Expert: orlando cajamarca - 10/30/2009

Question
Hi there!
I live in one apartment and work at home. I came from another Country and there we don't have so many options like we have here, so your help will be very welcomed.
Last week I  purchased a  Smith torch and came together with a B tank ( acetylene #. My first idea was to use a Little Torch, but I didn't like the idea of using Oxygen.  Now, with the B tank I have to use acetylene, but I'm very concerned about the safety of the gas. I'm reading everything I can about it but made me feel more confused. I'm thinking in change the B tank for the MC tank, because I'm at home and the size of B tank scared me for having it at home.
I read that natural gas is the safest gas to use and cheaper too, but here in Connecticut I think we don't have yet natural gas  all over the places. I saw water torches once but they are expensive aren't they?

What do you consider the most safe torch to work at home #in  silver and gold) and what tank is less dangerous? Is it possible to use  MC tank with a Smith torch? Changing the B tank for MC tank what regulator should I buy to adapt at The Smith Torch?
Thank you

Answer
Dear Laise,

You reminded me of myself in my early years of learning the trade.
Well, there is a very safe and inexpensive way to do this,
1- Get a PROPANE GAS TANK at Home depot for $30 and at the same place get a regulator for $7
2- Get a small size OXYGEN TANK at any welding supply store near by
3- Go to www.craigslist.org and shop for a small oxygen regulator it shouldn't cost more than $40
4- Put all these together and connect the torch or buy a small torch for jewelers

All this stuff you can get at www.craigslist.org for a fraction of the cost.
Do not use Acetylene gas because it is not very clean for jewelry, the torch is ok.
If you want a tools supplier in CT use the following link,
http://www.gesswein.com/catalog/contact.cfm?CFID=2784481%26CFTOKEN=43252487

Hope it helps,

Orlando