I learned on a Red Max with a pre mix minor. A buddy of mine has the same torch as you. I never had much luck fuming or adding detail with the surface mix minor. I can definitely see how it could give you problems.
How's your coil potting?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIFJu2E09b4 (thanks LePatron)
This is how we were getting most of our base colors, with different variations of fuming inside the cup. It was WAY easier when I had someone pull the cup out of the kiln and heat/hold it for me. It made it easier to get the blow in to a honey consistency. I'm back in my studio now so I won't have that luxury anymore.