I got my satin wheel from the Rio Grande catalogue. The wheel is
a firm but not hard, about 3/4 inches wide and 3 inches in
diameter. It’s wonderful for removing firescale or small specks
of solder. It’ll also grind away prong tips or small findings in
a flash, so be careful near these areas.
Of course, the best thing to do is to try to avoid firescale
from the start. Don’t skimp on flux, and then hit your work as
hot and fast as you can. I tend to use a huge flame, even for
small stuff. Then I get my hand in there to stick solder
People who watch me tend to shudder and walk away, but I don’t
get much firescale that way!
I work the same way you do. I use the largest flame tip I think
my piece can handle and spot solder with a huge flame. Repeated
soldering with a small flame just RUINS a piece. I only had two
firescale problems during my career and both incidents happen
when I was still a little scared of working with a torch and as a
result I would just cook a piece with a small flame instead of
melting the solder…
DeDe
DeDe Sullivan
Producer
Manhattan Transfer Graphics
Tel: 212-907-1204
FAX: 212-370-9346
E Mail: @dede
I work the same way you do. I use the largest flame tip I
think my piece can handle and spot solder with a huge flame.
Repeated soldering with a small flame just RUINS a piece. I
only had two firescale problems during my career and both
incidents happen when I was still a little scared of working
with a torch and as a result I would just cook a piece with a
small flame instead of melting the solder...
De De, do you use a presto-lite with acetelyne??? Wondering, if
so, what size tip (I’m used to the 3) . . . but, have used the 2.
If you use something else, please let me know what it is that
you use . …
De De, do you use a presto-lite with acetelyne??? Wondering, if
so, what size tip (I’m used to the 3) . . . but, have used the 2.
If you use something else, please let me know what it is that
you use . …
Howdy Fishbre!
I have a Smith torch that I use with a B tank. I mostly use a 2
and 3 tip. If I have a really thick hunk of metal I use a 4. I
bought the Smith torch set because I have been told that it is
the best and If I was going to spend the money buy something
good. I think the whole outfit including 4 tips and tank cost
around $300. I bought the outfit at a local jewerly supply store
(Metaliferous). I have compared their prices to Rio Grande and
other mail sources and Metaliferous beat the mail order prices
by $25 to $100 dollars depending on the item(!!!). I think they
just want to get rid of stock sometimes so they price stuff to
go… What is a presto-lite? Is it one of those minature torch set
ups?
DeDe
DeDe Sullivan
Producer
Manhattan Transfer Graphics
Tel: 212-907-1204
FAX: 212-370-9346
E Mail: @dede
I have a Smith torch that I use with a B tank. I mostly use a
2 and 3 tip. If I have a really thick hunk of metal I use
a 4. I bought the Smith torch set because I have been told
that it is the best and If I was going to spend the money
buy something good. I think the whole outfit including 4
tips and tank cost around $300. I bought the outfit at a
local jewerly supply store (Metaliferous). I have compared
their prices to Rio Grande and other mail sources and
Metaliferous beat the mail order prices by $25 to $100
dollars depending on the item(!!!!). I think they just
want to get rid of stock sometimes so they price stuff to
go.. What is a presto-lite? Is it one of those minature torch
set ups?
Thanks for the info!!! I’m going to have to check on getting
extra tips for my torch. The Presto-lite is not a mini torch,
used with a “B” tank, it is full sized and is sold through
either Indian Jewelers Supply or Thunderbird Supply. I discoverd
it while taking a silversmithing course at a local art center. I
like it.
I don’t think I’d want a mini torch, I think my pieces are too
big to try to heat them with that. Although, for doing chain
(soldering each link) it may be ideal . . .
Thanks for the info!!! I'm going to have to check on getting
extra tips for my torch. The Presto-lite is not a mini torch,
used with a "B" tank, it is full sized and is sold through
either Indian Jewelers Supply or Thunderbird Supply. I discoverd
it while taking a silversmithing course at a local art center. I
like it.
I don't think I'd want a mini torch, I think my pieces are too
big to try to heat them with that. Although, for doing chain
(soldering each link) it may be ideal . . .
I have a Presto-lite and a Smith torch. Both are interchangable
with the same tank. Both have the same tip configuration but are
not interchangable because of the design. Which do I like
better. By far, the Smith torch. Neither are classified as
min-torches. I found my Smith torch at a second hand store with
the tank attached for $65.00. That’s almost stealing. Shame on
me but its the best thing I ever purchased used. Have a sunshine
day!
Both have the same tip configuration but are not interchangable
because of the design. Which do I like better. By far, the
Smith torch.
When you say there is a difference in design, what exactly do
you mean??? The handle on the Presto-lite is a long oval shape,
there is a flame ajustment knob at the end which is attached to
the hose which goes to the tank, the tip is a gooseneck shape.
There is a single dial regulator which attaches to the tank . . .
it shows F (full) and quarter and eighth increments down to E
(empty). How does the Smith differ??? Is it easier to control???
Where can one find such a torch (other than getting lucky and
finding it second hand . . .)
