Glassblowing torch design?

I'm interested in experimenting a bit with "scientific glassblowing". The glass in question is Pyrex. I've made a start with an oxyacetylene torch equipped with a heating tip and the whole clamped in a vise. It works, but it would be fun to have a "real" burner with independent controls for inner and outer flames, surface mixing and other bells & whistles. What would

*not* be fun would be parting with the money to buy one. A Bethlehem Great White, for example, goes for something over $2000 new.

Anyone tried making a glassworker's bench burner?

-- Greg

Reply to
Greg Dermer
Loading thread data ...

I can't remember for sure but I think glassblowers use propane with oxygen or just plain air. It's definitely not acetylene. I think it's because acetylene adds carbon and/or other impurities to the glass. Randy

Reply to
Randy Replogle

"Creative Glass blowing" by Hammesfahr and Stong is an interesting read. They basically say 'buy it', which considering the Amateur Scientist background is a pretty strong hint.

Posted Via Nuthinbutnews.Com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services

---------------------------------------------------------- ** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY **

----------------------------------------------------------

formatting link

Reply to
Dave Garnett

You need Propane/Oxygen for glass work. Just starting out you can get a new Nortel Major for about $400 that will be 90% of what you need but glass fires come up regularly on eBay. . There is a Major on eBay right now for $150 and a really nice Sargent Welch for $230.

Reply to
Glenn Ashmore

Greg; Use propane with oxygen for pyrex or kimax glasses. The professional burners are made with a brass (or stainless steel) outer shell. Inside this shell is a number of stainless steel heavy walled tubes silver soldered around a central burner. The central burner is used for most work. The outer flame (combined with the inner flame) is good for large items, bending, or flame annealing. There is a safety factor involved here - a big one. I would suggest buying a used torch. A National #3 handtorch or a Carlisle handtorch will work for most items. I have an antique torch that I am planning to put on ebay in a week or so. You may see it at:

formatting link
I am not longer blowing glass and have been selling off most of my glassworking tools. This antique is the last torch I'm selling. The others were all rather big and expensive newer styles like a CC, Sargent, and unusual Cenco. I was talking with a friend a couple weeks ago and he told me a friend of his had developed a new style of torch; but I'm not certain if he is mass marketing them. Jim

Reply to
JAMES RISER

There are some excellent glass people on rec.crafts.glass.. One of them, at least, is a published author on hot glass works, so you might get some valuable advice there.

good luck

Reply to
hmHAT

Mayne Island Glass Foundry sells a video on the construction of homemade burners. I can't vouch for the content but it looks like it might be just the ticket...

formatting link
- -

Reply to
Eddie Munster

Many years ago I built a 6 burner glass torch from stock burner heads and brass pipe. It worked great. Somewhere I have a good book on scientific glass blowing, If I can find it I'll give you the title. Bugs

Reply to
Bugs

I have the book, "Creative Glassblowing" (IIRC) by James Hammesfahr & Clair Stong. It has been out of print for a few years, and was mainly about scientific glassblowing (which is why I kinda doubt my recollection of the title). It did include details of building burners using small gears and metal tubing. However, I don't think it gave details of building a 6-burner torch, unless it was a crossfire.

Sure is easier to buy the burners already made. Unless you just like the challenge.

Joe

Bugs wrote:

Reply to
Joe

Thanks for all the advice.

-- Greg

Reply to
Greg Dermer

PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.