Thinking about moving from Red Max to Lynx

[Icarus]

So, what do you think, am I insane?

My reasoning is that I eventually want to move to a Phantom, but i feel like learning the Lynx first will make for a smoother transition due to the Lynx center fire on the Phantom, and a better working knowledge of triple mix torches. Plus i would like to be able to get a better range of adjustment to my flames. Changing tips on the minor upper burner annoys me, and I hate that when I need a little pinner flame and my torch ends up going out.

So what do you think? Would you consider this a step forwards, sideways or backwards? I know a red max is a workhorse, especially for the price, but I feel like learning a lynx and all that can be done with that torch will be invaluable moving forward to a phantom. Anyone else made this change, or jsut want to let me know what they think?

Thanks.

[Icarus]

Mods, if you think this would be better in the torch room, go ahead and move it. Didn't think about that until after i started posting.

[Jerry Gash]

Get a mirage, then you won't need to buy another torch for a very long time.

[Blade]

My opinion is that you should wait until you can afford the Phantom.

The lynx is a great torch, and you can do almost anything with it. It is also a great place to start if you plan on one day owning any GTT, because it is your center fire in all of them.

With that said, going from the Redmax to the lynx, you are going to lose heat. If you are doing production and time is an issue, it would be wiser to wait and go from redmax to phantom

If, on the other hand, you are purely a hobbyist (or making smaller pieces that require no large prep such as tube pulls etc.) than a switch to the lynx isnt that big of a deal, and will allow you to step to a better (yet smaller) torch. It will open you up to some opportunities in glass that may have been more challenging with the Redmax, as well as push you through the learning curve of the GTT. You will also save oxy.

In short if making benjamins is your goal at the end of the day in the studio, stick with the redmax until you can afford the phantom (or mirage/delta)

Or just say screw it, take out that second mortgage, and buy the Python!

[pstvn]

there is a post where chayes showed a pic of a lynx on top of a redmax, instead of the minor. maybe yous could pm him and get some advice on how one would do that. then you could learn the lynx and not lose any fire power.

[Turning Point Glass]

If you're doing mostly hollow work, I'd say keep the max until you can afford a phantom (or a mirage).

[Frankie Hess]

I'd say Blade hit the nail on the head!!

[Icarus]

If, on the other hand, you are purely a hobbyist (or making smaller pieces that require no large prep such as tube pulls etc.) than a switch to the lynx isnt that big of a deal, and allow you to step to a better (yet smaller) torch. It will open you up to some oppurtunites in glass that may have been more challenging with the Redmax, as well as push you through the learning curve of the GTT. You will also save oxy.

Yeah, I would definitely be in the purely a hobbyist category. I don't really do much hollow work, my main emphasis at this point seems to be on marbles, pendants and small scale sculptural work.


there is a post where chayes showed a pic of a lynx on top of a redmax, instead of the minor. maybe yous could pm him and get some advice on how one would do that. then you could learn the lynx and not lose any fire power.

Unfortunately it's an either/or proposition. Since I don't make any money flameworking, the wife is mostly cool with it, but she'll get on my case if I buy another torch without selling one.



Thanks for the help everyone. I think I'm going to do it.

[Icarus]

Alright, got lucky and found a Lynx this morning. On its way as we speak. Really really looking forward to this.