Question about torch...

[tobymac420]

Hey guys. So i am currently working with a National 3-a. I was looking online in my free time and ran across a cheap Bethlehem Alpha. I am still new to all this but I am trying to figure out if this torch would be a slight upgrade. I have a friend who is wanting to learn so i figured if this torch is a slight upgrade i may get it and work off it and let my friend learn on my national. Also are torches like Bethlehem fixed tip like what i mean is can you not buy other tips for them like you can a national? Thanks for the help guys :D

[ROGUE]

It's a good, maybe even great tiny torch, but I would say save another $100 or so and get Redmax so you could have a larger flame if you are planning on doing anything bigger than a bead.

[tobymac420]

It's a good, maybe even great tiny torch, but I would say save another $100 or so and get Redmax so you could have a larger flame if you are planning on doing anything bigger than a bead.

I am currently doing pipes and marbles. Hopefully millis soon. So this wouldnt be good for any of this huh? What is another good starter torch for making pipes besides the National 3a. I wish i could find a cheap redmax starter kit that way we could get all the hoses and stuff and piggyback.

[VertigoGlass]

+2 for the redmax upgrade if you can find one used cheap enough in your budget it will be a better choice than the alpha. I still use mine daily. Get the premix top minor if you can. The tips swap out. Keep an out out here in the classified section
Theres normally always one redmax up for sale.

[tobymac420]

+2 for the redmax upgrade if you can find one used cheap enough in your budget it will be a better choice than the alpha. I still use mine daily. Get the premix top minor if you can. The tips swap out. Keep an out out here in the classified section
Theres normally always one redmax up for sale.

So to check your saying get the mega minor. Correct? If so thats cool because thats the one i actually want. Its a sexy looking torch.

[tobymac420]

Like this

http://www.waleapparatus.com/catalog.asp?prodid=548827

[tobymac420]

Or maybe even this as their is one for $250 used that seems really cheap...

http://www.amazon.com/Nortel-Major-Lampworking-Surface-Pre-Mix/dp/B004TV8KUI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1352422758&sr=8-3&keywords=nortel+torch

[ROGUE]

Not the major/minor. It's a good torch, but the bottom flame sucks! The Redmax is the exact same thing with a better bottom flame. Just like vertigo said, there is a wide variety of tips for the top flame. I personally have the major/minor and the Bethlehem Baracuda. With the right tip on the top flame you can make marbles up to about an inch. I think you would be sorry if you got another single flame torch that's not big enough to do even spoons.