Are you working on a project that requires you to melt glass? You will find that standard lighters will not be able to perform this task. Even thin tubes of glass that are used for glass blowing will not melt when held in the flame of a standard lighter. How much heat does a lighter need to give off in order to melt glass? It is important to understand this factor so that you don’t waste money on lighters that won’t be up to the task.
Standards lighters cannot actually produce enough heat to melt glass. However, there are butane lighters and torches that will melt glass. What temperature does glass melt at? What lighters will meet these temperatures?
The only type of lighter that will be up to the task of melting glass is the torch lighter. These lighters can sustain temperatures above 1700 degrees Celsius. If you need to melt glass, find a torch style lighter that is windproof. This will ensure that it will stay lit as long as the switch is pressed. The consistently hot flame will melt glass. If you are in need of such a lighter for an ongoing hobby, it is best to find one specifically designed for melting glass.
Those who are worried about melting their glass pipes can rest assured knowing that standard lighters will not be a problem. They do not reach high enough temperatures. Even if they did, these lighters are unable to sustain a flame long enough to melt glass.
Your best lighter option for melting glass is a butane torch. Find one that burns at 1600 degrees Celsius. It will also need to hold its flame and temperature consistently until the glass melting process is complete. Find a model that is specifically designed to be lit for extended periods of time. This is imperative in order to prevent potentially harmful consequences, such as burns or explosions. You can avoid these risks by simply purchasing a lighter geared towards melting glass safely. Whether you are in need of such a lighter for creative glass artwork or for a basic science experiment, there are lighters available that will suit your purpose well.
Wendy is a consultant for a specialty windproof lighters store and has expert knowledge of butane accessories, including torch lighters.