Hot head torch?

[Kirilei]

Hi,

I've just started with art clay silver - have a background (and the equipment) from lampworking, and was wondering if I can use my hot head torch with a butane cylinder/tank to fire pieces (not solder findings). The flame from the hot head torch is much larger that the little butane torches the silver clay websites sell, and I was wondering if this will melt the silver.

Thanks!

[Metalman]

Sorry I missed this one.
To paraphrase Gertrude Stein:  A torch is a torch is a torch.

A torch is a source of heat - you can use almost any torch to fire Art Clay Silver , if you have good control.

With your hot head torch I would expect you would have trouble with your temperature balance when firing the Silver Clay but it should be doable.  When you are firing you  need to keep the temperature around 1500°F to 1600°F for the firing time. Visually, this is a middle to bright orange temperature glow, much brighter [ie: hotter] and the silver melts
Check out this thread on firing:
http://www.rings-things.com/cgi-bin....0;t=934