YaeTek Interchangeable Tips & Mini Jewelers’ Torch

Professional and amateur jewelry makers rely on their jewelers’ torches when they need to solder metal; the heat makes the materials more malleable to create the desired designs. These torches allow a focused flame to be controlled, with a high amount of heat focused on a single point. Their use isn’t restricted to jewelry since you can use them in various other applications, like cooking, camping and arts and crafts.

Jewelers heat the metal long enough to melt it and join it to other metal through brazing, soldering or welding. These torches have several parts, including a hand piece, a rectangular, two-valved cap with a curved, elongated neck and different tips that connect to the end of the neck; the fuel tanks are sold separately.

Jewelers’ torches can use different kinds of fuel. One of the most common is butane and is a good choice for smaller torches. Propane is heavier and gaseous and is usually used for larger torches. Other fuels include acetylene, a propane/oxygen mix and MAPP (methylacetylene-propadiene propane). When buying one of these instruments, think about the size of flame that you will need. For larger pieces, an acetylene tank might be the best choice; some torches can work with any fuel.

The various torch tip sizes control the amount and rate of fuel that gets let out. When comparing these products, look for torches with easy-to-refill fuel tanks and safety locks that prevent accidental ignition. Other important safety features to shop for include long-angled nozzles, broad bases to prevent the torches from falling over and various flame settings so you won’t have to use more fuel than needed. Remember that jewelers’ torches are never sold with fuel for safety reasons.

• First-time users can visit a plumbing supply store to have someone show them how to use the torch’s regulators and check for any leaks.
• Micro torches are less expensive and perfect for soldering and jewelry making; they usually reach a temperature of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Handheld torches have medium-sized fuel tanks and can reach higher temperatures.
• You can usually purchase the fuel canisters at local hardware stores or online.