Hand Torch - carlisle universal with #1 #2 #3 tip or smith little torch

[MPGB]

Which one?

Is the Carlisle with a number 1, 2 or 3 tip a tight enough flame for detail work?

or should I just spend more money and get the smith little torch?

[CripSkillz]

i got a carlisle with ox - 3 tip i love it.. gets smalll and kinda big for lil torch heeh.,. not as small as the smith i seen, but that could just be the overall width of the tip too ,, smith will get into tighter spots..

here pic

http://cripskillz.com/pics/gldg/carlile 0x-3.jpg

[jr23]

I like them both if you go for the carly get a piloted tip I seem to like pilot tips in the 2-4 size these days.

[Islandglass Man]

The Carlisle hand torch will do the job of a smith torch and if you ever have to work in your kiln to fix a crack you will have a longer neck so you don't have to put your hand in the oven so far. I have made my own longer torch neck that works even better.

I have never had very good luck with my smith and hardly every use it the heat from the toch is so small the working time is to long. I guess if you worked with 2 or 4 m/m it would work just fine.

just my 2 cents

Bear

[CripSkillz]

ya thats another good one i didnt think of,, but i do use mine in the kiln alot.. heehh

[styles1 torchlife]

That will mostly do fine it seems. the little torch does have a 3 inch extention tip that allows for really tight manuvering on more complex pieces.

[MPGB]

I placed an order for the carlisle with a number 1 and 4 tip. I'm not that advanced where my work is so detailed but I do think it will allow me fix cracks and joint better.

Thanks for the help!

[Snurf]

I have the longer tip for my National 3a-b as well. On the subject of working in the kiln, has any one ever accidentally gotten zapped from their torch touching a live element? Does not sound like fun.

[Islandglass Man]

When working in the oven with your torch

Run the temp up to 1075 or 1080 and then shut off the power before you open the oven.

Work on the piece for a while until gloves smoke

close door

Turn on kiln

Repeat

Bear :bangHead:

[davidwillisglass]

"detail work" can come in many sizes. in the long run you want both of these torches.