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Re: Crossfires vs. Cannons
Posted By: neontek In Response To: Crossfires vs. Cannons (Dana)
Date: Monday, 5 April 2010, at 4:27 a.m.
> This is an old subject but I would like to
> hear some fresh opinions.> It seems that crossfires, such as a 5 point,
> are preferred by the most experienced
> benders-at least from those I have known.> I learned on a cannon and find it easier to
> use until I have to do detail work like
> joining and then I use the splicing-type of
> head that provides a knife-edge flame, but
> still in the cannon configuration.> I don't have a lot of success with joining
> parts or electrodes on the table with a hand
> torch so I always do it in the air.> Does anyone use the cannon fire with the
> third head underneath? I have wondered if
> that is a worthwhile add-on, although I have
> no trouble heating with the 2 heads.*********
I think it's mostly personal preference... and as long as it works for you and your finished product is quality "high end" work, how you get there isn't a big factor.
I prefer a concentrated, high temp. flame with alot of room to manuever. 90 percent of the time I use a crossfire with extra tall "uprights". My sliding base is at my groin area and the heads are about at my nipples. ( "nuts" to "nipples" swing thru working area )With the crossfires I get a pretty concise flame with high heat and can smoothly weld and work 5 - 18mm tubing easily with minor flame adjustments. I also tubulate with the crossfires from time to time. I have found this to be the best "all around" workhorse for me. Yes, it is also what I learned on.
Oldskools method seems like a good one, but i have never liked the third flame from below. One reason is because i like to be able to swing thru the "uprights" with odd shaped glass at times. Secondly, I hate any type of "cumbersome clutter", which is the feeling i got with that type of set-up.
I also have a fishtail head setup. Yes, without a doubt, this precise knifelike flame works best for welding and small diameter tubing.
For large diameter tubing 15mm and up, I also made a 4 head (2 per side) cannon cross-fire from an old 5pt crossfire. I just plugged three of the tapped holes on each manifold. A bit "overkill"... but if you want heat !
Tony D.
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