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2018-02-14, 10:07am
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Feb 14, 2018
Posts: 3
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Minor vs Bobcat pro/con
Hello All,
New to lampworking and looking to purchase a torch. I have researched and researched and researched but am still on the iffy side of what to purchase. I have a 5lpm concentrator and a propane tank. Looking to do soft glass bead type things for now with possibility of boro sometime in the distant future. Also, what might be the longevity and the maintenance on these torches?
If you have any type of insight on the pros/cons of each (Minor vs Bobcat,) I'd greatly appreciate the insight! Thank you.
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2018-02-14, 4:02pm
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Loving learning
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Join Date: Oct 11, 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 11,654
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My experience with the Bobcat is with just one class. I am used to a Minor, and the Bobcat had a more focused flame, and less ambient heat in my limited experience. Or maybe just the one I was on, but I prefer the Minor for what I do.
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My current "hot" fantasy involves a senior discount on glass & tools!
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2018-02-14, 4:03pm
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Feb 14, 2018
Posts: 3
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Interesting, thank you Eileen!
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2018-02-15, 6:04am
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Aug 31, 2006
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 2,215
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And I prefer the Bobcat! I find it hard to melt glass on a minor, too slow. You frankly will probably like whichever you start on better. You may also want to consider an Alpha.
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Kathy
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2018-02-15, 11:34am
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Feb 14, 2018
Posts: 3
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Thanks!
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2018-02-18, 10:36am
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Jan 08, 2017
Posts: 4
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Bobcat or alpha over a minor all day.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
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2018-02-22, 2:07pm
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da General
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Join Date: Oct 05, 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 13,002
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I have used/taught on Bobcat, Cricket, Minor, Mini CC, and Alpha. My own torch is a Barracuda (Bethlehem has replaced that with a Bravo and its center fire is an Alpha).
Bobcat is hotter than the Minor but isn't as friendly on only one 5lpm oxycon. You are better off with a Cricket which is almost as hot. But both Bobcat and Cricket will have carbon buildup especially on lower lpm oxycon. I find having to flick off the buildup on the torch face annoying.
I'd recommend a Bethlehem Alpha. It's just as hot as the Bobcat/Cricket (hotter than a Minor) and doesn't have carbon buildup. Its flame is between a Minor and Bobcat/Cricket.
Eventually, you may consider adding another oxycon (two 5s) or upgrade to a 15.
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Hayley
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2018-03-17, 7:19pm
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HotFlash Designs
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Join Date: May 31, 2007
Location: Chicagoland and/or Southwest Missouri
Posts: 2,117
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I have a bobcat at home, but where I teach they're all minors.
I prefer my bobcat by far. (Plus it's colorful)
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Sheri
Be Curious. Not judgmental.
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