Gentec Compact Torches and Small Torches

[aREa541]

Gentec shipment has arrived, all people waiting have been PM'ed. Unless several people on the waiting list and alternates list change their minds, I am out of stock of Compacts until end of next week when I can get more torches sent my way (you guys are awesome, you snapped up all the torches before they even got here!).

If you need a Gentec you can always call Trev's Glass, Glasscraft or Cornerstone as they often have stock. Cornerstone is currently the only one that stocks the Compact, but I think that is going to change soon.

I also have Small Torch kits in stock, and am ready to take any special orders people might have for when I make my reorder tomorrow or Wednesday.

[aREa541]

Oh, I wanted to give an update too. I am now offering 4-pointed star shaped knobs/valves as an upgrade to the stock knobs that come on the Compact and Small Torch. They are both the valve and the knob in one assembly so you will get a new set of valves as a bonus to go along with the bigger, grippier (not a word) knobs. It goes on easy with a 5/16" wrench, just back out the knobs, loosen them with the wrench and remove them, then the reverse to install. These will fit on both the Gentec Small, and the Gentec Compact Torch.

They are $20, + $5 shipping. If you get them with a torch order than you will not have to pay any shipping as I can throw it in the box.

I also have some other new products coming down the pipeline, including another really cool hand torch, and a nice stand for holding the micros, I will update as those happen!

Here are some pics of the star shaped knob upgrade:

[Wilbur]

These little torches crush it. I couldn't imagine not having one.

It was one if those things , just like my foot pedal, that I worked without for years, telling myself I don't really need that. But now after having it I would never go back to working without one.

For anyone on the fence about buying one of these , do it. It's well worth the dough.

Micro switch backs. Spots of devit , digging out/popping bubbles, basting in attachments, the list goes on.

[aREa541]

Micro switch backs. Spots of devit , digging out/popping bubbles, basting in attachments, the list goes on.

All great uses, but my personal favorite is for torchin the sugar on a creme brulee. #6 tip, about 10 inches away in a sweeping motion. Perfect caramelization, and crunch. I also have friends over for grill night, where I microwave various meats and burn grill marks in with a #7. Be creative with your micro torch, it has a million uses that are just waiting to be discovered.

[LTD]

I have the easy use knobs. Love them. If you get the 11st they are standard I believe?

[aREa541]

I have the easy use knobs. Love them. If you get the 11st they are standard I believe?

Yep, 11st is the Small Torch model with star knobs. It is not sold in a kit though - only as just the torch handle - and it costs as much or more than the kits. They also don't sell them on any of the Compacts. I am not sure why they don't just use the star knobs on everything...

They took me a day to get used to because I was so used to the stock knobs, but now I love them. The torch feels so much better and balanced in your hand, and is much easier to adjust the flame.

[LTD]

odd... mine came with hoses and tips... I love the length. 12 feet of hose is plenty for my hand torch, that 5-6 you get with a smith never seemed to be enough

[aREa541]

Huh, that's weird. They don't seem to offer that option in their catalog anymore.

But yeah 12' of hose is nice. I wouldn't even mind more. One person made the comment that they put too much hose on the Gentecs. That astounded me, I don't think you can ever have enough hose.

[LTD]

never enough hose.

[LTD]

Huh, that's weird. They don't seem to offer that option in their catalog anymore.

But yeah 12' of hose is nice. I wouldn't even mind more. One person made the comment that they put too much hose on the Gentecs. That astounded me, I don't think you can ever have enough hose.

Mine might have been old stock. It was from a jewelry company

[Matt P]

WOW! Been using my Compact for a few days, and its already become a natural part of my process. Not sure how I ever worked without one! I've got it 'Y'd right into my mirage lines and it runs great. Using the #7 tip and damn, its a beast. Love it. Stays nice and tight, yet the thrust is unreal. Glad to have some single hole pre-mix in my arsenal. The 12' of hose is awesome. The two guys in my shop with Smiths are both jealous. They didn't admit, but it was pretty clear when they were checking it out.

If you're on the fence about getting a Compact I strongly recommend it! I've been doing more with it than i expected. In fact, I saved a cracked piece the other day, and I know it wouldn't have been possible without jumping between a big bushy flame and my hand torch.

Working with Eric (allstyles) is great. He received his shipment and sent me an invoice the same day. He also shipped my torch the day I paid. It arrived in great shape and quick. Couldn't be happier with the product of transaction.

Thanks!

[aREa541]

WOW! Been using my Compact for a few days, and its already become a natural part of my process. Not sure how I ever worked without one! I've got it 'Y'd right into my mirage lines and it runs great. Using the #7 tip and damn, its a beast. Love it. Stays nice and tight, yet the thrust is unreal. Glad to have some single hole pre-mix in my arsenal. The 12' of hose is awesome. The two guys in my shop with Smiths are both jealous. They didn't admit, but it was pretty clear when they were checking it out.

If you're on the fence about getting a Compact I strongly recommend it! I've been doing more with it than i expected. In fact, I saved a cracked piece the other day, and I know it wouldn't have been possible without jumping between a big bushy flame and my hand torch.

Working with Eric (allstyles) is great. He received his shipment and sent me an invoice the same day. He also shipped my torch the day I paid. It arrived in great shape and quick. Couldn't be happier with the product of transaction.

Thanks!

Thanks Matt, I love hearing the great response to these torches.

*UPDATE*

Gentec shipment has arrived and Compact kits are now in stock. I have PM'ed everyone waiting for a Compact. I am running light on Small kits now so their availability might be up in the air until next week when I get more. Remember, you can always call Trev's, Cornerstone, or Glasscraft if you need a torch and I don't have what you need.

[ROGUE]

Hey allstyles is there an extension tip in a #6 size available? I'm getting some pretty bad burns from working in the kiln.

[aREa541]

Hey allstyles is there an extension tip in a #6 size available? I'm getting some pretty bad burns from working in the kiln.

That is the Compact's only drawback - the fact that there isn't much in the way of aftermarket or optional tips. I think that is going to change soon, as it is getting very popular and there has already been two serious people looking into making adapters and tips. I am working on a solution myself, but time has been at a shortage for me lately and the to-do list is long. I would venture to guess there will be some options within the year.

I am also working on getting a couple other hand torches worked out and tailored to fit glass blower's needs. One is a small torch - handle is 6" long and weighs 8 oz - It has "A" size fittings on it, I am going to be testing it with the micro torch hoses and see how it handles. It will accept a wide variety of tips, as it is based off the Victor J-28 hand torch. Gentec has a bunch of tips and accessories, as well as Victor, and I believe some other companies make accessories as well.

The other one is 7 3/4" long handle and weighs 10 oz. It will accept all the same tips as the first torch, but has a pilot function for fast acquisition of a preset flame.

I think both these torches will be great on the lathe or the bench, and will be durable and versatile. I will report back when I can get everything tested and try to put together some packages with only good tips we would use.

[ROGUE]

Cool, thanks for lettin me know, kinda one of those things you don't think about until it's too late.

[Matt P]

Cool, thanks for lettin me know, kinda one of those things you don't think about until it's too late.

I had considered the tip options/situation when ordering the Compact. Its a bit of a pain, but the amount of flow that the Compact can handle is so awesome, it has made it worth it for me. Enough people use this torch, its just a matter or time before someone sets up an adapter set up or makes some different tip options. The #7 is all I use, but there are applications where an extended neck could be nice.

[aREa541]

Yes, that is one of the major differences between the two torches. I thought I had explained that, but this thread has grown to a number of pages so it might be easier miss now.

I personally have never felt the need for a different tip and I use my Compact all the time. But, i can see how an extension tip or some more multi-hole tips would be nice as an option. Although I must say that I like not having to spend $80 on a tip to get one that works well.

[ROGUE]

I love the torch, it's just one option that is missing that at this point I could really use

[aREa541]

I love the torch, it's just one option that is missing that at this point I could really use

Well, I just ordered a couple pieces for myself and another company that should allow us to get some different accessories made up in the near future. We are both going to work on it, so there should be options coming down the pipeline soon.

[Jayadeva]

Hey, I am looking for a replacement barb (I am guessing 1/16) to b or 1/4 npt fitting for the end of one of the lines, I was wondering if you had any on hand or if you knew a good place to get one.