Beginner Torch/Tool Suggestions?

To all the experienced lampworkers/pipers out there, what is an acceptable torch for a beginner? I have read that quite a few start out on the National 3B/6B/8M. Opinions? Additionally, what tools do you really need to start out? I have considered buying one of those kits from various places, but am unsure if I really need all of the included pieces. Are they a waste?

Thank you for your input

Maybe you should word it different....

Depends on the cash you got. A lot of tools can be done without.

I personally would get a Gtt based on the fact that their resale value is almost always about as high as new. Also there considered one of the best if not the best in the industry by most lampers. Get the best one you can afford or find there kinda rare.

Idk if your gonna be renting space but if not you'll need adequate ventilation. Don't skimp on it.

Also get good glasses your eyes are important.

Large tweezers, a graphite paddle, pencil reamers, various sized graphite rods (shape your own bowl pushes in various sizes or buy premade) and graphite pad can get you buy

GTT Lynx is a great starter torch. $400-ish. Get yourself $2000-$3000 and you'll have enough to get started.... *started*....

Chief, Research thank you for your advice I really appreciate it. I am a big fan of both of your works.

GTT if you gots the ching. Like chief said, the resale will be an important factor.

I dont think its possible to beat the Lynx for the torch value and performance JJ................. There isnt another torch I could recommend to anyone even close to that price! Sure, Phantoms are $1200 and Mirages are $1800, but what that can perform the same isnt that much money or more?

What about the GTT Bobcat? Is is enough torch for small pipes, bubblers, marbles, etc?

lavinius said:

What about the GTT Bobcat? Is is enough torch for small pipes, bubblers, marbles, etc?

Click to expand...

Absolutely, unquestionably, the bobcat is not enough torch for bubblers, marbles over 1/2", or pipes more than 3-4". Its most certainly unsuitable to what you want.

Lynx is as low as I'd go........

yea lynx is the lowest i would go too. Really al lot of torch for the money.

Thanks again guys, sorry for so many questions. Is a 5 liter concentrator enough for the Lynx. I get them dirt cheap through my job.

Any time, we're all happy to help a future glass master in training... I got my start here after seeing fdd2blk try it himself..........

A 5L concentrator may or may not be enough. The Lynx is meant to use oxygen, and concentrators give you a little bit. Check the "flow" of the concentraotrs. You'll want a few of them, probably, with around 30LPM as the flow on the max flame. The problem is that the pressure on those units is usually low, around 5psi. If you can find ones that are 15psi out pressure and that 30LPM as the flow or so, then you'll be OK. But, it's not going to be as fun or as fast as tanked oxygen, liquid oxygen, or homefill-generated oxygen.

If the 3 concentrators that you'd probably need for it are over $1000 then go the homefill route if it suits you.......

thank you so much Kitty. +rep to both you and Chief

dont know much about concetrators myself but look into the scorpion, if you can afford it (780) if your really serious about going the concentrator route. They run ultra low oxy psi and still do some pretty big work. Gtt designed it to run on concentrators so you know its good!

quote from gtt site

"The Scorpion was designed with concentrators, low pressure and low consumption in mind. The Scorpion runs great on one 10 LPM concentrator or two 5 LPM concentrators with the optimal setup being two 8 LPM concentrators or tanked oxygen. Oxygen consumption is 11 LPM (22 CFH) at the maximum flame size. It requires as low as ¼ psi to 5 psi of natural gas or propane with a low consumption rate of 1.5 LPM (3 CFH) at the maximum flame size. "

Wow, that one looks really, really nice Chief. Thank you for the recommendation My wife and I had a huge snafu at home. Unfortunately, our sewage line broke at the main line, essentially causing our toilets to flow into the back yard The $2700 plumbing bill has essentially eliminated all choices except the national 3a. Maybe I should wait until I have more cash, although I'm terribly eager to get started. I'm heartbroken

That sucks sorry to hear that. Life gets in the way sometimes. 3a's make great hand torches down the road when you upgrade so cant go wrong with that

i started on a 75$ national. now its my hand torch. you have to learn how glass melts before you worry about making bubblers and such. learn stringers and welding and shape. what colors burn with what flame and what colors strike at what flame. basics