Glassblower Oxygen Concentrator Guide

This guide is the technical resource for glassblowers, lampworkers, flameworkers, 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.

Match Oxygen Flow and Pressure Before You Buy

A torch needs both enough oxygen flow (LPM) and enough outlet pressure (PSI). Combining concentrators can increase available flow, but it does not automatically increase pressure. If your torch requires pressure above a concentrator’s rated output, discuss a suitable oxygen compression and storage system or regulated cylinder supply before ordering.

For example, the GTT chart lists the Lynx at 10 to 15 PSI and about 9.5 LPM at its largest usable flame. A 10 LPM concentrator therefore needs to meet the pressure requirement as well as the flow requirement. GTT lists the Phantom at 35 PSI, so adding standard low-pressure concentrators alone is not a complete solution.

Tell us your exact torch model, glass type, typical flame size, and concentrator model. Call Pat at 828-380-6287 or text your setup details for help comparing 10 LPM oxygen concentrators.

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

Nortel reference: The manufacturer identifies the Minor Burner as compatible with bottled oxygen or a concentrator. Treat the numerical planning estimates above as a starting point and confirm current requirements for your exact Nortel model before selecting equipment.

Bethlehem Torch Compatibility

Bethlehem Torch	Recommended Oxygen PSI	Maximum Oxygen Demand	General Recommendation
Alpha	8 to 20 PSI (tanks), 8 PSI (concentrators)	10 LPM	One 10 LPM oxygen concentrator. Bethlehem: 10 LPM at 8 PSI for the largest flame
Star	Confirm with Bethlehem	8 to 15 LPM	Two 10 LPM oxygen concentrators cover its full flame range
Bravo	8 to 20 PSI (tanks), 8 PSI (concentrators)	30 LPM	Three 10 LPM oxygen concentrators for the largest flame. Bethlehem: 30 LPM at 8 PSI
Champion	20 PSI (tanks), 10 PSI (concentrators)	40 LPM	Four 10 LPM oxygen concentrators for the largest flame. Bethlehem: 40 LPM at 10 PSI
Grand	20 PSI (tanks)	60 LPM	Bethlehem publishes no concentrator guidance for the Grand. Call us to plan your oxygen supply

Bethlehem manufacturer reference: Bethlehem’s technical information supplies the published Alpha, Bravo, Champion, and Grand pressure and maximum-flow figures. Maximum-flow figures describe the manufacturer’s largest flame test, not the oxygen used at every flame setting. Concentrator figures come from Bethlehem’s FAQ: any concentrator producing at least 5 LPM at 5 PSI will run the Alpha, Bravo, and Champion at smaller flames, and the largest, hottest flame needs at least 10 LPM at 8 PSI for the Alpha, 30 LPM at 8 PSI for the Bravo, and 40 LPM at 10 PSI for the Champion. Bethlehem also identifies the Alpha as suitable for a 7 PSI concentrator, so the full-output figures should not be treated as the only possible operating setup. Bethlehem does not publish concentrator guidance for the Grand. For the Star, Bethlehem has said 8 to 15 LPM covers its full flame range; confirm pressure requirements directly with Bethlehem.

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	15 LPM	Two 10 LPM oxygen concentrators
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.

Carlisle manufacturer references: Review Carlisle’s technical FAQ and the CC Burner Series instruction sheet (PDF) for the exact burner configuration and fuel. Confirm the planning figures above for your model before purchasing an oxygen supply.

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	Oxygen compression/storage or regulated oxygen tanks that meet the listed PSI and LPM
Mirage	35 PSI	26 LPM	Oxygen compression/storage or regulated oxygen tanks that meet the listed PSI and LPM
Delta Elite	35 PSI	30 LPM	Oxygen compression/storage or regulated oxygen tanks that meet the listed PSI and LPM
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	Very high oxygen demand	High-capacity oxygen tank system required

GTT manufacturer reference: The PSI and LPM figures above match the Glass Torch Technologies Flow Rate Chart (PDF). GTT describes these as approximate, rounded figures for the largest usable flame; actual consumption varies with flame size and type and is usually lower.

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. Our guide to how many oxygen concentrators your torch needs walks through it torch by torch.

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. To see what you're spending on tanks now, use our tanks vs. concentrator cost calculator.

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.

Call 828-380-6287, text your torch model, or email info@bradshawoxygen.com for personalized help.