Hello, Can I ask whay kind of torch you are using? I am deciding
between acetylene and oxy propane, using a hoke setup.
Gail
Hello, Can I ask whay kind of torch you are using? I am deciding between acetylene and oxy propane, using a hoke setup.
Acetylene/air, like a prestolite, is a good soft flame for
silversmithing work. Not much good for jewelry repair though.
Oxy acetylene is good for welding battleships. Use it only as a
last resort in jewelry work. In a smith little torch it’s
useable though. Still prefer the propane or natural gas with
oxygen for most uses. And if you can afford the small additional
amount of money for a Meco torch instead of a Hoke, I suspect
you’ll prefer it. Better valves, and at least in my opinion, an
easier to use torch.
Peter Rowe
Gail,
Hi! I use a hoke set up also. I have for over 20 years, now and
am very pleased with the set up. I’ve worked for many jewelers
with alot of different set ups and prefer hoke. I will also
strongly advise that you go with natural gas and oxygen,if I’m
not being too pushey.Most professonals,so I am told, use this,
and a second reason beside the convenience of not refilling, is
the safety of not storing a tank, such as propane, in what might
be a dangerious location. There have been lots of postings
already on this subject. With natural gas, a cutoff should be
installed outside the house so that in the event of a fire, the
firemen can shut it down safely, from outside. If you go with
another set up , please store the tank in a safe manner,
preferably outside your studio.Please check with local experts
on this, you can read the string of orchid safety discussion in
the archives on the subject of “propane”. I’m also just curious
as to what type of metal work you do? Good luck, Don Wollwage in
sunny sunny northern CA.
Hello Gail, Most likely everyone will have a different opinion.
I vote against acetylene and for propane if those are your only
two choices. Right now I am using natural gas and think this is
best. There is no pressurized tank of gas to deal with and it
works for everything but platinum casting.
Good luck. Tom Arnold
I could not agree more about torches. Peter Rowe’s explanation
hits the flame on the tip!
-Oxy acetylene: good for welding battleships.
-Prestolite: good for large work, not delicate jewelry.
-Oxy-propane or natural gas: ideal & versatile: melt an ounce or solder a jump ring.
-Meco torch is the best.
Alan Revere
Hello, Can I ask whay kind of torch you are using? I am deciding
between acetylene and oxy propane, using a hoke setup.
Hi Gail,
I’d been using an oxy-acetylene setup for years and it’s really
messy stuff. Deposits a fine layer of soot over your shop as time
goes on. Go for the propane, particularly if you intend to be
doing any work in platinum. It’ll give you a clean, hot flame and
won’t give you contaminant problems with platinum. Also, those
long lasting little tanks are easier to haul out and refill at
the hardware store. Just make sure the torch and tips you have
are suitable for propane. When I switched gasses using a ‘Little
Torch’, I had to pick up a new melting tip. Unsure if this will
be a concern with a Hoke.
Jane
From John Burton; According to National Welding Equip. here is
some data on gases.
Flame
Temp. BTU’S per Cu. Ft,
Butane - Oxygen 5250 deg.
F 3,130
Propane - Oxygen 5,240
" 2,350
Natural Gas - Oxygen 5,120
" 1.160
Acetylene - Oxygen 5,850
" 1,440
Prestolite -Air 3000
" "
(acetylene dissolved in acetone)
Acetylene is considered a "Dirty’ gas as it can leave carbon
particles in cast material. I use propane - oxygen which is
clean and cheap. The btu’s relate to the mass of the gas that hits
the material, the higher the mass the more heat is thown at it.
I also use Prestolite for bezels and other delicate work as the
flame temp is much lower. For casting I use propane-oxy and make
my own Rose tips. Rose tips are bigger and have at least 8-10
small holes at the end.
Hello, Can I ask whay kind of torch you are using? I am deciding between acetylene and oxy propane, using a hoke setup.
I work mainly in Sterling (sheet and wire) and use the acetylene
Presto-lite. I wouldn’t trade it for any others that I’ve tried
so far.
According to National Welding Equip.her is some data on torches and gases.
Gases Btu’s per cu.ft.
Flame Temp
Butane-Oxygen 3130
5250 deg F.
Propane-Oxygen 2350 5240
deg F.
Acetylene-Oxygen 1440 5850
deg F.
Natural Gas-Oxygen 1160 5120
deg F.
Prestolite-Air (acetylene dissolved in acetone) 3000 deg
F.
The btu’s relate to the mass or weight of the that hits the
material to be soldered,the higher the mass, the more heat is
thrown at it. Acetylene is considered a “Dirty” gas as it can
leave carbon particles in cast material. I use propane-oxy which
is clean and cheap, and can be purchase at most rental outfits
once you buy the tank and regulator. I also use Prestolite for
bezels and other delicate work as the flame temp. is much lower.