Vicki,
Lighting a torch is a serious matter. Any teacher who ‘likes to
scare students with the torch’ should be sacked, tarred and feathered
at the same time! I hope the allegations are not true.
I find at least one student out of 10 is afraid of lighting a torch.
My way of handling it (others probably have their way) and de-mystify
the process, is to demonstrate everything about the torch system
first. From the tank to the tip…explain it all, what it does, how
it does it and why. Then explain the electronic lighter (i.e., its a
mini-taser essentially). Then I light the torch and explain different
types of flames, how to adjust to get the flame you want, and what
each is used for. At that point, each student must light the torch
and adjust it. No one is exempt. If someone is hesitant, I hold their
hand while lighting, several times if necessary. Then they do it
solo.
That usually resolves their immediate fears, however, some continue
to flinch for some time until they become completely at ease.
The moral of this little story is, practice in a controlled
environment is the best teacher.
Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
elegance IS fine jewelry!