AboutPeter Lumetta Expertise Diamonds and colored stones are my expertise. Some experience in jewelry manufacturing for QVC and HSN. Cutting, marketing and selling of all precious and semi-precious gemstones.
Experience
Past/Present clients HOME SHOPPING CLUB, QVC, SHARPER IMAGE, J.C. PENNY, J.FRANK GOLDEN, OSCAR HEYMEN BROS. AND MANY MORE
Expert: Peter Lumetta Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: torches and gas
Question QUESTION: I am so confused on what type of gas is best for what. I use a simple butane torch for small brazing/soldering. I want to actually being melting scrap gold and silver to be poured into molds, but im not sure what gas is best. my work area is not extremely well ventilated and i have a fear of acetylene. Is there any alternative, and where can i find these gasses?.
also i have heard people talk about these hydro-torch machines, some people swear by them. do you have any knowledge about these?
your help would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
ANSWER: HI JESSICA,
I USED NATURAL GAS AND OXYGEN FOR MANY YEARS. IT'S CHEAP AND IS USUALLY FOUND IN MOST AREA OF THE U.S. I NEVER NEEDED A FLAME HOTTER THAN THAT. IT IS THE SAME AS ADDING OXYGEN TO YOUR BUTANE TORCH FLAME. I EVEN HAVE USED MAP GAS AND OXYGEN. ALL THE FLAMES HVE DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE RANGES BUT YOU CAN GET USED THEM ALL. WHATEVER FEELS COMFORTABLE FOR YOU AND MEETS YOUR NEEDS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD USE. EVEN ACETYLENE WORKS GOOD IF YOUR USED TO IT. SOME TIMES GAS IS USED BECAUSE YOU CAN GET IT OR ITS EXPENSE. WHAT WORKS FOR YOU IS JUST A MATTER OF WHAT YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WORKING WITH. GOOD LUCK.
PETER
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: thanks peter. I was also wondering if you had any expeience with the hydro torch. the machine that converts distilled water into gas. what is the peak temp on them if you have experience?
Answer HI JESSICA,
I PERSONALLY HAVE NEVER USED THE HYDRO TORCH BUT I HAVE HAD FRIENDS COMMENT ON THEM. THEY NEVER SAID ANYTHING BAD ABOUT THEM BUT DIDN'T SEEM VERY ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT IT. I WOULD ASK AROUND BEFORE INVESTING THE MONEY I'M SURE THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO WOULD HAVE GOOD THINGS TO SAY.
