Ganoksin.com-- Could you tell me the name and address of the
maker of the Hoke Torch? I do welding, blacksmithing, some
jewelry-- buckles, etc… My sister-in-law quit silversmithing and
just gave me a Hoke torch marked 71 NAT on the body. I am trying
to track down the manufacturer. The Hoke that comes up in
searching on the net, maker of gas valves, etc., say they quit
making the torch 45 years ago, sold the name. Talked with
Gesswein, FDJ, and they say they get it from a supplier, don’t
know location of maker. What I want to know is: does each gas
require a different torch body, or can I just screw tips for
acetylene or propane onto this (which I suppose is intended for
natural gas) body? Any leads, advice, much appreciated. Many
thanks. John Neary
The Hoke torch body accepts the different tips that are
calibrated for the different gases used in jewelry. I have used
my Hoke torch for natural gas and had to change to LP gas due to
a change of available gas at the different work places. The
body is the same for all. Just make sure you have the proper
tips for the specific gas you are using and all will work
properly. The tips are gas specific due to the different orfice
sizes needed to make a properly balanced flame. Ganbatte
Philip Whately
Jojn, most of the gasses require a different Hoke torch. They
all look the same, but an orifice? inside the body is different.
(I believe that one or two gasses require the same torch…)
Vigor may be one of the distributors and Pro Craft may be a
distributor as well, or perhaps even the maufacturere. They are
often marketed under Hoke Jewel.
I’ve used an oxyprpapne Hoke for years and wouldn’t switch.
many of my students love 'em too but there are some who really
dislike the weight and the control knobs. I think that you could
probably enjoy soldering w/ a flaming piece of celery if that’s
what you grew up on. To each his own.
Good luck, Andy Cooperman