GTT Bobcat...Minor...

sugarenie · #1 2006-11-15, 4:50pm

I am currently using a Hothead which is really just fine...The only problem I have is using the 1# MAPP canisters...I hate throwing them away...Oh, and athe noise...The other situation is that we use Propane to heat, cook, etc. in the house and I could easily run a line to where my work station is and then use a oxygen concentrator...I think this would be more econmical for me in the long run...

Someone I know in the flameworking field suggested the GTT Bobcat over a Minor...Any feedback on that suggestion?...

LoriBird · #2 2006-11-15, 4:59pm

awww I was in this dilema a year ago...I read so much of all of the torches in my price range my head was spinning. I finally picked a bobcat and I LOVE it. I run it on a concentrator I bought from Oxygen Plus here on LEtc...great set up. I honestly don't think there's a HUGE difference ...I think the minor is a good torch as well.
xoxo
lori

Stan · #3 2006-11-15, 4:59pm

I'm trying to decide on a Minor and Concentrator too!! I look forward to your responses.

-S

Stan · #4 2006-11-15, 5:04pm

Lori? One concentrator works with that?

LoriBird · #5 2006-11-16, 3:59am

one concentrator works just fine for soft glass w/ the bobcat. It's the 'baby' in the GTT series of torches. GTT's website lists them all..http://www.glasstorchtech.com/torches.html

xoxo
lori

Quicksilverart · #6 2006-11-16, 5:36am

I Got a minor after using a hothead. Used it for about 2 months and switched to a Bobcat. Should have started with the Cat. It's pretty much the same as the Minor, heat-wise, just a better torch.

MitzyGail · #7 2006-11-16, 7:15am

I have a minor and one oxycon. My understanding is that one oxycon and a mino torch is fine. I think your post is confusing because it implies an oxycon and an oxycon. Not necessary oxycon and hothead.

Stan · #8 2006-11-16, 7:46am

Guess more research is required before I shell out the bucks.. Thanks for the info.

IF-Designs · #9 2006-11-16, 7:48am

well if your piping in your propane your limited to your PSI you can run it at. That may give you not optimal performance on the bobcat I know my bobcat liked a liil higher PSI of propane like 5-7psi and most residential pSI comes in at 2-3 psi i believe I could be incorrect at this im not positive but im thinking thats what it comes in at or something close to that.

Im thinking for 1 concentrator and T'ing off your residential propane the minor might be a better choice for your upgrade at your current time....The minor is a great torch for soft glass work its a work horse and it tends to run a lil better on the lower PSI with either natural gas or LP , I love my GTT's too so dont get me wrong Im just thinking for what your stating the residential LP split since its a lower pressure I think the minor will probally be your better torch...

swamper · #10 2006-11-16, 11:34am

I have a Bobcat with a propane bottle outside separate form my house propane. I find that the bobcat with my concentrator gets hotter and has a flame more suited to my style (whatever that is) than my friend's minor. I'm glad I opted fo the Bobcat. Oh and I use the concentrator at 4.5 LPM and the propane at 5 psi. I run a flame a little on the oxy rich side.

Hayley · #11 2006-11-16, 12:27pm

I just got a Bobcat after a lot of research - over a Minor and MiniCC. It will be set up once my ventilation system is complete so I can't say from personal experience but this is what I learned from forums and research.

The Bobcat has a wider and narrower flame.

Most importantly, GTT technology makes the Bobcat cool to the touch.

As for piping in propane from your house tank - I think there are threads here indicating that it's not legal to do so. But do check.

I plan to pipe in a BBQ tank through rigid pipe with shut-off valves on the wall into my work area. I have a reconditioned 5 LPM (maxes at 8.5 PSI) oxycon.

Hope that helps.

Hayley

Feldt's Glass · #12 2006-11-16, 2:28pm

I think it really depends on the state you are in if it is legal or not to use the propane frome your house tank. I will say when I looked into that it was a problem. They said it could be done here but the PSI was only about 2 and it would cost about 2 grand to get it done. So for me not a good way to go. I use a small tank outside my window and just disconnect them each night. I think it is a 5 pound tank (BBQ tank)and it lasts about a month on my lynx. The cost to refill is very low under 20 bucks so not bad. I have used the bobcat and really like it. I wanted more heat and more options so just went to the lynx. I am now trading up to the cheetah so if you are like most of us fire hogs I think it is a good idea to try to get the best money will allow. I am not sure about the other but the bobcat is a nice little torch for the money. It stays nice and cool.

beadysam · #13 2006-11-16, 5:27pm

Love my Bobcat - its just so sleek and sexy to look at! Works like a dream too..

sugarenie · #14 2006-11-16, 5:42pm

Thanks for all of your info...I'm going to check into the legality of the connection and also the PSI...I'm not sure what it is coming into the house...We have a lot of appliances running on the propane so I'm not sure how it works...My DH and I just thought it would be a good idea and would save a few bucks...I'll let you know what I find out...

kbinkster · #15 2006-11-16, 9:00pm

A BBQ grill sized tank is inexpensive, lasts quite a while, is easy to get filled, and can still be used to supply propane that is plumbed into the studio. I would go with a seperate BBQ tank instead of tapping into your residential propane - JMHO.