Bradshaw Oxygen Glassblowing Knowledge Base
This technical guide from Bradshaw Oxygen covers the oxygen fundamentals behind lampworking and glassblowing: torch types, oxygen flow and pressure, purity, concentrators, boosters, storage, and hoses. Use it to understand what your torch needs before you choose an oxygen system.
Surface Mix vs. Premix Torches
Surface Mix Torches
Surface mix torches combine oxygen and fuel gas at the face of the torch rather than inside the body.
Characteristics:
- Broad flame
- Excellent flame chemistry control
- Lower flashback risk than premix torches
- Suitable for small and large borosilicate work
- Commonly used by lampworkers and production glass artists
Common manufacturers include:
- Glass Torch Technologies, also known as GTT
- Carlisle Machine Works
- Bethlehem Burners
- Nortel
Premix Torches
Premix torches mix oxygen and fuel gas inside the torch before ignition.
Characteristics:
- Hotter flame
- Narrow flame profile
- Excellent for scientific glassworking
- Requires proper lighting and shutdown procedures
- Greater flashback risk if operated incorrectly
Understanding Oxygen Systems
Torch performance depends on the complete oxygen system rather than a single specification.
When planning a setup, consider:
- Oxygen flow measured in LPM
- Operating pressure measured in PSI
- Oxygen purity
- Hose diameter
- Hose length
- Number of concentrators
- Oxygen booster
- Oxygen storage system
- Torch design
- Altitude when applicable
Never choose equipment based on PSI alone.
Buy the Core HPLV Equipment Together
The Perfecto2 + HomeFill Glassblowing Oxygen Package includes a reconditioned Perfecto2 5 LPM concentrator, a reconditioned HomeFill compressor, and one 3-foot whip for $1,145. A 6-foot whip replaces the 3-foot whip for $25 more ($1,170 total).
For glassblowing use, the Perfecto2 has a two-year Bradshaw Oxygen warranty and the HomeFill has a 90-day warranty. Filling larger cylinders is outside the HomeFill manufacturer's recommended application and adds wear to the compressor and seals. The heavy units ship by ground in two separate large packages; shipping reflects both units and the destination.
Cylinder, cylinder regulator, torch, fuel supply, and torch hoses are supplied separately. Confirm cylinder, fitting, and pressure compatibility with Bradshaw Oxygen. Use the current package listing as the source of truth for price, availability, shipping, and warranty terms.
This setup fills a compatible cylinder for later use through an appropriate regulated torch setup. It does not feed the torch directly. Ask Patrick to review your torch and working schedule before choosing a cylinder-filling configuration.
Oxygen Flow vs. Pressure
Pressure and flow are different.
PSI, or pressure, measures the force of oxygen delivered.
LPM, or flow, measures the volume of oxygen available.
A torch requires both adequate pressure and adequate flow for proper performance.
Insufficient flow often causes weak flames, especially when larger center fires are used.
Oxygen Purity
Higher oxygen purity generally results in:
- Better flame chemistry
- Improved efficiency
- Cleaner working flame
- More consistent torch performance
Poor maintenance can reduce oxygen purity.
Common causes include:
- Dirty intake filters
- Dirty cabinet filters
- Worn compressor components
- Poor maintenance
- Aging molecular sieve beds
Oxygen Concentrators
Performance depends on more than the advertised flow rating.
Factors include:
- Oxygen purity
- Internal condition
- Maintenance history
- Operating temperature
- Altitude
- Continuous duty performance
- Manufacturer design
Not all 10 LPM concentrators perform identically.
Bradshaw Oxygen recommendations are based on manufacturer specifications combined with real world experience.
Oxygen Boosters
An oxygen booster increases pressure.
It does not create oxygen.
A booster cannot compensate for insufficient oxygen production.
Boosters are recommended only when additional pressure is required for specific torch applications.
Oxygen Storage Systems
Oxygen storage systems can provide:
- More stable oxygen delivery
- Additional available oxygen during peak demand
- Reduced concentrator cycling
- Improved performance for larger torches
Storage systems should be sized appropriately for your torch and oxygen consumption.
Hose Selection
Always use oxygen rated hose.
Performance can be affected by:
- Hose diameter
- Hose length
- Kinks
- Leaks
- Restrictive fittings
Long hose runs may reduce available performance.
What We Need to Recommend a Setup
Before we recommend equipment, we'll ask about:
- Torch manufacturer
- Torch model
- Glass type
- Hobby or production use
- Desired flame size
- Existing oxygen equipment
- Future upgrade plans
- Budget
If you don't know your torch model, a photo of the torch helps us identify it.
How Bradshaw Oxygen Recommends Equipment
Our recommendations prioritize:
- Reliable performance
- Equipment longevity
- Future expandability
- Oxygen purity
- Value
- Safety
Whenever practical, we recommend equipment that allows future upgrades without replacing your entire oxygen system.
Troubleshooting Checklist
When diagnosing poor torch performance, check:
- Oxygen purity
- Oxygen flow
- Oxygen pressure
- Fuel pressure
- Hose restrictions
- Dirty concentrator filters
- Compressor condition
- Flashback arrestors
- Torch cleanliness
- Oxygen leaks
Don't assume the concentrator is the cause until the complete system has been checked.
When to Call Us
Contact Bradshaw Oxygen for a custom recommendation when:
- You have a rare or discontinued torch.
- Manufacturer information is unavailable or conflicting.
- More than one equipment configuration could work.
- You need a custom oxygen system.
- You're planning future upgrades.
- You run high production or specialty work.
Contact Bradshaw Oxygen
For help with a custom oxygen system recommendation, call (828) 380-6287 or text equipment photos to (828) 380-6287. Include your torch manufacturer and model, glass type, existing oxygen equipment, and upgrade plans.