# Jeweler's torches: gas, oxygen and mini torch

> Jeweler's torches (propane, gas with oxygen, the butane mini torch) give the flame for soldering, annealing and melting; types, flame and safety.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-torches/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-01
- Updated: 2026-07-05
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/sopletes-de-joyeria/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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The torch is the jeweler's heat source. Depending on the job, torches of different power and fuel are chosen.

![Zones of a torch flame: inner cone, hottest blue tip and outer flame](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/torch-flame.en.svg "The torch flame and its hottest zone")

## Types

- **Butane mini torch:** for annealing and soldering small pieces.
- **Gas and air (propane):** for soldering medium pieces.
- **Gas and oxygen:** hotter, more precise flame; for melting and soldering platinum.

## The flame

It is adjusted to be “reducing” or neutral: a defined blue cone, without soot. The hottest zone is the tip of the blue cone.

## Safety

Fixed cylinders, flashback arrestors, an extinguisher nearby, glasses and [protective equipment](https://www.711grados.com/en/casting-protective-equipment/). See [soldering](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-soldering/).

## Maintenance

Check hoses and fittings, and clean the tips.

## How to light and put out

1. Check the hoses and fittings.
2. Open the gas, light with a striker (not a match) and adjust the flame.
3. When finished, **close the gas at the cylinder first** and let the flame burn out; then close the torch valve.

## Which torch to choose

- **Butane mini torch:** annealing and soldering small pieces; fits on the desk.
- **Propane and air:** medium pieces; economical.
- **Gas and oxygen:** hot, precise flame; melting, soldering platinum and large pieces. Needs flashback arrestors.

## The flame and the metal

To solder silver and gold a somewhat “soft” flame with excess gas (reducing) is used, which protects the metal from oxygen. Heat the whole piece evenly, not just the solder, and remove the flame when the solder flows.

## Safety

Work with ventilation, no flammable objects nearby, hair tied back, an accessible extinguisher and cylinders well secured and upright. See [workshop safety](https://www.711grados.com/en/workshop-safety/).

## See also

- [Soldering for jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-soldering/)
- [Jeweler's bench and bench pin](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelers-bench/)
- [Protective equipment for casting](https://www.711grados.com/en/casting-protective-equipment/)