Choosing a torch is like choosing a pair of shoes .... the important things are (in no specific order): function, comfort, and price.
* Function: What do you plan to do with the torch? Hard or soft glass? Rod or tubing? Beads, pendents, marbles, paperweights, sculpture, or pipes? Will you be using liquid oxygen, bottles, or an oxycon? Do you want a single stage torch, or a multi stage (independent inner/outer flame)?
Where is your studio? Do you live in a dorm, barracks, or RV, and need a ‘portable’ studio; one you can set up and tear down easily? Do you work in your dining room? Basement? Garage? How good is your ventilation? Your lighting?
How long have you been torching? What is your experience level? Are you just starting out, or are you moving up to a larger torch? Are you doing this as a hobby, or are you trying to make money at this? If this is a hobby, are you the type of person that tries a new hobby, and then moves on to a new hobby in 6 months? Or, do you tend to stick with things for the long haul?
*ALL* of this influences your torch selection.
* Comfort: How many torches have you actually worked on? What are *you* comfortable using? Most people tend to be most comfortable using the torch they learned on.
Every torch has its strengths, and its weaknesses. To make an informed choice, you should learn these, so you can select a torch that has its strengths in the areas where you work.
Many people love GTT torches, and won't use anything else. Similarly, there are people who will only drive BMWs. Don't get me wrong; GTT makes great torches. Just remember, there are other torches out there … all with different strengths (and weaknesses). You may find that, for what you do and the way you work, you might better like a Carlisle, or Herbert Arnold, or National, or ....
Every new torch comes with a learning curve. Don’t dismiss a torch just because you haven’t learned how to use it correctly. The only way for you to know if you are comfortable with a torch is to actually work on one. It doesn't matter what torch *I* am comfortable using, what matters is what torch *you* are comfortable using.
* Price (& Availability): Someone might suggest something like a GTT Delta Mag as being the best torch in the world, but if you don't have $4000 to spend on a torch, what difference does it make? If we don't know your budget, suggesting torches out of your budget doesn't help, does it?
If you are upgrading from a Hot Head, in addition to the new torch, you will also have to get additional items such as regulator(s), hose(s), an oxygen source (either bottles or an oxycon), etc. Keep this in mind when you set your budget.
Consider the operating expenses. Some torches are more efficient with their use of both gas and oxygen. Like buying a car, it may be better in the long run to spend a little more up front for a more efficient torch, and safe on the cost of gas and oxygen down the road.
If you are already using an oxycon, suggesting a torch too large for your existing oxycon doesn’t help either (unless you have also budgeted for one or more new oxycons
)
Some torches keep their resale value better than others. You may be upgrading now from a Hot Head (or a Minor, or …), but you may upgrade again in the future. This need not be the last torch you ever buy.
Don't be afraid of getting a used torch. Sometimes you can get a good deal on a used torch, getting you much more torch for your money. Also, some torch models are, shall we say, in limited availability, or perhaps no longer in production. You may not be able to easily find a new torch in the model you want. A used torch now may be better than a new torch a year from now (especially if the used one retains its resale value).
Seriously, just as I can’t tell you what shoes are best for you, I really can’t tell you what torch is best. I can offer suggestions, but you really need to "try them on" yourself, and see what feels right.
Malcolm
Best torch???
