Torches

[Bluebird]

Im just starting out making beads and want to make bigger stuff. Im gonna spend somewhere around 4 to 600 bucks on a torch. Whats a better option between the gtt cheetah or the carlisle wildcat? And which one works best for borosilicate glass?

[Sparkey]

Never used a Wildcat, but I've seen a couple Carlisle CC's on Craigslist lately for good prices. I love mine, but will be upgrading to a Phantom at some point.

Josh

[kbinkster]

I would recommend the Cheetah. Because it has the triple mix feature, it has more adjustability in flame chemistry and flame shape and size. It can get a pinner flame that is about 1/8" across at the base, but goes out in a carrot shape and comes to a point. So, you can do I/O work with it, no problem.

Also, from an oxygen standpoint, the Cheetah is more efficient than the Wildcat. That means that it is less expensive to operate, something else to think about when pricing out your options.

[RamblezMarblez]

I'm very happy with the Barracuda. It's only been a year and I really want a gtt mirage! The Barracuda will hold me over for another couple years. I'd imagine making implodes would take a very long time with anything smaller. Just my 2 cents......Slick

[homeblown1]

If you can only afford to spend $400, then I would go with the GTT. But if you are going to spend $600, then you might as well try to get a Barracuda. They're great for flame size options with lots of heat. Plus there's no pre mix popping and they're not too loud either. Good on gas too. 20 psi oxy and 4 psi fuel.
Happy lampin'!
Brad
www.glasspipes.org/bradandsara

[Bo Diddles]

Look into a Red Max by Nortel.
There's a tonne of threads discussing torches in the price range you're talking about - it's been debated lots of times.

[Cosmo]

What torch are you using now?