Why the National 8M not popular?
 

On paper/screen, it looks like a very versatile and capable torch, yet there is hardly any review and very little hint of anyone using one.

Is there a particular set of reasons for this?

The multiple tips and mixing regimes just sounded so appealing to a somewhat gullible novice...

I bought one not long ago. I'm anxious to get it set up but I agree with the surprising lack of reviews or even spec sheets on it. If I'm able to get it up and running soon I'll be sure to post some thoughts, images, etc.

notes from a somewhat gullible novice:

Using the settings prescribed by the manufacturer the torch is:

loud (not a quiet torch - it has quite a hiss)
hot (the control nobs get too hot to adjust)

Looking at the torch I now see the makers have struggled with the heat issue. There are fins to dissipate the heat and a large metal block which I am going to guess is an attempt to make a heat sink that will help to cool the torch. Neither of these appear to work.

I am somewhat uncomfortable to have control nobs too hot to touch. I am reluctant to burn my fingers and also wonder about safety issues and how long the hoses will last before they crack or break.

I am thinking about getting a different torch. One that is quieter and does not have the heat issues the National 8 appears to have.

I should add that I have no experience with any other glass torches to date so these issues may just be standard for other glass torches as well. I may also be a bumbling fool that cannot figure out how to use the torch.

apologizes if this is of little help-
Bumbling Gullible Novice

I've read that some older 8m's have something wrong with an O-ring that has something to do with the overheating issue. You might contact National to see if they have anything to say about it.

I've never had trouble with mine, but I've only ever ran it with premix tips.

I've used one for years and I like it fine. The knobs on mine get pretty warm but definitely not too hot to adjust.

My mini cc knobs get very hot, too. Just make the flame a bit longer so the hottest part of the heat is further out from the torch face. Been told that will help.

Sue

Yes, sometimes I wonder if my issues with the torch are the way I use it.

So I'm a beginner and I use COE104 only. Enough issues there for a thesis.

I also prefer less flame. I want to see and I want to control. So much going on- flame/placement/angle/time/color/melt

The candles on my SM7 tip are 5mm (just under 1/4 inch) and I know my gas pressures are well under the recommended levels.

Yesterday I got a couple of boro tubes and glass melted. Mmmm-always feels good.

Dusty, I think you use boro-if I have a memory of threads past. PattyK, I do not know what glass you are using so ...?

So, as for versatility, it might well be so. I am only running it in one particular corridor, in an area not recommended. It might be a superb torch for learning boro as it might function exactly like I like.

Cheers to those not cursed with overthinking. :waving:

I mostly use 104 COE.

good information dusty.

I will look into a pre-mix tip. Thanks again.

No problem. If you do, look for a 55-hole Shelbo Whisper Tip.