, though with the default tips the Smith likes to run between 2-4 psi (I can't speak for the Shelbo tips) on both oxygen and propane, so if you try to run both at the same time you the pressure might be a bit low for your Minor.

You can indeed. I did a demo at a local college for their metalsmithing class. I made three pendants on a Smith with a #7 tip. All borosilicate. The #7 is just about the same size as the center fire on a Carlisle CC. Melts glass just fine.

pack a lunch

Not really. Took me maybe 15-20% longer than on a standard torch.

I've had a couple others ask about it too. If I get time this weekend I'll do a video doing it.

sounds like fun.

so just a snack