What to test with a Bethlehem Alpha

Margrieten · #1 2013-01-30, 11:01am

Hello Everybody,

Friday I am going to test a Bethlehem Alpha torch. I have now for years a mini-cc, but I have heard that the Bethehem Alpha would be better.

In the past, I had a bobcat for a few days and then sold it quickly to someone who was very happy with it. So I learned how personal a torch is.

Perhaps some of you are already working with a Bethlehem Alpha, and have some "watch-outs" or "that's why it is great" tips for me.

Some questions for you:
- Do I have to clean the torch often?
- Is the flame stable of do i have to correct it all the time.
- How works it with Double Helix glass?

I work with a oxy tank.
I work wit soft glass and love to make lentils.

Thank you all for your reactions!

LarryC · #2 2013-01-30, 11:48pm

The archer is more important than the arrow.

Raimond · #3 2013-01-31, 12:25pm

I have a Bravo, not sure I can help but check out this link too the Alpha.

http://www.bethlehemburners.com/torc...a#.UQrFBb9EF8E

uncle louie · #4 2013-01-31, 12:29pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryC

The archer is more important than the arrow.

I agree with Larry,and since I own one I can tell you it's a wonderful little torch.
I have worked both soft and boro glass with it and I use an m15 oxycon and it's great.I'm sure you will love it.

elle · #5 2013-01-31, 2:50pm

I've only had my Alpha for a few weeks, and I really like it. I've been using a Minor for about 10 years, and while I wouldn't necessarily say it's "better" than the Minor, it's definitely an attractive piece of work and the flame is much more adjustable. I've never tried the mini-cc, but I've read that the mini has a cooler bushier flame than most other burners, so it's possible that you ought to be prepared for a bit more focused heat than you're used to.

1. You should clean any torch often. It's easy to do and only takes a few minutes. A cleaning kit should be included when you buy one. If you're wondering about carbon buildup (I call them orange crumbs) on the Alpha, I haven't had any yet.

2. Perhaps you had issues with your Bobcat - it's been years since I've noticed anyone having problems like this, but at one point some folks reported flame fluctuation/fading on new GTTs, and this problem went away after the valves in the knobs settled in, or something to that effect. That said, I never had this problem with my Lynx.

The flame on the Alpha is highly adjustable. From a crazy huge size to a teeny tiny size. You will be turning the knobs often, depending on what you're doing. I rarely run a huge flame or a teeny flame, I generally prefer a smaller, cooler one for most things I do.

3. I've had great success with reducing Double Helix glass - I turn down the oxygen rather than the gas. (and again, if you run a dragon breath reducing flame, you should clean your torch often.) And I would imagine that hot focused flame will get your strikers to do their thing.

I use tanked oxygen and soft glass, as well. I've found it to be as conservative on the oxygen as my Minor, if not better. Over all, I'm very pleased with it. I wrote a couple of reviews about it on my blog:

http://zbeads.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/new/
http://zbeads.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/wow-4/

I hope this helps...
Sarah

Dragonharper · #6 2013-01-31, 4:03pm

You'll love it. I have a Bravo and mostly use the inner fire, the alpha. The flame is as stable as your regulators will allow.

Margrieten · #7 2013-02-01, 6:36am

Wow, dear people thank you all for your reactions. I am so happy with to good news.

About the cleaning. It was indeed the bobcat. Sometimes I had to stop burning and first clean the torch before I could go on. I had indeed those yellow flames.

I am on my way now to test it and will let you know if I bought it.

Thanks!

bepnewt · #8 2013-02-01, 8:04am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margrieten

I am on my way now to test it and will let you know if I bought it. Thanks!

Can't wait for your review.

-BEP

Margrieten · #9 2013-02-01, 9:28am

Yes! I bought it! What a beautiful flame!
I was already sold when it was lighted.

When it is working at home I will post pictures with the flame. Name: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359736098.557982.jpg
Views: 681
Size: 44.6 KB

Name: ImageUploadedByTapatalk1359736098.557982.jpg
Views: 681
Size: 44.6 KB

istandalone24/7 · #10 2013-02-01, 10:20am

what kind of hose connections are on those barbs?

Margrieten · #11 2013-02-01, 12:40pm

Those are specially made because the Americans ones doesn't fit. We have other measures in Europe.

bepnewt · #12 2013-02-01, 12:42pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margrieten

Those are specially made because the Americans ones doesn't fit. We have other measures in Europe.

I think they look exactly like my new Bravo. I'll check tonight.

-BEP

Dragonharper · #13 2013-02-01, 1:56pm

The hoses are crimped on to the barbs and come with B fittings and F-F barrels.

bepnewt · #14 2013-02-04, 12:08pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by bepnewt

I think they look exactly like my new Bravo. I'll check tonight.

-BEP

Here's my new Bravo, they look to be the same:

Margrieten · #15 2013-03-08, 11:55pm

Yes the same! I love my new Bethlehem Alpha. Thank you all!

juls mei · #16 2013-03-17, 11:15pm

I know this is a bit late and off topic....But how would you compare the Alpha to Lynx? I had almost decided on a Lynx but then spoke to my supplier and they suggested the Alpha was just as good and it seems to be half the price! I've read a lot of praise for the Lynx, and a couple of people who just didn't have success with it.

I was excited by the pin-point flame. I'd like to do some fine boor work and sculpture. I've learnt on a minor, which is great, but just wanted a little more heat and a finer flame.