I guess this turns out to be a response to more than one topic. I
have used a Smith Little Torch for many, many years… with an
oxygen/acetylene set-up. I am so used to it, that I find it very
effective for metals from copper-gold. I also like the fact that I
can adjust the flame properties, if need be, without putting the
torch down…with the fingers on the hand holding the torch. The tips
can be changed easily with just finger-tightening. I never found a
wrench to be necessary. A wrench can be used… but as with all
threaded things… IMHO, it is better to tighten with a lighter touch
so as not to strip the threads.
As far as the #2 tip being the one that only works well with
acetylene, Jen… I think you might be talking about the Smith
Silversmith torch instead of the Little Torch - as the #2 Little
Torch
tip is very, very small and intended for pin-point-type of soldering.
There is a synthetic sapphire embedded in #2 now (according to Rio
Grande)… used to be a ruby. I routinely use a #4 and #5 tip for
most everything. A #6 or #7 should deliver more than enough heat for
Lucy’s project, I think. You are going to get some serious heat out
of them… and walk the line, as always, between clean soldering and
melting your metal. Again, as some have said, positioning can play a
key role in a stubborn project.
I use the paste flux, Stay-Silv, for copper and brass. I use it for
sterling as well, for the simple reason, that I have never
experienced fire stain with it at all.
I want to add… I am inspired, humbled, and grateful…by and for…
the beauty, innovation and mastery… of many of you who share your
thoughts, advice, and work here. For me… it is truly…a:
Walk With Beauty,
Anita Van Slyke-Swank