Glass Beadmaking Torch - Hothead
Torch
for Glass Beadmakers,
Marblemakers and Buttonmakers
The one and only torch to use
as a single gas torch. Simply screw on a small disposable propane
or propylene (MAPP) gas cylinder to use. Or use our adaptors
to connect this torch to a bulk propane fuel tank like your barbecue
tank to save money on gas.
hard glass like borosilicate Pyrex.
Torch
Mounted Mavering Pad.
Glass
Beadmaking Torch
Manufactures list price $49.95
Competitors Price $36 $29
Propane Bottle Bracket - this bracket mounts to a table using
a C-clamp and/or with screws. C-Clamp is included! Bracket can
be bent for desired torch angle.
$12
For this torch, a HotHead torch or any
torch that looks simmilar to the one pictured. If you want to
use a bulk gas tank instead of the disposal bottle tank using
the bulk adaptor hose system listed below, you will need to use
this bracket to hold the beadmaking torch to a table.
Sparklighter
Use to light torches. Squeeze the handles
together to cause a spark.
| Glass
Beadmaking Torch Manufactures list price $49.95 Competitors Price $36 |
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 Propane Bottle Bracket - this bracket mounts to a table using a C-clamp and/or with screws. C-Clamp is included! Bracket can be bent for desired torch angle. |
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For this torch, a HotHead torch or any torch that looks simmilar to the one pictured. If you want to use a bulk gas tank instead of the disposal bottle tank using the bulk adaptor hose system listed below, you will need to use this bracket to hold the beadmaking torch to a table. |
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| Sparklighter Use to light torches. Squeeze the handles together to cause a spark. |
Bulk
Adaptor Systems
For users of Hot Head Torches or any torches similar to the HotHead torch. Save on the cost of propane by using a large bulk refillable propane tank instead of the small disposable fuel gas cylinders. Order No. F273701, uses a single hose with the correct fittings on each end. 5 or 12 foot hose.
Y-Propane F271735 
Connect
two torches with this fitting. This Y fits into a bulk tank -
the two other ends fit two F273701 hoses which go to the Hot
Head torches.
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This is a discussion about a HotHead style torch melting "soft" glass. A flame needs oxygen and fuel gas like propane or propelyne to burn. Molten glass likes a "neutral flame". A "neutral flame" has the proper ratio or amount of oxygen and propane so all of the gasses are consumed in the flame and there is no extra or leftover unburned oxygen or propane. A flame with unburned oxygen is called an "oxidized flame" and a flame with unburned propane is called a "reduction flame". A flame with just the right amount of oxygen and propane is called a "neutral flame". If soft molten glass is sitting in a "reduction flame' the colors turn muddy. Even the clear will turn streaky black and muddy. The common torch you might find in your garage just won't work. The reason is, this style torch has plenty of fuel gas from the propane tank but can only get its oxygen from the air. But air has only about 20% oxygen. Not nearly enough to achieve a neutral flame in a torch like this. These torches are made for plumbing or whatever and a neutral flame is not a concern for them. UNLESS you use a torch especially designed for glass, like the HotHead, that pulls in more air therefore more oxygen. It is actually a specially designed torch for glass. Also the extra oxygen makes it a hotter flame. Even in the HotHead torch, where you hold the glass in the flame makes a difference. To close to the nozzle where there is more unburned propane turnes the glass muddy, to far out in the flame is not hot enough. You need to learn where the "sweet spot" is in the flame.
Also size of flame makes a difference. The bigger the flame the more BTU's and faster you can work the glass. Most common garage brazing torches have a smaller sized flame (compared to the HotHead Torch) which means less BTU's and less heat. The HotHead Torch has as big a flame as you get with this style torch, and guess what, it barely has enough heat. This is why the choice of brand of soft glass makes a big difference. There are some brands like Bullseye Glass that takes twice as long to heat and work than the commonly used Moretti/Effetre Glass. There are even easier to melt glass out here in the world like some Japanese made glass (although very pricey!).
But can you make great beads with this HotHead torch! YES you can. We had an employee, Calvin Orr, who made the most amazing beautiful beads using only the HotHead torch. He has gone on now to become a fairly famous glass beadmaker.
If you want a torch that has a very hot flame, totally adjustable to acheive a neutral flame, and yes (because it has plenty of heat) it is desireable to have a smaller pointed flame (as compared to the HotHead) so you can heat just a spot on the glass surface to do detail work without heating the whole bead, pendant, button whatever, then you need to use a torch which not only has the propane tank (like the HotHead torch) but also an oxygen tank. By using this pure oxygen you get a very hot flame! Remember hot flame alows you to work faster. You also have two sets of valves which control just the right amount fo gasses to get that neutral flame. But of course the down side is the cost. The Hothead is $30 and this other type of torch costs 10 times more (because of the hose and regulators you would need), or even more. Click Here to see these types of torches.
Propane
Bottle Holder with work surface
All stainless steel. Holds your propane bottle safely and at the correct angle for your torch. Torch and propane tank not included. We recommend the HotHead torch. Includes a built in tool and glass rod rest. Holder holds both the wide and narrow shaped gas tank. Should be clamped or screwed to the table.
Work
Surfaces
Protect your work table
A comfortable pair of padded foam armrests
and worksurface and rodrest all in one! All stainless steel.
Pictured with a Minor Burner not included.
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Glass Rod
Rests This movable rod rest is used
to support glass rods to keep them up off the flameworker's workbench
for easier grabbing, better organization, and to keep the glass
rods cleaner. The rippled edge keeps the rods from rolling around.
These durable stainless steel rod holders can also be placed
inside a glass bead kiln to support your mandrels. Made in the USA
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The fastest way to order any of these items is to call us toll free at 1-888-4HOTGLASS.