Helen, I agree about it being subjective. I have asked a group of
jewelers before and received the numerous differeing opinions and
hence have stuck with my Smith Little Torch. I use one with
disposable tanks and I use it for everything I’ve worked on and it
has served me very well. I make a variety of pieces - mostly in
sterling, with some gold and keum-bo here and there. (you can see my
work by browsing my blog: http://doxallodesigns.blogspot.com) There
was a recent setting for a bangle that gave me some trouble - getting
the bezel soldered to the backplate - I ended up making 2 bezels from
bezel wire (too thin) which melted and then a third from sheet which
I cut myself. That one took, but it was challenging. The stone was a
good size - maybe 2" by 1.25", and the backplate during fabrication
was quite large to provide working room. The piece is on my blog.
Anyway…
I have, on occassion, wished for something ‘bigger’ or something
‘more’…for much larger pieces or for melting/casting. I will
admit though that I don’t often change my tips and have no
recollection off the top of my head what tip is on there. I shall
check when I return home this evening. I am probably going to
purchase another torch in the near future, for backup, large pieces
or casting…but for everyday fabricating, the type of jewelry I
make, I will probably stick with my Smith Little.
The bottom line, I think, is that there is no ‘right’ answer. I hope
you find the right torch for you! Good luck!
Janice