Hello everyone. I must say that I have been greatly enjoying reading
all the discussions since I signed up a few weeks ago. Everyone
seems so knowledgable, I am in awe.
At this time, I am just setting up to make jewelry, and as yet have
next to nothing. I was wondering if anyone might have an extra torch
that they would be willing to sell really cheaply. Money is very
tight now of course (let’s just blame the economy). I was about to
just break down and buy a Hoke-jewelers torch, but thought I would
see if anyone has anything left over, possibly, for even less cost.
My only requirement is that it is safe for indoor use, since my
“studio” is my dining nook. Actually, I need pretty much any tools
of the trade. My e-mail is JodiBFelix@yahoo.com. Thankyou very much
for any and all help.
Jody, If you are looking for used tools, I would suggest you monitor
Ebay. Often, but not consistantly, tools come up for auction there.
I was about to just break down and buy a
Hoke-jewelers torch, but thought I would see if anyone has anything
left over, possibly, for even less cost. My only requirement is that
it is safe for indoor use, since my "studio" is my dining nook.
Well, this is akin to saying you’d like a lion as a pet, so since it
will be living in your apartment you need one that isn’t too wild.
Bottled, compressed gas is dangerous with a capital D. The torch
has little to do with that unless it is just unsound. And just in
case you were planning to use a natural gas hook up to avoid bottled
flammable gas you should know tha t solders and the fumes put out
when heating and melting metals can be noxious and in some cases
extremely hazardous to your health (cadmium is at the top of the
list). Don’t do any goldsmithing work in the place where you eat or
prepare food. This is one of the cardinal rules of shop safety.
There are several good and workable examples of small benches on the
benchexchange lin k at the main Ganoksin site, check those out.
Good luck.
Larry
The cheapest torch out there is the basic plumber’s torch, $20.00 at
the hardware store with the first tank of propane. You can also buy
just the torch tip at garage sales for $1.00.
I knew a metalsmith who used just that torch for all her work – and
she sold well at shows. You do have to hold the tank, though, so
the $30.00 propane set up with a little hose is nicer.
Elaine Luther
Chicago area, Illinois, USA
Certified PMC Instructor
@E_Luther
I use a little tiny butane torch for most of my soldering work.
Cheap, light, easy to refill, and gives me plenty of heat for small
projects without burning anything up.
Janet Kofoed