HELP! Setting up studio need to know how...

IWANNALEARN · #1 2008-12-26, 6:58pm

I am ready to move up from my hot head and I want a Cricket..... Yea me...

I need step by step instructions ( I am a blonde)

I right now live in a townhouse and we are on the top floor. I torch in my garage.

My set up is on a desk with my torch mouted to it attached to my bbq tank. I leave it hooked up at all times but when I am not torching I do drain the hose and turn off both the tank and the torch.

When I torch the bbq goes outside the garage door and I lower the garage door down until I only have an opening of 1 yard. I use a fan setting on the floor to blow out for exhaust.

I want to upgrade from my hot head but don't know what to buy. I only have a bbq tank and my hot head right now. What do I need to buy and if I get an oxycon what size do I need for a cricket and how many psi for it please.

If I get a regulator what type and size and do I need an arrestor for the oxycon and propane or just the propane. I am afraid to put the propane outside as someone may steal it.

Any advice on safety and to tell me what to buy greatly appreciated. Thanks

Tropical Heat · #2 2008-12-26, 8:43pm

I need the same information so I'm going to be stalking this thread!

pierces*designs · #3 2008-12-26, 9:11pm

I hate to say it, but your ventilation set up is not going to be adequate. Look into a Barley Box or something similar than will allow you to vent the fumes in a very controlled manor.

IWANNALEARN · #4 2008-12-26, 9:41pm

Barley box. Cool where do I get it? Thanks for the first post of an idea you are awesome.

NMLinda · #5 2008-12-27, 9:08am

If you search on 'Barley Box' here in LE as well as WetCanvas and ISGB, you'll find references. Basically, the Barley Box is a fume hood, which is why it's a great idea. There's an older post on one of the threads with photos - helpful if you've never seen one. You should also search these forums and Art Glass Answers for information on how to set up a good ventilation system as well as other safety considerations. It's important to make sure you have a good strong fan for your ventilation enclosure and the right regulators and flash-back arrestors for your new propane/oxy torch. If you dig through the Safety, Studio and Ventilation sections of the major boards, you'll find out why this is so vital to understand. Some members have had shared their scary 'events' and others have shared health problems. They are passionate about helping new folks avoid the same.

You'll find a wealth of important info and advice posted by Dale M, Vince, Mike A. and others in these sections.

Linda

Dale M. · #6 2008-12-27, 10:30am

Here is some information on setting up (in concept) a oxygen/fuel torch...

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11
http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12
http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8

Though a specific brand name of torch many be mentioned in "papers" it really applies to all fuel/oxygen torches no matter what brand name may be...

Here is "something" about ventilation...

http://www.artglassanswers.com/forum...opic.php?t=273

Dale

pierces*designs · #7 2008-12-27, 12:07pm

I always hesitate to give too much advice because I am not one of the experts. I have been torching for 5 yrs and have comprimised lungs so I have to be uber careful about ventilation. I have tried hoods, funnels and finally the Barley Box. The barley box is the only one that seemed to work for me.

This is mine, cost all of $30 to construct (not including the ventilation fan and pipe).

pierces*designs · #8 2008-12-27, 12:08pm

BTW, I will be glad to give construction instructions to anyone who wants them.

You can vent it from the top or the back. I chose the top because now my ventilation goes through my roof. In that picture it went out a window.

ladymeme123 · #9 2008-12-27, 12:22pm

Wow Deb, I'm a newbie and this is the setup I want. I was just wondering if this fan will work:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100055092

thanks for any help

Michelle

pierces*designs · #10 2008-12-27, 12:30pm

Eek Michelle, This is where I feel like the eperts like Dale are really going to correct me, but here is my experience.

My understanding about the Barley box is that because it contains the fumes well, a smaller CFM fan can be used, but you still have to contend with bends, etc.

I went with this fan:

http://www.nehydro.net/index.php?mai...dc441cda3d4155

It is 747 CFM and it is vented using 8" pipe straight up and out my roof. I have a radial controller to increase, decrease the speed because that baby can suck my flame out. I am currently using a cricket, but used a Baraccuda for over a year with it.

I think you could get away with a lower CFM fan.

The biggest thing is having your makeup air be from behind you. (At least in my experience).

pierces*designs · #11 2008-12-27, 12:32pm

Lots of people hate the barley box because it does restrict you from doing really big stuff. But I have to give up my desire for large pieces to allow myself to have adequate ventilation.

Paul Ewing · #12 2008-12-27, 3:56pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladymeme123

Wow Deb, I'm a newbie and this is the setup I want. I was just wondering if this fan will work:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100055092

thanks for any help

Michelle

Michelle, that is the fan I used for my setup. It may be a bit overpowered for a one torch bench. A lot will be determined by the size of the opening. Personally I like a bit more exhaust than minimum as long as it doesn't distort the flame.

This explains the hood setup I made for my wife and I.

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=64554

This is a quick peek at the finished hood with torches and tools installed:

The instructions for the Barley box would probably be fine for a small torch like the Cricket or Minor, but I personally would use cement board for the back panel.

I would also use fixed duct pipe instead of the flexible. The flex will cause way too much turbulence and static pressure for most fans. The gable mounts are not made to be used with ducts so would not do well at all in a flex duct situation. I have mine venting straight out the back in the upper center section of the bench. I have about 4 to 6 inches of duct to make the connection from the back of the hood to the fan in the wall.

pierces*designs · #13 2008-12-27, 4:01pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Ewing

Michelle, that is the fan I used for my setup. It may be a bit overpowered for a one torch bench. A lot will be determined by the size of the opening. Personally I like a bit more exhaust than minimum as long as it doesn't distort the flame.

This explains the hood setup I made for my wife and I.

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=64554

This is a quick peek at the finished hood with torches and tools installed:

The instructions for the Barley box would probably be fine for a small torch like the Cricket or Minor, but I personally would use cement board for the back panel.

I would also use fixed duct pipe instead of the flexible. The flex will cause way too much turbulence and static pressure for most fans. The gable mounts are not made to be used with ducts so would not do well at all in a flex duct situation. I have mine venting straight out the back in the upper center section of the bench. I have about 4 to 6 inches of duct to make the connection from the back of the hood to the fan in the wall.

I agree about the flexible duct. That was temporary until I could get the set up to through the roof.

artsyuno · #14 2008-12-27, 5:31pm

One more thing. It sounds from your post that you may be storing your BBQ tank inside the garage. It should be kept outside at all times.

Deb Hopeful Journeys · #15 2008-12-27, 5:41pm

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100609205

That is the fan I use. My hubby mounted it onto a kitchen vent hood. Gutted the vent hood that I picked up off the curb on garbage day.

Does anyone here know the link to Raymonds thread. He built his wifeypoo a great portable system. She torched inside an apartment, I believe. Not totally sure though. I do know that the system looke great.

ladymeme123 · #16 2008-12-27, 7:44pm

Thanks guys! sounds like I can go with a larger barley box with room for growth if I decide to go with this fan.

Michelle

IWANNALEARN · #17 2008-12-28, 4:19pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by pierces*designs

I always hesitate to give too much advice because I am not one of the experts. I have been torching for 5 yrs and have comprimised lungs so I have to be uber careful about ventilation. I have tried hoods, funnels and finally the Barley Box. The barley box is the only one that seemed to work for me.

This is mine, cost all of $30 to construct (not including the ventilation fan and pipe).

YES YES YES !!!! Tell me how to construct this please thank you