Glassblower Oxygen Concentrator Guide
This guide is the technical resource for glassblowers, lampworkers, flamework artists, jewelers, and studio glass artists comparing oxygen concentrators, oxygen PSI requirements, and torch oxygen demand. It is designed to help you understand what your torch may require before you choose an oxygen system.
If you are ready to shop specific concentrators, visit our Oxygen Concentrators for Lampworking & Glassblowing page. That page focuses on buying recommendations, reconditioned 10 LPM models, and why customers choose Bradshaw Oxygen.
How to Use This Guide
Start by finding your torch manufacturer below, then compare the recommended oxygen PSI and approximate maximum oxygen demand. These values help you understand whether a single 10 LPM oxygen concentrator may be enough, whether multiple concentrators may be needed, or whether oxygen tanks may make more sense.
- Oxygen PSI is the pressure range your torch is designed to run at.
- LPM means liters per minute and helps estimate how much oxygen your torch may use.
- Maximum oxygen demand usually reflects near full-output use. Most artists operate below maximum output during normal work.
- Work style matters. Flame size, tip configuration, fuel gas, glass type, and production time all affect oxygen demand.
Important Compatibility Notes
- Always follow the torch manufacturer’s setup and safety recommendations.
- Maximum oxygen demand values are approximate and may vary by setup.
- Small torches may work well with one 10 LPM oxygen concentrator.
- Larger torches may require multiple concentrators, oxygen storage, or oxygen tanks.
- Standard oxygen concentrators are not the right fit for every torch at full output.
- If you are unsure which oxygen setup is right for your torch, contact Bradshaw Oxygen for help.
Nortel Torch Compatibility
| Nortel Torch | Recommended Oxygen PSI | Maximum Oxygen Demand | General Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor | 5 to 15 PSI | 7 LPM | One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator |
| Mega Minor | 5 to 15 PSI | 8 LPM | One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator |
| Mid-Range | 5 to 15 PSI | 34 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks for maximum output |
| Major | 5 to 15 PSI | 43 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks for maximum output |
| Red Max | 5 to 8 PSI, up to 15+ PSI for some applications | 45 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks for maximum output |
| Red Rocket | 7 to 15 PSI | 45+ LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks for maximum output |
Bethlehem Torch Compatibility
| Bethlehem Torch | Recommended Oxygen PSI | Maximum Oxygen Demand | General Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | 8 to 20 PSI | 10 LPM | One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator |
| Star | 8 to 20 PSI | 20 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks may be required depending on flame size |
| Bravo | 8 to 20 PSI | 30 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks for maximum output |
| Champion | 20 PSI | 40 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks for maximum output |
| Grand | 20 PSI | 60 LPM | High-capacity oxygen tank system recommended |
Carlisle Torch Compatibility
| Carlisle Torch | Recommended Oxygen PSI | Maximum Oxygen Demand | General Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini CC | 5 PSI | 7 LPM | One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator |
| Wildcat | 5 PSI | 11 LPM | One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator |
| Lucio | 5 PSI | 13 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks may be required for maximum output |
| Hellcat | 5 PSI | 21 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks may be required for maximum output |
| CC Standard | 20 to 25 PSI | High oxygen demand | High-volume oxygen tank system recommended |
| CC Plus | 25+ PSI | Very high oxygen demand | High-volume oxygen tank system required |
Note: Carlisle CC and CC Plus torches are high-demand torches. Standard oxygen concentrators are not recommended for full-output operation on these models.
Glass Torch Technologies Compatibility
| GTT Torch | Recommended Oxygen PSI | Maximum Oxygen Demand | General Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket | 5 to 10 PSI | 5.5 LPM | One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator |
| Bobcat | 5 to 10 PSI | 8.5 LPM | One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator |
| Lynx | 10 to 15 PSI | 9.5 LPM | One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator |
| Scorpion | 5 to 15 PSI | 9.5 LPM | One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator |
| Cheetah | 20 to 25 PSI | 13 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks may be required |
| Sidewinder | 5 to 15 PSI | 15 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks may be required |
| Phantom | 35 PSI | 16.5 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks recommended |
| Mirage | 35 PSI | 26 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks recommended |
| Delta Elite | 35 PSI | 30 LPM | Multiple oxygen concentrators or oxygen tanks recommended |
| Kobuki | 40 PSI | 33 LPM | High-capacity oxygen tank system recommended |
| Delta Mag | 80 PSI | 54 LPM | High-capacity oxygen tank system required |
| Cobra | 80 PSI | 65 LPM | High-capacity oxygen tank system required |
5 LPM vs. 10 LPM Oxygen Concentrators for Glassblowing
A 5 LPM oxygen concentrator may work for smaller torches, smaller flames, or beginner-level work. However, many lampworkers prefer a 10 LPM concentrator because it provides more oxygen capacity and more room to grow as their work becomes larger or more demanding.
For many smaller and moderate torch setups, a 10 LPM concentrator is a stronger starting point than a 5 LPM concentrator.
When Do You Need More Than One Concentrator?
You may need multiple oxygen concentrators when your torch has a maximum oxygen demand above what one concentrator can provide, or when you regularly work at larger flame settings. For some larger torches, oxygen tanks or a high-capacity oxygen system may be a better choice than trying to run several concentrators.
Expanding Your Oxygen System
For many glassblowers, a single 10 LPM oxygen concentrator is all that is needed. As oxygen demand increases, some artists choose to build a complete oxygen generation system.
These systems may combine multiple oxygen concentrators with oxygen compression and oxygen storage to provide a larger, more consistent oxygen supply for demanding torch applications.
If you are considering expanding beyond a single concentrator, Bradshaw Oxygen can help you determine the right oxygen concentrator setup based on your torch, oxygen requirements, and future goals.
When Oxygen Tanks Make More Sense
Oxygen tanks may make more sense for high-demand torches, full-output operation, production studios, large borosilicate work, and torches that require higher oxygen pressure than standard concentrators can provide.
If your torch requires significantly more oxygen than one concentrator can provide, Bradshaw Oxygen can help you decide whether multiple concentrators, oxygen tanks, or another setup makes the most sense for your application.
Ready to Shop Oxygen Concentrators?
This guide is meant to help you understand oxygen requirements. For model recommendations and direct links to reconditioned 10 LPM oxygen concentrators, visit our Oxygen Concentrators for Lampworking & Glassblowing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an oxygen concentrator for glassblowing?
Yes. Many glassblowers and lampworkers use oxygen concentrators for torch work. The right setup depends on your torch model, oxygen pressure requirements, oxygen demand, and how you use the flame.
Do I need a prescription for glassblowing or lampworking?
For glassblowing, lampworking, jewelry work, and studio torch work, a prescription is not required. Prescription requirements apply to medical oxygen use.
Is one 10 LPM concentrator enough?
One 10 LPM concentrator is often enough for smaller and moderate oxygen-demand torches, especially when the torch’s maximum oxygen demand is around 10 LPM or less. Larger torches may require multiple concentrators, oxygen storage, or oxygen tanks.
What is oxygen PSI?
Oxygen PSI refers to oxygen pressure. It tells you the pressure range your torch is designed to run at.
What is LPM?
LPM means liters per minute. In this guide, maximum oxygen demand refers to the approximate amount of oxygen a torch may consume at or near full output.
Can Bradshaw Oxygen help me choose the right concentrator?
Yes. If you are unsure which oxygen concentrator or oxygen tank setup is best for your torch, contact Bradshaw Oxygen. We can help you choose based on your torch, work style, and oxygen requirements.
Need Help Understanding Your Torch Requirements?
Contact Bradshaw Oxygen for help reviewing your torch’s oxygen requirements. We can help you understand whether a concentrator, multiple concentrators, oxygen storage, or tanks may be the better fit for your glassblowing or lampworking setup.