What kind of nail would you recommend for a new user? What kind of torch? And how long do I heat the nail for?
This is a tough question to answer, as there are so many variables amongst these three questions.
Torch:
I would recommend the Bed Bath and Beyond creme brulee torch as it is the cheapest for the size of the flame (that I can find) and seems reliable. I have had mine for a year and a half.
Nail:
It is so hard for me to advocate using a Ti nail (I pretty much only use quartz now), but I would recommend a US made, grade 2 Ti nail for a first time dabber. This is for two reasons: 1) US made supports our country’s workers and grade 2 is the safest to dab off of, and 2)I believe it is easier to gauge heat levels with a Ti nail, and it won’t cool down on you too fast. Which leads me to my next point…
Heating the nail:
Be careful, don’t dab off of a red hot nail. Before you dab, you should season the nail (heat it up red, let it cool for 40 seconds, drop oil on it, repeat 3-7 times). After seasoning is complete, you should heat the nail until about half of it is red, let it cool for 10-40 seconds (depending on what nail you have) and dab away! With Ti there is leeway on temp, so you should be good on getting a full dab.