You can get a basic starter kit from many different suppliers. The kits include many of these items. You will need most of the following;
Desk or work table with fireproof surface
I use a sheet of aluminum on my desk, you may also use ceramic floor tile.
Ventilation
You will need to draw out the exhaust fumes from your working environment. The best way is with an
exhaust fan ducted to outside. You will also need to crack a window or door to provide an intake of air to replace the air that is exhausted with your vent.
Fire Extinguisher
This item is self explanatory. Remember you will be working with fire, and explosive fuel. Locate this item near your escape route.
Eye Protection
You will need a good pair of Didymiums or better glass's to protect your eyes from flying glass and the glare of the flame.
Torch
Hothead torch available in starter kits or alone.
Torch Bracket
You will need to secure your torch to your work surface. This can be a simple "L" bracket, large "C" Clamp and hose clamp.
Optional Hose
If you will be using larger bulk tanks of fuel. You can get short lengths or longer lengths depending upon your situation.
1lb bottle of Mapp
If you don't have larger bulk tank of fuel. These little 1 lb tanks last about 3-4 hours and are a pain to work with, so I would not plan to use them for very long. Expensive too. These are usually available at your local home improvement store. These little tanks are not refillable.
Optional Bulk Tank of Fuel
When you get tired of those pesky little bottles of Mapp, you will need to find a larger fuel tank. You can use propane with your HotHead. A lot of lampwork artist use propane and get beautiful colored beads. Try it and if you just can't get it to work for you, then you can find a supplier in your area that offers High Purity Brazing Fuel. This is a cleaner burning fuel and goes by many names such as Mapp, Propylene, Chem-tane, Chemo-lyne etc... You can purchase a tank from your supplier for your fuel, and some suppliers will rent you the tank. Generally, when you need a refill, you just swap out your empty tank for a full one. It is probably better to rent the tank, then if you ever upgrade to a larger torch, you are not stuck with a tank you no longer need. In most areas, only certain types of tanks can be filled with certain types of fuel. So you cannot just grab your BBQ propane tank and have it filled with a different fuel. Ask your local supplier about your options. You do not need a regulator to use the Hothead torch with the bulk tanks. The torch is designed to work off from the tank pressure.
Melinda Melanson