Lampwork Supplies – The Torch
Among the lampwork supplies, the torch is probably the most important piece of equipment. No torch - no melting glass. No glass -- no lampwork. Here's a little information about the lampworking torch.
I'm writing this for anyone who either has no or little knowledge of lampworking.
The Torch Explained
Bobcat Lampworking Torch (Click for larger image)
There are several kinds of lampworking torches, ranging from fuel-only to propane-oxygen. Different torches give off different levels of heat, and so are suited for a variety of glass projects.
The torch you see here is called a Bobcat. It's a propane-oxygen torch that's well-suited to some of the higher COE (90 and above) glasses. (While I have done boro on this torch, it's a much slower process.) The red and the green knobs you see determine the oxygen and propane flows.
An oxygen-propane torch uses propane (or natural gas) as a fuel, and oxygen as an accelerant -- makes it burn hotter. Oxygen can come from oxygen concentrators, oxygen generators or oxygen tanks. My setup uses 2 oxygen concentrators.
While a generator or tanked oxygen would provide a hotter flame, the cost and ready supply of oxygen made me choose concentrators.
Single Fuel Torch
When I first started lampworking, I used a single-fuel torch called a HotHead. It's called a single-fuel because it uses propane only - no oxygen. The torch is quite inexpensive and a good choice for someone who wants to try lampworking, but doesn't know if he or she will like it. That way you don't lay out a big expense right away.
A HotHead works produces much less heat than an oxygen-propane torch, so it's slower to melt the glass rods. This can be an advantage for a beginner, as it gives a bit more control over the way the glass moves.
Most lampworkers eventually move up to an oxygen-propane torch, but there are some experienced lampworkers out there who prefer it and produce gorgeous work on the HotHead.
Torch Price Ranges
Keep in mind these prices are estimates at the time of this writing.
- The HotHead is around $40.
- Two popular beginner oxygen-propane torches are the Cricket, Minnow and the Minor. They are in the $170-$200 range.
- A little further up are the Bobcat, Betta and Mega Minor. They are in the $200-$250 range.
- By the time you get to the Lynx, Mid-range and such, you're talking anywhere from $350 to $500.
And from there on up -- well, you can spend $600 up to a few thousand for a torch.
Lampworking Supplies - The Torch Final Notes
These torches are h-o-t! You need to be very careful because you can get a serious burn from even a HotHead. And because you are "playing with fire", you need to observe common sense rules, like tying back loose hair and removing all flammable items from around where you work.
There are other lampworking supplies that I'll talk about in other posts (glasses, mandrels, types of glass, etc.). But of all the lampworking supplies, the torch is the most essential.
I hope you've enjoyed this introduction to lampworking torches.
