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Hi again! Harlan Simon of harlanglass.com. Welcome back. In this segment, I will be discussing
the torch that is used in glass bead making. Briefly talk about the glass that is used
again in glass bead making. The hand tools that we use and the kiln that is used for
annealing and to prevent thermal shock. First off, introduce you to my torch. This is a
hot little number. It is a Lynx, l y n x, made by Glass Torch Technology and it is an
oxygen propane torch. I produce my own oxygen using an oxygen concentrator which is off-screen
right now. But, the oxygen that is distilled from the environment through the use of a
concentrator, which is essentially a molecular sieve for blocking out nitrogen and only taking
up the oxygen molecules. The oxygen comes through the sieve and feeds the torch. And,
I have two oxygen dials and I have one fuel dial which is propane. Torch setup is crucial
in terms of safety, so do not attempt this without expert personal consultation. This
video does not substitute in terms of setup for professional instruction or advice with
respect to your particular situation. These torches are made specifically for glass bead
making or flamework, which is the larger category of what we are about to do. Another company
makes an entry-level torch, which is not this one, but it is a torch made by Nortel. Also
oxygen propane and this one only has two gas feeds. One for propane, one for oxygen. There
is a minor burner made by Nortel which is a great plain vanilla torch. Also, a two gas
driven torch. Perfect for beginners the minor burner by Nortel. But, a number of companies
make entry-level torches now, including Glass Torch Technology. The Lynx is about a four-hundred
and fifty dollar torch, versus the minor burner which is about a hundred and fifty dollars.
This is a very hot little torch. It does not use a lot of oxygen and this torch, as well
as the minor burner and the mid-range burner, they are known as surface mix torches. Which
is different than Borosilica-type torches. Often which are internal mix, where the fuels
are mixed within an internal chamber before the flame is created. In this torch setup
surface mix, the two gases, oxygen and propane, are ported through the chamber of the torch
to the surface and it is at the surface where the two gases actually mix. Oxygen is explosive.
Propane is flammable and with oxygen can be explosive so this is nothing to fool around
with. Again, do this only under professional consultation tailored specifically to your
purpose. And, this video is not intended for vocational purposes, but rather, recreation.
This torch is a oxygen saver and you can use bottled oxygen from a welding shop. But, I
use an oxygen concentrator. It is safer. It avoids the high-pressure problems that bottled
oxygen from a welding shop entail. The propane too, has safety issues. Of course, it is typical
barbecue propane in one of those five gallon tanks, but must not be stored inside a building
when not used and you must always make sure that your connections are leak-free because
propane is heavier than air and it can pool in your studio and any source of ignition
will set it off, causing the studio to blow up and possibly take you with it. So, please,
please be careful and consult proper experts for your particular setup circumstances.