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Monster Torch (Cannon Fire)

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LAN_403

Hazmatt_(The Underdog)

Mon Feb 13 2006, 08:50PM

Registered Member #135 Joined: Sat Feb 11 2006, 12:06AM
Location: Anywhere is fine
Posts: 1735

I just wanted to post some pics of my monster Glass Blowing Torch because its a really wierd one, and I'm learning how to set it up, and if anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it.

Like I say, it's a strange one because is an oldie, gas air oxy, has a movable shroud on the outside, yes it looks like (naughty bits! heheh), but It also has two things I am not quite sure about!
The first one is the mix control on top which is the fourth control. It adjusts the balance of the flame but has a spot marked 'open' that the valve can be rotated into.
The second part is this furrel that is inside the body of the torch that moves, which I discovered today. The 'open' position may correspond to the furrel being pulled out all the way but I don't know yet. I would have a better idea, but I can't find much on this particular torch. Something like it isn't in my old CENCO catalog either.

Its a Precision Scientific Co. torch, but no serial or additional info.

Drawbacks:
1. eats up oxy like nobody's business
2. loud as sin when the mix is oxidizing flame

Marko

Tue Feb 14 2006, 10:57PM

Registered Member #89 Joined: Thu Feb 09 2006, 02:40PM
Location: Zadar, Croatia
Posts: 3145

lol for torch.. :)
What do you use it for, said glassblowing..??

Hazmatt_(The Underdog)

Wed Feb 15 2006, 01:30AM

Registered Member #135 Joined: Sat Feb 11 2006, 12:06AM
Location: Anywhere is fine
Posts: 1735

I'm trying to use it for some heavy wall 1" tubing. Basically you shrink and gather then blow a large globe. I would love to make some alembics and retorts just as show pieces, but I'm no good at it yet.
I got it running today pretty well with less oxy, but the problem is that with less oxy the flame isn't hot enough, so I have to keep trying. Also my technique is very poor. I guess I have to do a lot more small stuff for now. Back to ornaments, *sigh*.

I really want to make a horrendous funnels with stopcocks at the bottom, and vacuum hardware!

If you're trying to infer that I'm making water pipes, well, I'm not really quite there yet. I would need a kiln for that sort of thing, otherwise any amount of heat would crack the glass. I do want to make a mini hookah for my arab friend. I think it would be totally cool! and also very funny. A small 9" tall hookah, its like an itty bitty Tesla Coil.

Anyway, I just wanted to show off my pyromaniac side.

Avalanche

Wed Feb 15 2006, 11:17AM

Registered Member #103 Joined: Thu Feb 09 2006, 08:16PM
Location: Derby, UK
Posts: 845

Not sure if it's just me, but the 4th and 5th photos remind me of the machine from the film 'honey I shrunk the kids'

Carbon_Rod

Thu Feb 16 2006, 11:19PM

Registered Member #65 Joined: Thu Feb 09 2006, 06:43AM
Location:
Posts: 1155

nice find, truly a classic...
Note it takes time to get good with one of these... after which it is pretty much one of the only torches you may ever need.

A tipping torch, fire-proof-table (clean welders tables work fine), and some good gas hoses are next right? :)

Asbestos is still around... suitable caution should be taken when buying old equipment. Note Spun ceramic insulation and fire-brick dust is not that great either.

If you plan to do tube work, a clean mouthpiece with a one-way valve on a good length of surgical-rubber hose is highly recommended (keeps spit out of your work too.) Last I checked peoples lungs were not designed for glass dust, carbonized debris, and super heated air.

Ventilation should be OK in an Open garage, but remember CO (Yellow flame produces some) and Gas are not good things to have around. A large exhaust hood and fan may become something to look for. ;)

Cheers,

Hazmatt_(The Underdog)

Thu Feb 16 2006, 11:34PM

Registered Member #135 Joined: Sat Feb 11 2006, 12:06AM
Location: Anywhere is fine
Posts: 1735

I have a few torches actually

The big one is using my welding hose. Very important! The hot glass would melt a hole straight through Tygon tubing in a flash, cause a gas leak and possible explosion if it were the propane line. T grade hose is resistant to propane, has a retardnat jacket, and is some heavy duty stuff!

I have had a lot more success with the (tipping torch) National 3A torch. I do all my work so far on this one with #3 tip. I'm trying to use a #5 for larger stuff but need a lot more practice.
I've made some ornaments with the #3, but your handling size is determined by the flame, and I need bigger!

I've blown out a larger globe once, but since the settings changed I had problems duplicating my work, As is always the problem. You can't just sit down and do glasswork as if it were soldering! and that's by far the most disappointing.

Oh well, I didn't take it on because it was easy.
I'm still moving forward to sealing electrodes.

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