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Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips

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  #1  
Old 2021-04-13, 12:24pm
Brontobrat Brontobrat is offline
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Join Date: Feb 10, 2021
Location: Texas/Colorado
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Default Torch advice! Please :)

Hola all

I need some input on a dual fuel torch. I was a lampworker back in the heyday of lampwork and quit for about 10 years. Now I’m in the process of building my studio again I have been using a Hothead - used a Nortel Minor back in the day. Getting a little frustrated so I am figuring out what torch to buy. I don’t want to work with anything but soft glass, so my first go to is another minor because it’s what I know. But I have also be looking at a National 3A (unsure if I am totally correct on that model number) can y’all help me know the differences of these torches? And how does the National being a premix change things? Price does matter in my budget, so this is the reason I’m staying in this price range.

Thanks y’all!
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  #2  
Old 2021-04-13, 5:49pm
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Speedslug Speedslug is offline
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I have been happy with my GTT Cricket on house hold natural gas and a 10lpm oxycon.
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  #3  
Old 2021-04-14, 12:20pm
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Jude Rose Jude Rose is offline
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If can afford it, you will not believe the difference a bump up from a Minor can make. The heat focuses and penetrates so easily with say, a Bethlehem Alpha. I stopped using a Minor like 15+ years ago and my abilities sky-rocketed.
Good luck and welcome back to playing with fire.
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  #4  
Old 2021-04-21, 3:19pm
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JGarcia JGarcia is offline
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Join Date: Mar 01, 2021
Location: Cumming, Georgia
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I am actually new to lampworking. I started with a Hot Head. Got me hooked. I then took a beadmaking class using a surface mix torch. I was immediately sold on the surface mix. The Hot Head is like sitting behind a jet engine, the surface mix noticeably quieter and a lot more powerful. That being said I purchased a used GTT Bobcat from the studio. Of course that was just part of it. Decided to go with a modified oxygen concentrator. Actually the same price or less than purchasing an tank, oxygen regulator and flash back arrestor. Only needed the setup for the propane. Al I need now is the time to perfect the perfect bead. The GTT Bobcat is great and inexpensive torch to own. I had a couple of questions and their customer service was great.
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