Torch Firing & Tutorials » Discussions

Studio Set-up

• Tonya Powell

  

  Member
   

  September 9, 2010

  Hi Melodie, I got my torch holder from my local Harbor Freight store. It is also available on their website - here is the link: Torch Rest . Instead of using the magnetic base, I wedge the bottom of the holder between my ceramic tile and the table top. The weight of the tile seems to be enough to hold it in place; but, if you want extra security, you could bolt it to the table or use a C-clamp. In my experience, it is really easy to remove the torch from the holder and place it in. If you look at the first picture I posted, the torch slides in and out of the space to the left of the torch handle. Let me know if you would like me to post a picture of the holder without the torch in it. Thank you for the neat and organized compliment. For me, it is requirement since I have a small space to work with right now. To cool my pieces, I move it to the firebrick or the white ceramic tile to cool and then put it directly into into the pickle (since my pickle is warm, I do not allow the piece to cool completely to avoid shocking the glass). I currently use Silver Prep Non-Toxic Pickle from Cool Tools (www.cooltools.us). [Note: I mix my pickle a little stronger than directed by Cool Tools and have had no problems.] Given that it is now my primary pickle, I would prefer to order larger quantities than Cool Tools offers. I have ordered Ottotech Citric Pickle from Otto Frei (www.ottofrei.com); but, I have not tried it yet. I rinse after pickling; and, if needed, give the piece a scrub with fine pumice powder or PennyBrite copper cleaner.

  Hi Melodie, I got my torch holder from my local Harbor Freight store. It is also available on their website - here is the link: Torch Rest . Instead of using the magnetic base, I wedge the bottom of the holder between my ceramic tile and the table top. The weight of the tile seems to be enough to hold it in place; but, if you want extra security, you could bolt it to the table or use a C-clamp. In my experience, it is really easy to remove the torch from the holder and place it in. If you look at the first picture I posted, the torch slides in and out of the space to the left of the torch handle. Let me know if you would like me to post a picture of the holder without the torch in it. Thank you for the neat and organized compliment. For me, it is requirement since I have a small space to work with right now. To cool my pieces, I move it to the firebrick or the white ceramic tile to cool and then put it directly into into the pickle (since my pickle is warm, I do not allow the piece to cool completely to avoid shocking the glass). I currently use Silver Prep Non-Toxic Pickle from Cool Tools (www.cooltools.us). [Note: I mix my pickle a little stronger than directed by Cool Tools and have had no problems.] Given that it is now my primary pickle, I would prefer to order larger quantities than Cool Tools offers. I have ordered Ottotech Citric Pickle from Otto Frei (www.ottofrei.com); but, I have not tried it yet. I rinse after pickling; and, if needed, give the piece a scrub with fine pumice powder or PennyBrite copper cleaner.
• Melodie Moshure

  

  Member
   

  September 10, 2010

  Thankyou Tonya for the info on the torch holder!...Harbor freight is one of my favorite stores,(next to Macys)...I don't know how I missed the holder...I'll check it out next week, and if I can't find it locally, I'll order it from the web site...(thanks for that too)...
  Also thanks for the info on the pickle...I do a lot of metal smithing and don't want to develope a mysterious cough:-)...So using a nicer pickle would be a good idea. There's enough mischief causing stuff in my studio as it is...When I get time I'm going to post pictures of my studio...right now I'm getting ready for a show and it shows...If I wasn't organised (right now, under the surface of disorganization) I'd lose my mind...

  Thankyou Tonya for the info on the torch holder!...Harbor freight is one of my favorite stores,(next to Macys)...I don't know how I missed the holder...I'll check it out next week, and if I can't find it locally, I'll order it from the web site...(thanks for that too)... Also thanks for the info on the pickle...I do a lot of metal smithing and don't want to develope a mysterious cough:-)...So using a nicer pickle would be a good idea. There's enough mischief causing stuff in my studio as it is...When I get time I'm going to post pictures of my studio...right now I'm getting ready for a show and it shows...If I wasn't organised (right now, under the surface of disorganization) I'd lose my mind...
• Tony Redmond

  

  Member
   

  February 28, 2013

  Hi Tonya, thanks for the information. I am very new, just starting and it is good to see how to set up. 

  Tony

  Hi Tonya, thanks for the information. I am very new, just starting and it is good to see how to set up. 

  Tony

• Jelena Petrovic

  

  Member
   

  January 18, 2014

  Hi Tonya.                                                                                                                 I'm thinking to buy propane atmospheric air torch.Is that OK?What do you suggest I should use? 

  Hi Tonya.                                                                                                                 I'm thinking to buy propane atmospheric air torch.Is that OK?What do you suggest I should use? 

• Tonya Powell

  

  Member
   

  January 19, 2014

  Hi Tony,

  I can't see the posting here; but, I got an email that you had posted the following question:

  "thinking about buying propoane atmospheric air torch.  Is that ok?What do you suggest I should use?"

  I personally use a propane air torch.  I recommend propane or natural gas as they burn cleaner.

  Hi Tony,

  I can't see the posting here; but, I got an email that you had posted the following question:

  "thinking about buying propoane atmospheric air torch.  Is that ok?What do you suggest I should use?"

  I personally use a propane air torch.  I recommend propane or natural gas as they burn cleaner.

• Tony Redmond

  

  Member
   

  January 19, 2014

  Hi Tonya

  Thank you for your reply and lots of information. I have been studying up on the torch firing which I was using propane gas, but wasn't completely satisfied with the results. I purchased a secondhand kiln and had a couple of problems with work sticking to the trivet, which I realise now is not a great problem. All I have to do is practice, practice and practice. I do go to several markets a month and people are really interested in enamel work, which gives me another string to my products. 

  Hi Tonya

  Thank you for your reply and lots of information. I have been studying up on the torch firing which I was using propane gas, but wasn't completely satisfied with the results. I purchased a secondhand kiln and had a couple of problems with work sticking to the trivet, which I realise now is not a great problem. All I have to do is practice, practice and practice. I do go to several markets a month and people are really interested in enamel work, which gives me another string to my products. 

• Jelena Petrovic

  

  Member
   

  January 24, 2014

  Hi Tonya

  Thank you for your answer.I have one more question.

  Which fuel are you using for the smith little torch?

  Thanks.

  Hi Tonya

  Thank you for your answer.I have one more question.

  Which fuel are you using for the smith little torch?

  Thanks.

• Tonya Powell

  

  Member
   

  January 24, 2014

  Hi Jelena,

  I use a propane and oxygen combination for my Smith Little Torch; but, I do not use the Smith Little Torch to torch fire enamels.

  Hi Jelena,

  I use a propane and oxygen combination for my Smith Little Torch; but, I do not use the Smith Little Torch to torch fire enamels.

• Tonya Powell

  

  Member
   

  January 25, 2014

  Jelena,

  I am not sure how I missed your question.  I apologize for the delayed response.  Yes, I use a propane air torch for torch fired enameling.

  Jelena,

  I am not sure how I missed your question.  I apologize for the delayed response.  Yes, I use a propane air torch for torch fired enameling.

• Tonya Powell

  

  Member
   

  January 25, 2014

  Tony,

  You are welcome.

  Tony,

  You are welcome.