I just melted my first time alone last week, been watching your videos to help me get through thanks seriously there’s so little videos on how to do this stuff! 🙏🏻
Awesome to hear, glad I could help. Make sure to check out the safety video ua-cam.com/video/svt-SoN05ec/v-deo.html and best of luck on your glass journey!
DO NOT KEEP A PROPANE TANK IN THE BASEMENT! Propane is heavier than air. If you have a leak, the propane will settle to the floor and drift downhill. If if comes in contact with a flame (like for a furnace or water heater), you will have an explosion. If you must use tanked propane, put it outside and run a hose in to your torch. If you use tanked propane in a garage, make sure you have adequate ventilation (open the garage door a bit and run a fan). I run a Bobcat torch using residential natural gas (about 1/4 psi) and a 5 lpm oxygen concentrator. Natural gas is lighter than air, so if you have adequate ventilation (which you should have anyway if you’re using a glass torch) you can safely use it in a basement. It’s fine for borosilicate glass as large as a 1-1/4 inch marble. Certainly fine for soft glass. I can tell, though, that I’m not at the maximum capacity for the torch. I like that setup because I never have to refill either gas or oxygen tanks. If I want to work with a bigger torch I will have to rethink my gas and oxygen supply, but right now it’s a nice setup.
Thanks for the comment Tim that's an excellent safety tip. I was planning to do an updated safety video for 2020. Theres a lot of info to go over so its going to be a long one. You can never be too safe, we're not here to take risks.
Matt Jasa I love your videos btw. I’m sort of at an intermediate level. I’ve gone beyond what is offered in classes locally but I realize there is so much more to learn. So channels like yours are a real resource. You do a great job of explaining things! I originally set up our little studio for my wife with a propane tank. But a few years ago we stayed at a B&B in Santa Fe with a lot of glass artists who were attending a workshop at Bullseye. When I described our little studio to one of them, she got a horrified look and explained the safety issue with propane. Okay-took that tank out of the basement! I ran a gas line over to near the torch and we’re using natural gas now. But you can’t use a flashback arrestor with a natural gas line; the pressure is too low. I’m learning!
Your welcome Adam! Sorry I don't have any plans for in-person lessons yet. I appreciate your interest and will let you know if anything changes. Thanks for watching!
Yea I like my Bobcat but it does cause a little back-pressure on my concentrator. I recently took off the bottom plate and was using it as a hand torch.
Hi Matt! I've been watching a lot of your videos and learning a lot. On the oxygen section here you show a machine that can separate the oxygen to replace needing a tank. When I look online I see what looks like your machine but it says it can only handle 9psi and only runs small torches. Do you use it with your bravo? Thanks in advance.
Hello, thanks for checking out my videos! That is correct only 9 psi. They also run up to 95% purity while tanks are 100%. I do run them on the Bravo but only 1 machine per stage, so when I want to use my 2nd stage, I turn on a 2nd machine. I recommend them for smaller torches like the Alpha or GGT Bobcat as you can still learn a lot about lampworking on a small torch. The Bravo will easily double the size of your work, but it is a lot of heat to handle. Overall tanks do offer better performance with purity & psi, while the machines are easier to use and make you independent of an oxygen company. You do need to change the Heppa filter every year ($15 for filter). Let me know if you have any questions! ps. Very cool wood turning video. It would take a lot longer to make a spin top of that size on a torch.
How do you connect the regulator to the tank you have shown here? I have similar ones and the connection is a small tube for breathing lines, not a threaded connector for a regulator to connect to.
That is actually a medical oxygen tank. The medical field uses smaller fail-proof regulators. They don't release as much O2, but you might be able to Tee a few together.
You should have them located outside incase of a leak. For my oxygen I use concentrators which can be turned on and off and don't really store o2 so It's okay to keep concentrators indoors.
Would you be able to do a video on how to set up the oxygen concentrator to the torch ? I bought a metal connection piece for the concentrator but don’t know how to take off the plastic one
Sure I can do that, give me a some time. There's a special converter fitting but it's hard to find. You can make one yourself from 3 separate fittings here ( www.mountainglass.com/tools-and-equipment/torches-and-accessories/connection-hardware ). The 1/4" barb, Male to Male B-fitting, and Hex Nut B-fitting. You could also try to cut the B-fitting off your Hose and plug the hose straight onto the concentrator.
Here's everything you need to convert a 1/4" barbed fitting to B-sized threaded fitting. www.mountainglass.com/Barbed-Nipple-Connection-use-with-Part-EQ115-or-EQ116 + www.mountainglass.com/Hex-Nut-for-Oxygen-Connection-use-with-Part-EQ117 + www.mountainglass.com/Male-to-Male-Fitting-B-Size-threads-on-both-ends-for-oxygen-connections
I started with 14mm but as I got better I moved to 12mm. The 14mm is easier to flare and attach but heavier to work with. You should practice points also so you can switch between both techniques as needed. Good luck, practice makes perfect!
Hello SnakeBitesTattoo, Yea the 10 lpm is a great match for that torch. I use an Invacare 10lpm Platinum myself. Thanks for watching and best wishes on your glass journey!
Great question, I think if your not planning on making a return, then buying used could save some money. Some things like torch, kiln, and concentrator I would be worried about its condition, but for tanks, tools, ventilation or glass should be fine buying used.
You can get a reconditioned medical oxygen concentrator for about half the price of a new one. I think they’re not allowed for medical use after being reconditioned, but for a torch they’re fine.
No I don't think so; It should be the same as turning down your flow-meter. Remember to keep your external side filters clean and to check your internal heppa filter after awhile.
I have some new questions.I want buy the oxygen tank now instead the concentrate.Can I use the oxygen from Welding Supplies?Need I buy the oxygen tank?how much it will cost?
You'll have to locate a local oxygen distributor and ask for a quote on tank rental. When the tank is empty you bring it back and they charge you to refill it. For the size you want to get the largest tank you can safely lift and transport. Its like propane tanks but each distributor is different. They might allow you to bring your own tank or make you rent one. I'm not sure who 'Welding Supplies' are but it is the same oxygen welders use so you'll be using the same channels as a metal welder.
You gave me the best suggestions.I am ordered an ex20 and it will arrive on FRIDAY.I am going to save money for a bravo torch.I give up the tanks it is heavy and cost more money to refill.I am so exciting waiting the new oxygen concentrator.Thank you so much.
Matt Jasa Yes I have to use the minor earn The Bravo.The concentrator arrive today.The oxygen is good.It show the machine already worked 29967 hour which I am not sure how many hours I can keep using it.How much will be the new ex20?The other problem is it is much noice then the old oxygen I should wear the ear plug.Anyway I have enough oxygen to make the clear color.I am glad.If I know this early I should buy the ex20 from beginning.
Matt Jasa it works super good.The only problem is the noisy drive me mad.I want buy the oxygen hose extension.I want put The oxygen concentrator in other room
I want buy a ex-15.Can I link the ex15 with my old ex10?I also wondering how to clean the filter.I am working with 104coe glass .I need bigger range torch and small torch top to make detail.Should I buy the mid range or the max?I only want the glass melt faster but not the temperature so hot for the harder glass.
You shouldn't link them if they have different LPM or PSI, But you can hook them to separate stages on a 2-stage torch. Check the ox-con's manual for cleaning instructions; I have seen a newer model oxycon without filters but dust is always problematic for machines. Lastly the Redmax is a very popular torch, It would be my choice from the two. The larger torch won't raise the temperature of the flame but give you a larger volume of fire to work with. With exception to the pre-mix top fire which is hotter then the surface-mix top fire.
The largest size should save you the most money on refills, but their also the heaviest. So whichever tank you can safely transport, I know the K tank is over 100lbs. Also when it comes to oxygen you normally rent the tanks from your 02 supplier instead of buying your own, their normally picky on what tanks they will refill.
@@MattJasa got a 200 cu ft hopefully it'll last long enough! it was $80 for a year lease and $41 per refill. Unfortunately there's only one welding supply where I live so I'm afraid I got the best deal I could find.
A 2-stage torch will double the size of your work instantly. If you can save up for something like a Bravo and a 10lpm concentrator for the outerfire you'll be set.
There's a big selection here for marbles, cups, inside-out. I'm using the American Large. www.mountainglass.com/tools-and-equipment/tools/grabbers-and-holding-tools
Yea a lathe or some kind of mechanical assistance can help, especially if your planning to manufacture a lot of the same things. However I do recommend practicing with your hands at first to "get a feel" for the glass. Thanks for watching!
@@evocabulary3538 Well the ex-10 does 5lpm which will work for a smaller flame, but these 1-stage torches can take up to 10lpm. Getting a larger concentrator (10lpm) or chaining another 5lpm to the one you got should show an improvement. For longevity they should last around 20,000 hours as long as your cleaning and changing the filters. They are very rugged machines.
Thanks for the offer Paul but I plan to hold onto it for sentimental reasons = being my first torch. I might also use it to train someone else in the shop someday.
If its tank oxygen then Bobcat, but if your using oxygen connectors then Alpha. Overall their about the same torch, the alpha has slightly bigger oxygen tubes.
@@MattJasa did at shop ive been renting space at on a cricket just got a phantom and i asked him if hed sell me his bobcat and he said for 200$ hed sell me the bobcat with the l marver. The torch isnt in bad condition but is heavily used and had an owner before him. What do you thonk is this a bad deal when incould get a brand new bobcat without marver for 195?
@@melanyhamilton172 Personally I would buy a new torch. I don't use a torch marver myself, their great for production but you can always hold your graphite paddle at an angle against a normal pad of graphite for the same effect.
I just melted my first time alone last week, been watching your videos to help me get through thanks seriously there’s so little videos on how to do this stuff! 🙏🏻
Awesome to hear, glad I could help. Make sure to check out the safety video ua-cam.com/video/svt-SoN05ec/v-deo.html and best of luck on your glass journey!
a video i didn’t know i needed, thanks a million for your knowledge
Your welcome Yoshift. Best of luck on your glass journey.
DO NOT KEEP A PROPANE TANK IN THE BASEMENT! Propane is heavier than air. If you have a leak, the propane will settle to the floor and drift downhill. If if comes in contact with a flame (like for a furnace or water heater), you will have an explosion. If you must use tanked propane, put it outside and run a hose in to your torch. If you use tanked propane in a garage, make sure you have adequate ventilation (open the garage door a bit and run a fan).
I run a Bobcat torch using residential natural gas (about 1/4 psi) and a 5 lpm oxygen concentrator. Natural gas is lighter than air, so if you have adequate ventilation (which you should have anyway if you’re using a glass torch) you can safely use it in a basement. It’s fine for borosilicate glass as large as a 1-1/4 inch marble. Certainly fine for soft glass. I can tell, though, that I’m not at the maximum capacity for the torch. I like that setup because I never have to refill either gas or oxygen tanks. If I want to work with a bigger torch I will have to rethink my gas and oxygen supply, but right now it’s a nice setup.
Thanks for the comment Tim that's an excellent safety tip. I was planning to do an updated safety video for 2020. Theres a lot of info to go over so its going to be a long one. You can never be too safe, we're not here to take risks.
Matt Jasa I love your videos btw. I’m sort of at an intermediate level. I’ve gone beyond what is offered in classes locally but I realize there is so much more to learn. So channels like yours are a real resource. You do a great job of explaining things!
I originally set up our little studio for my wife with a propane tank. But a few years ago we stayed at a B&B in Santa Fe with a lot of glass artists who were attending a workshop at Bullseye. When I described our little studio to one of them, she got a horrified look and explained the safety issue with propane. Okay-took that tank out of the basement! I ran a gas line over to near the torch and we’re using natural gas now. But you can’t use a flashback arrestor with a natural gas line; the pressure is too low. I’m learning!
Damn... You know alot about this!
Thanks Matt you are a great teacher, let me know if you are taking on any in house students?
All the best
Your welcome Adam! Sorry I don't have any plans for in-person lessons yet. I appreciate your interest and will let you know if anything changes. Thanks for watching!
I started with a bobcat too 4 years ago. Now im rocking a Kobuki.
The bobcat was a good starter torch.
Yea I like my Bobcat but it does cause a little back-pressure on my concentrator. I recently took off the bottom plate and was using it as a hand torch.
thank you very helpful i just started and needed help so thanks for the knowledge!
Glad to hear I was able to help! Let me know if you have any more questions as you begin. Best of luck to you Akashic Monk on your new glass journey!
@@MattJasa will. Do thanks I subscribe and liked!
Hi Matt! I've been watching a lot of your videos and learning a lot. On the oxygen section here you show a machine that can separate the oxygen to replace needing a tank. When I look online I see what looks like your machine but it says it can only handle 9psi and only runs small torches. Do you use it with your bravo? Thanks in advance.
Hello, thanks for checking out my videos! That is correct only 9 psi. They also run up to 95% purity while tanks are 100%.
I do run them on the Bravo but only 1 machine per stage, so when I want to use my 2nd stage, I turn on a 2nd machine.
I recommend them for smaller torches like the Alpha or GGT Bobcat as you can still learn a lot about lampworking on a small torch. The Bravo will easily double the size of your work, but it is a lot of heat to handle.
Overall tanks do offer better performance with purity & psi, while the machines are easier to use and make you independent of an oxygen company. You do need to change the Heppa filter every year ($15 for filter).
Let me know if you have any questions!
ps. Very cool wood turning video. It would take a lot longer to make a spin top of that size on a torch.
How do you connect the regulator to the tank you have shown here? I have similar ones and the connection is a small tube for breathing lines, not a threaded connector for a regulator to connect to.
That is actually a medical oxygen tank. The medical field uses smaller fail-proof regulators. They don't release as much O2, but you might be able to Tee a few together.
What psi did you run on your bob cat? My flame would not be near as large as your Bethlehem
Propane 5, Oxy 9. I believe the Alpha has a slightly larger flame, the ports are a little bit wider.
Question where u keep oxygen tanks and where u keep propane do u have line ran from outside to inside or just have tanks inside workshop or garage?
You should have them located outside incase of a leak. For my oxygen I use concentrators which can be turned on and off and don't really store o2 so It's okay to keep concentrators indoors.
Would you be able to do a video on how to set up the oxygen concentrator to the torch ? I bought a metal connection piece for the concentrator but don’t know how to take off the plastic one
Sure I can do that, give me a some time. There's a special converter fitting but it's hard to find. You can make one yourself from 3 separate fittings here ( www.mountainglass.com/tools-and-equipment/torches-and-accessories/connection-hardware ). The 1/4" barb, Male to Male B-fitting, and Hex Nut B-fitting. You could also try to cut the B-fitting off your Hose and plug the hose straight onto the concentrator.
Here's everything you need to convert a 1/4" barbed fitting to B-sized threaded fitting.
www.mountainglass.com/Barbed-Nipple-Connection-use-with-Part-EQ115-or-EQ116 + www.mountainglass.com/Hex-Nut-for-Oxygen-Connection-use-with-Part-EQ117 + www.mountainglass.com/Male-to-Male-Fitting-B-Size-threads-on-both-ends-for-oxygen-connections
I see your CO detector on your bench. Is that a concern? I know you have a vent hood.
Hey C Hail, great observation. I was testing it in the shop to see what happens but it never went off; so I took it back home. Thanks for watching!
Hi! What size of tubbing do you use as a blowtube? Or is it better to pull a point? Thanks!
I started with 14mm but as I got better I moved to 12mm. The 14mm is easier to flare and attach but heavier to work with. You should practice points also so you can switch between both techniques as needed. Good luck, practice makes perfect!
@@MattJasa Thanks!!!!
You have great videos I have learned a lot question for you I went and got a alpha torch can I use a platinum 10 lpm with that? Ty
Hello SnakeBitesTattoo, Yea the 10 lpm is a great match for that torch. I use an Invacare 10lpm Platinum myself. Thanks for watching and best wishes on your glass journey!
Can you use a normal compressor (using the O2 from the air) instead of pure oxygen?
That's a good question. I don't think it would work. If I don't prime my O2 lines first the air inside the torch blows out the flame.
To get started with this hobby would you recommend buying used equipment?
Great question, I think if your not planning on making a return, then buying used could save some money. Some things like torch, kiln, and concentrator I would be worried about its condition, but for tanks, tools, ventilation or glass should be fine buying used.
Thank you for the advice, I like your videos and I can't wait to see more.
You can get a reconditioned medical oxygen concentrator for about half the price of a new one. I think they’re not allowed for medical use after being reconditioned, but for a torch they’re fine.
I have a bobcat with that same invacare 10 machine. should i be worried about the back-pressure? i never thought this would be an issue
No I don't think so; It should be the same as turning down your flow-meter. Remember to keep your external side filters clean and to check your internal heppa filter after awhile.
@@MattJasa I've been keeping my flow meter on the machine at around 8
I have some new questions.I want buy the oxygen tank now instead the concentrate.Can I use the oxygen from Welding Supplies?Need I buy the oxygen tank?how much it will cost?
You'll have to locate a local oxygen distributor and ask for a quote on tank rental. When the tank is empty you bring it back and they charge you to refill it. For the size you want to get the largest tank you can safely lift and transport. Its like propane tanks but each distributor is different. They might allow you to bring your own tank or make you rent one. I'm not sure who 'Welding Supplies' are but it is the same oxygen welders use so you'll be using the same channels as a metal welder.
You gave me the best suggestions.I am ordered an ex20 and it will arrive on FRIDAY.I am going to save money for a bravo torch.I give up the tanks it is heavy and cost more money to refill.I am so exciting waiting the new oxygen concentrator.Thank you so much.
@@evocabulary3538 Awesome I hope it works well for you. Try the the ex20 on the Minor torch first so see what that's like.
Matt Jasa Yes I have to use the minor earn The Bravo.The concentrator arrive today.The oxygen is good.It show the machine already worked 29967 hour which I am not sure how many hours I can keep using it.How much will be the new ex20?The other problem is it is much noice then the old oxygen I should wear the ear plug.Anyway I have enough oxygen to make the clear color.I am glad.If I know this early I should buy the ex20 from beginning.
Matt Jasa it works super good.The only problem is the noisy drive me mad.I want buy the oxygen hose extension.I want put The oxygen concentrator in other room
I want buy a ex-15.Can I link the ex15 with my old ex10?I also wondering how to clean the filter.I am working with 104coe glass .I need bigger range torch and small torch top to make detail.Should I buy the mid range or the max?I only want the glass melt faster but not the temperature so hot for the harder glass.
You shouldn't link them if they have different LPM or PSI, But you can hook them to separate stages on a 2-stage torch. Check the ox-con's manual for cleaning instructions; I have seen a newer model oxycon without filters but dust is always problematic for machines. Lastly the Redmax is a very popular torch, It would be my choice from the two. The larger torch won't raise the temperature of the flame but give you a larger volume of fire to work with. With exception to the pre-mix top fire which is hotter then the surface-mix top fire.
Thank you so much
What size oxygen tank should you buy?
The largest size should save you the most money on refills, but their also the heaviest. So whichever tank you can safely transport, I know the K tank is over 100lbs.
Also when it comes to oxygen you normally rent the tanks from your 02 supplier instead of buying your own, their normally picky on what tanks they will refill.
@@MattJasa got a 200 cu ft hopefully it'll last long enough! it was $80 for a year lease and $41 per refill. Unfortunately there's only one welding supply where I live so I'm afraid I got the best deal I could find.
@@anniestafford9717 That looks like a good size tank, let me know how long it lasts for you. Have fun melting!
What pressure do run your tanks at
5psi Propane & a 10lpm O2 Concentrator (~9psi) for the 1st stage. To use the 2nd outer stage I turn on another 10lpm Concentator for 20lpm total.
I am making soft glass what torch you suggest to use?I have a minor but I think it is slow and not wide flame enough.
A 2-stage torch will double the size of your work instantly. If you can save up for something like a Bravo and a 10lpm concentrator for the outerfire you'll be set.
Bro PLEASE send me a link to where you got those claw holders at. Been looking for a large pair like that.
There's a big selection here for marbles, cups, inside-out. I'm using the American Large.
www.mountainglass.com/tools-and-equipment/tools/grabbers-and-holding-tools
@@MattJasa thanks i couldn't tell from the catalog and site which one that was but i figured it was probably one they carried.
What kind of tortch is the newer bigger one?
I'm using the Bethlehem Bravo in the video. It's a 2-stage surface mix lampworking torch.
what’s the size of those tubes?
I'm using 26mm with 4mm wall thickness tubing as the base and 12mm by 2.2mm wall for the blow-tube.
Matt Jasa thank you , great vids
5:05 - you should get some kind of mini lathe, spinning by hand is lame.
Yea a lathe or some kind of mechanical assistance can help, especially if your planning to manufacture a lot of the same things. However I do recommend practicing with your hands at first to "get a feel" for the glass. Thanks for watching!
My torch continues change from neutral flame to reduce flame then neutral flame then reduce flame.Do you know what is the problems at this situation?
It sounds like your not getting enough oxygen, are you using tanks or concentrator?
I am using ex-10 and minor torch.
Do you know how long The oxygen concentrator can use?I have used It for years
@@evocabulary3538 Well the ex-10 does 5lpm which will work for a smaller flame, but these 1-stage torches can take up to 10lpm. Getting a larger concentrator (10lpm) or chaining another 5lpm to the one you got should show an improvement.
For longevity they should last around 20,000 hours as long as your cleaning and changing the filters. They are very rugged machines.
if you haven't already, do you wanna sell that bobcat?
Thanks for the offer Paul but I plan to hold onto it for sentimental reasons = being my first torch. I might also use it to train someone else in the shop someday.
Would you go with a bocat or alpha for boro
If its tank oxygen then Bobcat, but if your using oxygen connectors then Alpha. Overall their about the same torch, the alpha has slightly bigger oxygen tubes.
@@MattJasa did at shop ive been renting space at on a cricket just got a phantom and i asked him if hed sell me his bobcat and he said for 200$ hed sell me the bobcat with the l marver. The torch isnt in bad condition but is heavily used and had an owner before him. What do you thonk is this a bad deal when incould get a brand new bobcat without marver for 195?
@@melanyhamilton172 Personally I would buy a new torch.
I don't use a torch marver myself, their great for production but you can always hold your graphite paddle at an angle against a normal pad of graphite for the same effect.