To add to the current and recurring threads on torches I’ll add yet
another. Due to insurance and safety, I can’t use acetylene, So for
the time being disposable propane / MAPP is my only alternative. Also
being a college student with a wife and three daughters, economy is
paramount. In two catalogs ( GemTool.comhttp://www.gemtool.com/
and Kent 's Tools http://www.kentstools.com/ ) I’ve been interested
by this (European???) torch, just called “Shark Torch”. Has anyone
ever used this torch? Any comments would be appreciated. Or if any
one knows of an under $100.00 (U.S.) Propane/MAPP torch that is usable
for silver jewelry work?
I am currently using a “whale” torch (which is basically the big
brother to the “shark” torch) at the jewelry making class I teach.
The difference is that the shark is designed to be used with the
disposable propane bottles from the hardware store, the whale has
adapters to fit on a 25 lb barbeque propane tank. It came with three
tips, and I’m finding it to be awesome. In fact, I’m buying one for my
home studio. I’m used to using acetylene (I have a “B” tank of this
at home now, and after reading about the insurance probs will soon be
switching!) I recommend it, highly.
I’ve used a burzomatic propane/ox ,WalMart $40.00. Not a real fine
flame but perfectly useable for most silver work,prior to that I used
a $10.00 plumbers propane torch again not perfect,but it did a lot of work.
Ed, I don’t know anything about the Shark Torch, but I wonder if the
combination hose and tip(s) made to screw onto the standard propane
(and maybe Mapp gas, too) which is available at True Value hardware
stores (and probably elsewhere) for about $40 would be of use to you.
It produces a pin/needle-point flame, which is great for small-scale
jewelry work. The hose is quite long, so you only have to handle the
tip and can set the tank out of the way. HTH, Judy Bjorkman
I am interested in knowing more details (manufacturer, proper name,
source) of these Shark & Whale torches. I have never heard these
names/terms before. But it sounds like something I would be
interested in.
I am interested in knowing more details (manufacturer, proper name,
source) of these Shark & Whale torches. I have never heard these
names/terms before. But it sounds like something I would be
interested in.
I too was interested in the Shark torch, so I made a few calls and
came up with a number in L.A. - 310-677-4500 and ask for Steve - he is
supposed to be the technical guy with the answers. I haven’t called
him yet, maybe someone else has time and can report back.