I put together an alternative torch holder setup. It may not be for everyone as it is not 100% off the shelf and requires some manual crafting. The root of this is that the stock setup is fine, but not easy to adjust. The Magic Arm setup is highly adjustable, but (in my opinion) bulky and unwieldy to use. It works, but it could be better. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I like the style of torch holder used on the “Bench Source” machine. It uses rods with adjustable clamps. So I started to dig to see how to replicate something similar to the Bench Source setup.
The core of this is a 15mm rod support/rigging system that is apparently common for professional camera systems. It’s a Lego like adjustable framework for mounting stuff. What I am using is a single 2.5” rod that is attached directly to the Annealeez via a ¼-20 bolt matched with 90 degree clamp that connects the torch to the rod. In many ways it replicates the stock setup, but is much easier to use and adjust via the superior adjustment system.
The main issue is that the clamp is designed to use a 15mm rod and the torch neck is 7/16”. So some type of sleeve is required to use expand the torch neck diameter to 15mm. I played a bit with trying to craft one with easy to obtain material (such as a section of copper pipe, brass shim stock, etc. with the goal of providing an easy DIY solution. But it was proving to be difficult to get it to work. Plus, I have a lathe so it’s hard to screw around with a less than optimal solution knowing I can just machine a sleeve that fits perfectly.
I ended up creating a Delrin sleeve that is 7/16” ID and 15mm OD with a shoulder on one end. The tip of the torch can be unscrewed and the sleeve slipped on. The stock torch head is a “swan neck” style, so to move around the bend I cut a lengthwise slot into the sleeve using a Dremel. This gives it enough flexibility to slip over the bend, but to snap back into shape for snug fit.
Below are the links to the rod and clamp on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V9IZP3O
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785GB54V
Below are some photos of the parts individually and as installed. Note, I was tweaking the sleeve as I went, so one photo doesn’t show the slot cut in the sleeve, while one photo does. The 90 degree clamp has some level of offset so depending upon how you mount it, you can move the torch closer or further away. You can also have the torch over or under the rod. If you find a straight neck torch, then this could allow for easy flame distance adjustment in/out. But for me, the flame distance with the stock torch worked out very well as it replicates the stock distance. The clamp uses a lever arm/wingnut style adjustment, so it’s very easy to loosen, adjust and tighten. Once tight it is solid.
2.5" 15mm rod with 1/4-20 thread...
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Delrin sleeve (slot not cut yet in this photo)...
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Sleeve and Clamp...
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Sleeve (with slot cut into it) and clamp on torch neck (Note, Torch tip was unscrewed from neck to allow sleeve installation and clamp is not fully on the sleeve)...
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Installed on my Annealeez...
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At this point I think I am done tweaking my Annealeez. I feel like it does what I need with the digital motor controller, external 20lb tank/regulator setup and this new torch arm. Lastly, as you can see in the photos, I have the v2 (or current) style Annealeez. I see no reason this shouldn’t work on the older version especially as it is much less bulky than the Magic Arm.
This set up for the torch holder looks SUPERB.
