Back to Ganoksin | FAQ | Contact

Oxy-power blow torch

Jewelry Discussion
#1

I have just heard about a new torch from Primus called an Oxypower
blow torch. It is a dual LPG gas and oxygen torch that is claimed to
achieve temperatures of up to 3000 degrees Celsius. I would be
interested in this torch because I would like to melt and recycle my
own scrap sterling silver.

However, before I purchase it (for $400 Australian dollars) I would
like to know if it would actually do what I want it to do. Has anyone
used one of these, or similar LPG gas and oxygen torches, and can
they melt reasonable quantities of sterling silver at a time?

Milton Long
Bendigo, Australia

#2

Milton,

You don’t need $400 worth of torch to melt silver scrap. You can do
it with a hardware store propane torch. If you want more heat
though, an acetylene/air torch will work just fine.

Jerry in Kodiak

#3

1stly, Primus, the swedish Co, has always been noted for their brass
quality kerosene blowlamps since around 1920, If its the same firm
then the quality will be good.

However, its expensive for what it is, since you dont mention what
BTU’s it gives, wether its just the torch, or its a complete setup
with hoses, regulators etc.

now Ive had a look on Ebay au. theres not much there, but on Ebay UK
oxy propane cutting torches and complete kits are from around HALF
what the Primus price is. You should look on Ebay UK to get the feel
for prices.

I melt scrap with a propane torch on its own, tho its a 2in burner
running off a 47kg propane tank, into a proper melting furnace that
will take a kilo of scrap at time.

An 0xy propane steel cutting torch will give you all the heat you
might need for melting directly into a crucible.

Here in the Uk I picked up a new Chinese made propane oxy cutting
torch for around 50 AU dollars, I already have the hoses, regulators
and gas cyls.

you should go to see these torches at your local welding supplies
business.

Thats the best place to get this kind of kit. They might just demo
one for you if you ask!!. I dont ever buy before I try.

Can you post a link to this Primus torch? They might just have made
something not done before.

I dont see how it can give 3000 celcius as even propane and oxygen
cant weld steel despite its higher calorific value. Only Acetylene
and oxygen can.

Ted in dorset UK.

#4

If a propane torch doesn’t seem quite hot enough for melting silver,
get a cylinder of MAPP gas. The same torch head fits on it and it is
a much hotter flame. You can get it at the hardware store. I think
the Mapp cylinders are yellow.

John

#5 
If a propane torch doesn't seem quite hot enough for melting
silver, get a cylinder of MAPP gas. The same torch head fits on it
and it is a much hotter flame. You can get it at the hardware
store. I think the Mapp cylinders are yellow.

In my experience, the with Mapp gas specifies that
propane torch heads should not be used on Mapp gas tanks.

Judy Bjorkman

#6 
In my experience, the with Mapp gas specifies that
propane torch heads should not be used on Mapp gas tanks.

Ummm Well, I don’t want anyone to get in trouble following my MAPP
gas suggestion so of course you should follow the proper safety
precautions that accompany MAPP gas cylinders. But I (out of
ignorance I guess) have used my propane torch head on MAPP cylinders
for years without problems. I’d think that if a special head is
required, the threading on the cylinders would be different so that
the propane head wouldn’t fit. Just my .02 Ya pays yer money an’ ya
takes yer chances.

John