oxy FOOT PEDAL for gtt...

[Loïc]

Wich oxygen gas foot pedal do you use ??...
im buying a Gtt, and wondering what is out there for pedal....

better go Electrical or mechanical ?

wich brand.... prices...

thanks

[newmexicomagma]

for the price i would get a smutty pedal.

[somewhere]

I prefer mechanical. Less to go wrong no electric needed easily rebuild able. Mechanical pedals have more possibilities for adjustment or different flames depending on pressure applied. I have built several electric pedals all have ended up buzzing sticking or just plain failing.

If I had to recommend a mechanical pedal for the price and quality hands down I would recommend the Kavalier pedal. We bought 6 of them from Pegasus (clearance sale) and several from Adam at UST back in the day of Eigenshaft. All are working 100%.

If you want electric Smutty is the way to go. Quality built and you know if there is a problem he will fix it.

BTW: you can make a 100$ mechanical pedal mounting a gas saver upside down under your bench ( a spring piece of string and something to step on). Ghetto yes but it works.

[Scott Pernicka]

I agree with somewhere on the mechanical pedals, couldn't stand the buzz of the electrical and then having to plug it in.

I very happy with my Griff'n pedals, easy to rock them on or off and they also have way to kick them open which is really handy when you first get use to them or when caught up in a piece.

expensive but worth it, enjoy the GTT there torches really changed my work!

Scott

[Mr. Wonka]

If you want an electric pedal, I would highly recommend a smut pedal.

If you want a mechanical pedal, get a Top Hat (http://www.unlimitedoxygen.com/tophat.htm). There are fewer things that can go wrong, and you don’t have to worry about electric while on the road.

[blazemaster83]

if you cant afford to buy a pedal like i couldnt, build your own if you have ANY type of electrical experience. cost me about 100 total, and from what ive heard i got better valves than most pedal makers(smutty im sure uses good ones) , and made it the way i want. i even put a little LED on it to show if the valves are open for when the gas is off. some of the shit i even found around the house....i used a Carver preamp case as the main housing.....good luck! and be careful

[timinny420]

smut pedal

[Galaxie Glass]

I prefer mechanical. Less to go wrong no electric needed easily rebuild able. Mechanical pedals have more possibilities for adjustment or different flames depending on pressure applied. I have built several electric pedals all have ended up buzzing sticking or just plain failing.

If I had to recommend a mechanical pedal for the price and quality hands down I would recommend the Kavalier pedal. We bought 6 of them from Pegasus (clearance sale) and several from Adam at UST back in the day of Eigenshaft. All are working 100%.

If you want electric Smutty is the way to go. Quality built and you know if there is a problem he will fix it.

BTW: you can make a 100$ mechanical pedal mounting a gas saver upside down under your bench ( a spring piece of string and something to step on). Ghetto yes but it works.

I posted pics of my mech pedal awhile back. Ultra simple and very adjustable for diff flames. Cost me 3 hours of my time and about 40 bucks in parts...just a thought for you to consider...:chilling:

[Braden Hammond]

smut pedal from hot ass tools sucks ass..... get a griffin glass foot pedal with no electrical. think for a min. do you want electrical sparks anywhere near your propane valves?? my smut pedal leaked propane and was not safe. just my 2 cents of a product review. oh and smut boy doesn't back his products either. mine broke and he told me it was my fault and my problem. thats what you get for buying something off the net from a guy named smutboy.... I'm a dumb ass don't learn the hard way like I did and get taxed $$$$.

[Big Jay]

so you bought a pedal. It broke and he claims it was something you did like leaving it on for a really long period of time so he doesn't feel he should pay to fix it and you don't wanna pay to fix it so his pedals suck ass? I have a second hand smutty pedal and it works great. I have another one I haven't tried yet. But if i left the fucker on or dropped it or something else I wouldn't call smutty an asshole for my fuck up. Unless you can be more clear how smutty is at fault for your pedal problems.

[smutboy420]

No I'm an asshole because I couln't fix his pedal that he refused to send in to me to fix or even look at it. And because some mysteris orange crystls inside the propane valve. My fault Not at all. Would it of been covered under warrant? Hell yes. But Not if its not sent in.

And when it din't make it from here to canada in less then a week from the time he ordered it.

If anyone knows any co selling any thing that has a warranty that covers something you refuse to send it in for. I'd like to see it.

Why is it that ANY time I hear a complaint its only ever fron 1 of the same 4 peep?

[smutboy420]

Oh BTW just to clearify things incase some one is braindead or din;t see it in my abuve post.

HOTASSTOOLS warrany DOES not cover Things if You refuse to tell me whats wrong or bother to even send it in. Sorry no exceptins.
On the other hand If any thing ever did go wrong with any thing made By Hotasstools. Regardless of the cause its fixed no if ands or butts about it. Even if one were left on for a month. Or smashed around.
But if some one contacts me and some thing is not right and if they totaly want to fix it them selves that don't even void the warrant. I don't know of anyone with as libral of a warranty. Even if one were sent in for a valve cleaning I don't even charge return shipping.

[rsimmons]

Well, I've got a pedal from HotAss Glass on my Phantom and it works just fine. No complaints here.

Robert

[Primathon]

My smut pedal rocks the house. Thing is built like a tank.

[mer]

smutty stands behind his tools 100% in my experience.

[Braden Hammond]

whatever..... I'm done with this .....my griffin glass footpedal is a million times better.... and I bet it will work at least three times longer than smutboys. Peace out on this crappy topic.

[J Howard]

i like herbert arnold mechanical pedals... there's an input for compressed air. and you can't use compressed air on a gtt you say? well i do anyway.... and i like it to run through the pedal too. you can adjust the timing too. if i press the pedal down half way, it runs with no air. push it all the way down and the air turns on too. or vice versa. sometimes its handy for preheating stuff, or taking a little heat off the flame to not fry powdered colors

[WORLD FAMOUS]

Been using an electric Griffin pedal for 4+ years. Only problem is it sticks once in a blue moon when I'm raging a stick stack and then work the c/f for a few minutes, and click back to the outer fire again. Other than that little occasional annoyance, I'm very content with my pedal.

I have tried a few different pedals and still find the Griffin the most comfortable for my working style, so I'm hesitant to switch to anything else.

[Glass Pyro]

Has anyone tryed that TOP HAT pedal out, I am looking for a nice mechanical foot Pedal for my GTT Mirage?

If I go Electric, I will go with a smutty pedal.

But I feel Mechanical might be a better choice, so I am looking at either the top hat or a griffin?

Or suggest what you think?

What do you guys think, so far I haven't been steered wrong yet on here?

Thanks

[LewisW]

I have been using the prototype foot petal that became the Top Hat. It is called the Vega Vision. It was made by Michael Vega and his partner. I have known Mike for over fifteen years. He is a tool guy that sees things that he can make and be more fun to work glass with.
I have used this mechanical foot petal for over 15 months with no problem. I am using it on a Mirage. It works best with only a 4-5 foot hose from the petal to the torch. Has little after burn when you turn off the outer ring.
The design was turned over to Unlimited Oxygen . I have watched Jack fine tune the foot switch and get it into production.
There will be two of these at the Bead and Button show next week in Milwalkee. One will be at ABR booth. One will be given to a raffle to raise money to fight breast cancer. There will be over 100 lampworkers at the show.
On the Sunday and Monday (June 22 and 23)following GAS ,I will be doing a two day demo with Doni Hatz at Glass Alchemy. Both of us will be working with these foot switches. During GAS, Jack will have one at his Unlimited Oxygen booth.
I get no money from the sale of these foot switches. All I did was introduce Mike Vega to Unlimited Oxygen. Jack makes these and gives a royalty to Mike and his partner. I was happy to have this happen and was pleased to be able to name the foot switch the TOP HAT. I also came up with the slogan
" Dress up your studio with a Top Hat"
I had an electric foot switch for about two years. I believe I got it from Carlisle.It had the selenoid that buzzed and hummed and made me think I was going to be blown up every time I hit the swtch. This problem was there from the second month that I had it. It got to where I would literally have to kick the shit out of it every time I went to use it, just to try and have the noise stop. I am not good with inanimate objects.
I gave it away for free to Rashan when I got the switch that I now have. He used it for maybe a year before it totally died.
Jack will be giving one of these to Tom (Wonka) before AGI this year. So any one going there will be able to check it out. Wonka will also do a review of it after he gets it.
I have not used any other foot switches ( beside my first one that died), so I do not have any thing to compare it to.
The cost is $325. It is pressed steel and powder coated. It does not look exactly like the one on the link on Wonka's post. That was an early prototype.And I do not work at the torch wearing a tux and a top hat.
Lewis C Wilson

[Blacksheep]

i ordered a top hat and i believe it should be built by now hopefully on the way
i will check with Jack today
anyway thanks for the tip on hose length Lewis ,i will also add my 2 cents worth when mine arrives and i get it hooked up and get a chance to work with it .
it is a great price for sure .i hope it arrives soon i have a smith little torch im dien to hook uo as well but figured id wait and hook em all up at once
Lewis maybe yall should torch with your tux and tophat thats pretty stylin!!

* forgot a freind has the griffin rock it pedal and has the same problem Lewis described with his electric he has to really stomp the shit out of it ot get it too work and only after a couple months as well*

[Glass Pyro]

Hrm. Blacksheep hit me up when you get it hooked up, and LewisW thanks for the input. I would still like some more feedback on the TOP HAT and The Griffin Mechanical Pedal. Thanks.

[Glass Pyro]

I also wonder if the Top Hat is a click and lock pedal or more of a constant pressure type.

[LewisW]

The TOP HAT clicks into place. You do not have to keep your foot on it.
Lewis

[Glass Pyro]

Thanks Lewis I am really leaning towards the TOP HAT, unless I get some negative feedback about it. But it is still a toss up between the Griffin Mech. pedal and the Top Hat.

[Blacksheep]

well i just heard back my Top hat is finished has just completed some pressure tests its on the way wohooooooo!! also due to my having to wait, Jack kindly offered a generous discount. i will say this is the damn nicest guy ive ever delt with and i feel very confident that any problems or required service would be taken care of as fast as i could ask!
GLASS PYRO i would pick up that phone imediatly and order with Jack the price is 100 bucks less than the rock it and with the customer service ive experianced the choice is clear.
i will post my opinions on the pedal when i get it and get her workin!

[Loïc]

Do you guys know what is the difference between the Top Hat pedal and the Kavalier pedal...... Im interresed in both model as they are mechanical and in the same range of price, but i lean toward the Top Hat as it encourage people in the community, and look pretty good ...... unless major advantage for the kavalier i should be going toward the Top hat.

[Glass Pyro]

I also discovered the Kavalier and am curious about it too.

Hey Lewis is that Top Hat Pedal pretty heavy too where my big ass won't be kickin it around and breaking it. Same question goes for the griffin pedal.

[LewisW]

I do know that mine is very heavy and does not slide around. I have not had in my hand the one that is now being produced. I held it when I took pictures before Tucson. But i do not remember. I will have one at Bead and Button in a few days. I will know then.
Lewis

[Glass Pyro]

Lewis please let me know what you think of the design and Duty of the Production Model.

Thanks.

[somewhere]

Do you guys know what is the difference between the Top Hat pedal and the Kavalier pedal...... Im interresed in both model as they are mechanical and in the same range of price, but i lean toward the Top Hat as it encourage people in the community, and look pretty good ...... unless major advantage for the kavalier i should be going toward the Top hat.


I can't speak for the Top Hat because I have never seen one.
The Kavalier is machined from a solid block of stainless the valves are stainless with replaceable seals. The pedal itself is solid and you could easily drive your car over it hundreds of times no problem. The Kavalier is also adjustable to pre set different types of flames. (One adjustment for each gas, oxy and air). It is IMO the best mechanical pedal I have ever used and it's closest comparable would be the HA. I have found depending on the pressure you step you can regulate your flame from small to huge.

All that said it is an import and if a reputable machinist here in the US made something comparable I would much rather keep it in the US. I for one would like here more about the TOP Hat's design and what materials it's machined from. I wonder is it serviceable by the user? Does it have an air input? Is it pressure sensitive? Is it adjustable? How much does it cost. How is better then what's already available?

[Glass Pyro]

Yeah the questions somewhere asked, please

[Loïc]

somewhere , do the Kavalier pedal can click on... ( i mean do you have to keep your foot on the pedal ??

[Glass Pyro]

also, I don't really understand the function of the oxygen bypass feature on the griffin rock it model.

[somewhere]

somewhere , do the Kavalier pedal can click on... ( i mean do you have to keep your foot on the pedal ??

Correct that's one point for HA pedals. You could easily add a catch on the pedal you could operate with your foot.

I'll bet the Top Hat has a catch switch on the pedal?

[Glass Pyro]

Blacksheep, did you get the pedal yet?

How about you LewisW have you tried the new design yet?

Thanks alot, still trying to decide on a pedal???

[Glass Pyro]

Hey guys any input on that tophat ?

Thanks, still looking for a pedal......finally got the money for a pedal and a blast shield for my mirage.


Pedal help???

[Glass Pyro]

hate to do it but bump.

Lewis I pm'ed you but you prolly get a bunch of those, so how was the Top Hat?

People of the glassblowing community, which mechanical pedal totally freakin rules, I need one and I like good equipment that will last and be durable for a good long while.

I am thinking either the top hat or the griffin mech. pedal?

What do you think???

[Glass Pyro]

oh yeah what is the deal with the oxy bypass on pedals? what does it do?

[LewisW]

I gave one of the foot petals for the raffle at Bead and Button. It looks greatr and has a nice feel. I and Doni Hatz(scientific worker for 25 years) will be working on Top Hat foot switches at Glass Alchemy on Sunday and Monday after GAS.
I will post after I get home on Tuesday, June 24.
The Top Hat does have a catch.
Lewis

[Glass Pyro]

thanks man I will wait to hear back from you.

[Frankie Hess]

oh yeah what is the deal with the oxy bypass on pedals? what does it do?

Oxy bypass allows you to bleed an adjustable amount of oxy through your outer fire without effecting how you have your outer flame set. This mean you can still use your pedal as usual but have extra oxy added to your center fire when the outer fire is not on. Creating that much more versatility in your flames.

Without the bypass you would have to have your pedal in the on position to bleed through the oxy from the outer fire and it would take away the ability to have a full flame setting on your outer fire at the same time, turning it on and off with the use of the pedal.

Hope this makes sense. Oxy bypass = priceless!

Edit: not all bypasses are on the pedal. I recently got a smutboy pedal and his oxy bypasses are separate components, so you can use them with any pedal. I like this because you can mount them anywhere you want, I just mounted mine directly under my torch underneath my bench. You just have to be careful not to use a lot of hose or you will get a lot of drag when your outer fire is bleeding off the gas in the lines after you turn off the pedal.

[Big Jay]

Flamesetter explained it pretty good. Just think of a branch where your oxy line attaches to the pedal with an adjustment knob on it so you "bypass" the pedal when its turned off so your torch is constantly recieving your preset flow of oxygen.

It'll do a couple things for your mirage.

first and foremost it will help cool your torch. When you turn your pedal off your valves on your torch are still open. Creating a steady cooling flow of oxygen through the torch.

It helps center your centerfire. You basically have a tube of clean oxygen surrounding your center flame. Probably stopping that orange flame you have talked about.

It helps push the flame out of the torch when you turn the peddle off. Or blowing it out however you perfer the descripter.

I believe and this is just a belief it also stops stuff from getting down in your ports.

so as flamesetter said its priceless. I don't see a negative attribute.

[Big Jay]

if your pedal doesn't have one you can add it with two y fittings and one valve.

[Glass Pyro]

sweet, thanks for explaining that, I can't wait to get a pedal, it is killing me

[Frankie Hess]

It'll do a couple things for your mirage.

first and foremost it will help cool your torch. When you turn your pedal off your valves on your torch are still open. Creating a steady cooling flow of oxygen through the torch.

It helps center your centerfire. You basically have a tube of clean oxygen surrounding your center flame. Probably stopping that orange flame you have talked about.

What I use it most for are those sharp penetrating flames (lots of blue) that are hot as hot gets but very narrow, you can bleed some oxy through and it spreads the flame out, or pulls it down as I say. This makes for a wide flame (as wide as a Lynx with the blue only cracked) that is hot as shit! Great for working small pieces of Dichro. Or anything you need a hot ass flame for.