Micro-Flame Butane Torch for Soldering

A butane micro torch is the tool most jewellers reach for once they're past open-flame torches, and this one from Duratech is a solid, no-fuss soldering torch for the bench. It lights with the push of a button rather than a separate spark igniter or lighter, and once it's going, holding the button for a few seconds locks the flame on so you're not gripping it the whole time you're working.

The flame is adjustable, which matters more than it sounds. Fine, controlled soldering needs a smaller, precise flame, while annealing or warming a larger piece calls for something broader. This torch moves between the two easily, and it heats up to 1343°C (2450°F) with around 90 minutes of burn time on a full fill, which covers a long bench session.

It's a genuine jewellery soldering torch rather than a general-purpose one. It's hot enough to melt silver and gold on a charcoal block, but it isn't built for casting metal. If casting's on your list, the Smith Little Torch is the one to look at instead.

It's compact enough for a small home studio, sits in a stable square base when you put it down, and doesn't rely on a gas bottle in the house. Being butane rather than acetylene or propane, it's also the more sensible choice if you need to keep the torch itself away from kids between sessions.

Worth knowing:

• Ships empty, as butane can't travel with the parcel, so you'll fill it yourself before first use
• Can't go via express post or internationally, standard shipping only