Hi all 😊

Hello all

Im a hobbyist who started out making copper band rings with various stone inserts, byzantine chains/bracelets and earrings. As the quality of my works improved, I thought the logical thing to do was get a little torch and develope my skills with silver. I decided to go down the oxycon and disposable propane tank route. As I've been saving and getting tools and setting up safety equipment/add ons i.e (flashback arrestors/stop vales/ prv's). I wanted to ask with the wealth of experience within the forum, if anyone knew of a viable alternate to the Smith Little Torch disposable fuel regulator. If so what they recommend, I've read that a disposable bottle adjustable low pressure regulator is sufficient. But I've had mixed results, in that the regulator I've used worked with smelting tip but doesn't with tips five or six, flame just goes out.

I know I can save for a month or two and get the recommend smiths disposable bottle regulator, but if there is a recommended viable alternative I would appreciate any advice.

Look forward to receiving any advice

Damien

Hi Damien, this is the style of propane regulator I use for my Smiths Little Torch it is adjustable up to 4 bar. I think I have it set to roughly just under 1 bar. The smallest burner for the Smiths Little Torch is difficult to light but with a bit of practice you get used to igniting it at about the size of a small cigarette lighter flame and then gently introducing the oxygen … N …

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Hi Nick, appreciate the response����. I'm using 400g propane gas bottle (standard plumbers bottle), as space is restricted. To be honest Nick I've gone from making my own pinvalve regulator, using a knock off smith disposable regulator to purchasing a similar regulator to what you've depicted. Im now inclined to believe the problem I face is the second hand oxycon isn't producing oxygen and is just pushing out compressed gas. I litterally downed tools (little torch/oxycon for a week), as the process of striving to figure out the setup whilst accumulating tools has been best part of 6 months. Purchased little torch from states so all fittings are NPT, which makes things a little more interesting lol. With regard to trouble shooting, I intend to purchase 950ml oxygen bottle, hook it up and test theory. Seperate note, smelted my own 925 silver with Mapp gas the other day, which was bitter sweet... As had to use a plumbers torch. I endeavour to be patient and trust in the process...

P. S I learnt to make byzantine chains and bracelets and various techniques from your excellent tutorials on youtube.

Thanks again for replying Nick����

Hi Damien, nice to hear my videos have come in useful. It sounds like you have it all under control. I’ve been wanting to swap over to an oxygen concentrator for a long time however I have read they can be problematic if left unused for awhile, not sure how true this is … maybe other uses can elaborate on this potential issue. I have seen videos of people using mapp gas with a hose and torch allowing the bottle to be left out of the way and the torch to be lightweight in hand. Once you’ve had the experience of melting silver with Oxy propane everything else seems a bit inadequate in comparison … have fun with it … N

HI Damien
I have nothing of value to offer but well done on the torch upgrade. I'm still scared of such things and use a kitchen-style butane torch. Do you mind me asking you where you're set up? In the house?
Cheers

Hi Nick

The oxycon was left unused for months, and although I've since been running it periodically pretty sure damage is done.

Thanks again for your uploads on YouTube, will share some of my creations once up and running.

Hi Indi

My setups indoors, and with restricted space I was inclined to op for little torch small propane bottle and a portable oxycon. Which as you may have read has been challenging and laborious, but I'm a patient and determined soul ��.

Trust, once the dust has settled off of the ole tools you'll get that creative bug back.


Damien

Look forward to seeing your creations Damien … good luck with getting it all sorted … N