mini butane torches

[Tela]

I have been trying to use the mini torch that we already had at the house. It is by Ronson. Anyway, I have NOT been able to melt a single piece of metal with this butane torch. I have seen videos and statements by dozens of people that it can be done with butane. I'm not a stranger to fire or melting things. So, I have concluded that my torch is not up to the job.

I did some research and found this at Amazon. It is recommended at Beaducation, too.
tinyurl.com/8435aj7
Blazer GB2001 Self-Igniting Butane Micro-Torch

I got it. I am so frustrated with trying to do silver. I got some more silver wire in and I'm anxious to fuse, but the big propane torch is too much and the little one just doesn't do it. I hope it doesn't take too long to get here.

Anyone else use the Blazer?

[glenda]

I can imagine how frustrating that must be!! No I can't offer any help Im afraid!
It seems you certainly have the bug!! ;D
Trouble is Tela as I follow you on your adventures you are costing ME money! ha ha ;D I now want a speedbrite and I am currently fighting the overwhelming urge to melt metal! ;D
I am quite sure mine isn't cut out for melting metal either which will mean I will have to spend more money on a new one! ;D

Can't wait to see your results!

[Kate]

I know what you mean, Glenda. I just bought a Speed Brite and now I need a grey card! It's going to be a while for the torch. I'm no where near ready for that.

[Tela]

LOL! It has been a long time since I spent a lot of money on new tools. DH gave me money for Christmas especially for tools, so I am having fun.

[Pennylane]

Hi Tela, I have been want a torch for balling the end on the wire, I just love the look. Unfortunately I could not fine one in Canada, (craft size) and the one I was looking at they would not ship it with the butane in it. Which left me with the problem on how to get refills. I went on the link you left and it looks like they will ship it with the butane. So I will be watching for a review on what you think, if it is a good one, I'll get one too !!!

Penny

[Tela]

Hey, Penny, will do. It came highly recommended. Apparently, this model is really old and is the standard by which others are judged. However, I wasn't aware that it shipped with butane. I bought some separately. One place to look for the butane locally is cigar shops. Most any place that sells a lot of tobacco will have it. One thing I learned about this torch and others is that it will last longer if you use triple filtered fuel or better. It will burn cleaner and not clog the torch.

[Tela]

I got my torch today. I am too busy to do a project, but I tested it out and it is waaaaaay better than my other one.

I'll report back after I run some tests. dang, I wish I wasn't so busy- now I want to play.....

[Tela]

Got the new Blazer torch in yesterday and I was able to use it on the new pendant, briefly. Right out of the box, I could see and feel the difference in quality between the Ronson and Blazer. It has a well made look and feel. I love that it has an piezo ignition- no lighter or striker needed. I like that the mixture valve is a no fuss dial. The knobs feel like they will last a while- nice and smooth with no wiggle. The flame is very clean and sharp. I was able to get a nice tight flame. The flame gets pretty big, though I'm not sure that it is bigger than the Ronson, but I am able to get it tighter. I doubled over some 18 sterling and got a very nice bead, in the blink of an eye, on a low flame. The Ronson wasn't as easy.

If I could change one thing- I would like for it to be angled up a little.

My grandsons think it is awesome looking. I can see they were quite tempted to play with it. This and all torches should be kept away from kids.

Penny, if you have any questions, I can try to answer them for them for you.