Carlisle Hellcat

[jerjerii]

I realize this is not the completely correct place to ask this question but has anyone used the Hellcat torch. I am considering purchasing one later this year and getting into a little boro work. Right now I am using a minor and using soft glass and making mainlu marbles. Or is there a different torch that you recommend in a similar price range. I lampwork, in general, as a hobby and don't intend to make a career of it so purchasing a monster torch is not reasonable for me but I would like to increase my marbles to around 2". Thanks, Jerry

[Islandglass Man]

I have used the Hellcat it's a good bridge from the minor to medium size boro work. Tubing up to 30m/m rod up to 15m/m

If you are thinking of using it for 2" marbles that might be a stretch. I don't think you will have enough power to make a 2" in a reasonable amount of time.

I would recommend Carlisle's new torch the Black Widow, it is hotter then a CC but has a smaller profile on your bench.

To make your choice you really should try different torches for yourself just my 2c

Bear

[Cosmo]

If you are making marbles that are mostly clear, you can make 2" marbles on a Hellcat. I have done flowers and simple implosions on a Knight Bullet burner, which is the same torch as a Hellcat. If there is a lot of color however, you may have a hard time. On my CC, a 2" vortex is a pretty good effort to get done.

[JSR Studio]

for the price of a hellcat you could maybe just find a used CC?

[daveabr]

we've got some hellcats that were used only in classes at the glasscraft expo in vegas this year. they are 675, 725 with a marver and the y adapter on it. they are like new. think they are on ebay, but you can just call too

[KT-Old School Glass]

I've used the Hellcat and have mixed feelings for it.

The torch as a WHOLE is a good torch...when you are using both the inner flame and outer flame it is good. I am not a big fan of the center fire (which is the Mini CC).

Yeah, the flame gets good and hot but it is almost impossible to get a small detail flame with the center fire. It "buds" out at the shoulder of the flame too much for me as well.

For a torch in that size range I usually suggest either the Knight Bullet Burner, Bethlehem Barracuda, or if you have the cash a Phantom.

[Kevin Bumble]

i too have used one of these. i agree the small fame is hard to do detail with, it is bushy making working no the edge of the flame tricky. I have made some very large cups with this torch. I only used this torch for a week at glass stock. I would say bear is correct in saying, "I don't think you will have enough power to make a 2" in a reasonable amount of time. " key word reasonable. you might look into a phantom, or just work with the hellcat they do have enough heat, the issue will be your time working solid


on a side note I did not think the hellcats would have much heat when i set them up, after working on them for a week i left impressed, i work on a delta at home

[Slimy-E]

I worked on a carlisle mini for a long long time- I was eyeing up the hell cat for a while I ended up with some other torches because that is the way the cookie crumbled this time.

I've made big bubblers and stuff on the mini- after you learn to use these torches you can get some heat.