Woo Hoo... It's My CRICKET!Here's my actual torch taken with my computer's camera.
Please do not notice either the dust or the messy bookshelves behind me.
I know I've been blog tagged, but that will wait until tomorrow, because I have a new torch to tell you about today.My new GTT Cricket torch arrived and I'm excited. I haven't connected it yet, but wanted to show everyone what one looks like, if you haven't seen one. Mine is pink with lime green knobs. I know the price of this one sure caught my attention quickly. (Introductory sale base price $139 USD, plus color upgrades that I chose.)
I tried this out at the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) Gathering this summer while it AND another Cricket were hooked up to a 10 LPM concentrator. It had a nice strong flame and could focus down to a small point pretty well too. My try out time was short, and it was late at night, but I sure liked the idea that I could hook two torches to my 10 LPM Regalia concentrator at home. It was designed specifically to maximize the abilities of low flow oxygen concentrators like a 5 LPM.
If any of you readers out there know whether there is a torch mounted marver that fits with it, please let me know. That's part of my delay of hooking it up. I use my marver so much, I'd like to have one before I switch over. My trusty Minor needs to go get a good cleaning. Once that happens, I'll try hooking both up and see how well that experiment goes and let you know.
Do you have a Cricket? Or a torch that you think is exceptional? Tell us about it. So often people ask for recommendations for torches, but I'm always reticent to suggest, unless I've used a certain model extensively.
Tomorrow will be tag day about me and I'm sure something about glass and beadmaking. Next week, I'll be announcing two 2-day classes that I'm teaching in February and how to sign up for the lottery to get into them.
Until then, happy torching!
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Marcy - I know nothing about torches, but I do know that new tools are always exciting! Have fun with this new torch...
ReplyDeleteVicki
oooh - that torch is wonderful - specifically made to work really well with the concentrators. I want to see pictures of your pink and green custom colored torch!
ReplyDeleteI think you can run out to the hardware store and get a new metal C piece that is a smaller diameter so that you can use your same torch mounted marver that you already have. Does that make sense?
Love the cricket...I love GTT torches!! Oh, and I love the Polly bead...we have a blue and gold macaw named Kuuipo (hawaiian for sweetheart).
ReplyDelete:) Linda
Thanks for your good wishes you guys.
ReplyDeleteLeah, I added the photo, so you can see my pink cricket that is just almost bright enough to glow in the dark.
Marcy
Wow! Marcy,, I love the pink! Congratulations on your new torch. I'm anxious to hear how it works!
ReplyDeleteHere's my two cents on torches:
ReplyDeletehttp://lorigreenberg.com/blog/?p=313
I love GTTs too. If you aren't able to get the new c connecter like another poster said, find out of the bobcat and lynx (and cheetah) sized marvers will fit the cricket. I bet they will.
I use an L shaped one and got it at Arrow Springs. Cost a little more but I like it better than the plain flat one.
Have fun!
Love my new Cricket but also missing my torch mount marver.
ReplyDeleteHello Marcy, I was just reading your blog about the marver and there is one that is made especially to fit the Cricket - you can find it here and it is $30 US. www.glasstorchtech.com/torches.html
ReplyDeleteI'm from Australia and I have been looking to upgrade my trusty old hot head - how do you find this torch? Is it better than the minor do you know? Anyway, hope this is helpful.
Cheers
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
ReplyDeleteI have heard some people love their crickets and others have gone to other torches. I think some of it depends on how comfortable you are with adjusting your flame.
Personally, I am still using my Minor. I've used the Cricket, but am so happy with my 8 year old Minor, that it's still the one hooked up to my oxy and gas. It is a small, reliable workhorse that always seems to perform for what I'm making.
Back to the flame adjustment...You are probably used to working with a bit of a bushy flame from your hot head. The Cricket is a tighter one. Can you keep your bead warm enough by moving it around a little more? If so, then you should be fine.
In a month, our Southern Flames group will have 2 crickets, 2 minors and other torches hooked up and half will be on oxy and the other half on concentrators and we're going to do a comparison. I'll blog about it when it happens if you want a side by side commentary.
feel free to email me at StudioMarcy@gmail.com, if you have more questions.