I finally received my new Mid Range torch (Nortel’s Red Max) I have been using it for about one week and I am still getting used to the flame characteristics and the increased heat it produces. I have already made some marbles in the 1 ½ inch to 2 inch range, as compared to my standard of around ¾ inch to 1 inch size. I am very happy with the results. My Vortex marbles will benefit the most as it used to take me 1 1/2 hours to make a 1 1/4 inch vortex. I can now make a 1 3/4inch in 45minutes. The torch will increase my over all production dramatically because I can melt glass much more quickly now. The drawback of the new torch is that it sucks up the oxygen like crazy. I buy the largest tank I can lift into my vehicle a #337. When you consider that I only get between 8 to 10 hours of flame time from one tank.....Oxygen is an expensive commodity and one marble takes me 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Weather report: As of 10/24/09 here in Jacksonville Florida the weather continues to be quite warm even for this region. We should be seeing highs in the mid 70s but are continuing in the mid 80s. Still have not had any serious storms (Hurricanes) this year thank goodness but we sure could use the rain, having a drought here in Jacksonville. Until next time.