The Ultimate Guide to Glass Blowing Torches

I just wanted to share this glass blowing Torch Buyer’s Guide from the Online School! It’s a mix of all the videos in the guide and will explain the different functions of these different torches. I cover the common torches that you typically see in glassblowing studios around the world from brands like GTT, Nortel, Carlisle, and more.
I want to thank Mountain Glass Arts for having us out to their awesome facility in Asheville, NC, and making this series possible for all you guys! Mountain Glass has been a long-time supporter of our channel and the glass art industry as a whole. Check out their online catalog of glass blowing tools and accessories here:
bit.ly/MountainGlass
To learn how to get into glass blowing, be sure to check out the Revere Glass online school! Get started for free and access courses, tutorials, guides and more!
Online School: www.revereglass.com
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Facebook Group: / 670881702993164
0:00 Intro
0:46 Bethlehem Alpha
3:52 Bethlehem Bravo
7:12 Bethlehem Champion
10:10 Carlisle CC Burner
15:39 GTT Cheeta
18:31 GTT Cricket
21:22 GTT Delta Elite
26:10 GTT Lynx
29:34 GTT Mirage (Snub nose)
34:46 GTT Mirage (Standard)
36:25 GTT Phantom Dual-stage Hand Torch
40:11 GTT Phantom
45:42 Nortel Minor
48:56 Nortel Red Max
#glassblowing #glass #glassart #education #glassartist #fire #flameworking #studio #art #artcraft #artistworld

[@stephenshellenberger9350]

I really appreciate all the work it took to put this together. It would be very helpful to see similar reviews of more surface mix hand torches.

[@patrickstone4094]

I listen to Dustin's videos to help me fall asleep. His voice is so relaxing.

[@revereglass]

😴 Thank you ❤️

[@wahbuddy]

Im glad you made this into one video, instead of all separated on the website :)

[@revereglass]

Glad it was helpful!

[@budlifebroseducationalgrow5653]

@revereglass hey was curious, the Nortel red max torch made a popping noise. Is that basically the same thing as the one that made a louder noise you showed people to look out for. Like a car backfire or something

[@b4ds33d]

Shoutout to the GTT crew. Love my Cobra and Yellowjacket.

[@mobiusprolix8454]

Hell yes! 🤘 I VERY much appreciate you making this for all of us to learn from!

[@revereglass]

Happy to help! Thank you so much!

[@ericvantine1094]

thanks for making this! you're a legend

[@markwithers7790]

I've used a Carlisle CC and a Bethlehem Champion at the bench for years and years. Mostly premix for lathe work. I've used the GTT Mirage one day at a friends studio and damn that is a fast HOT torch..!! I could get used to all that heat but not sure its the best for blowing out large bubbles and keeping the heat even and soaked. Of course adding the air input option somewhat solves that issue..!! I'm super impressed with that Phantom hand torch. That covers nearly ALL the bases on the lathe. I know guys who work quartz all the time with GTTs using just propane. Add on the outer fire switch... you just couldn't get any better. I would probably never fire up another torch..!! Love this video..!! Its a fantastic resource for anyone trying to find the perfect torch for their needs.

[@revereglass]

It's a matter of familiarity when it comes to torches, appreciate it man thank you!

[@NebulaKatz]

right when i needed this video🙌🏼🙌🏼 thank you dustin!!

[@revereglass]

Glad to help!

[@MAGATRON-DESTROY]

I miss my redmax. I had a national that hooked om the side of it with a magnet

[@ghettosteeve]

Herbie on the bench, mirage/delta mag on the lathe, smith little style torch with extended tip, lynx/phantom hand torches, and some nationals for when you need premix. a mad hatter bunsen or two doesnt hurt too

[@Lily-gr1ct]

I'm glad I made the right choice! I went for a snub nose mirage as my first. When I purchased it, had 5 years scientific glass experience and I knew I wanted to do the artistic side. With an inheritance i got from my godfather I set up my own home studio. I chose the snub nose because I wanted to work big, and I loved the idea of a shorter barrel. I have back problems already and not leaning forward as much to work seemed like a good idea After about 8 months on the torch I feel I've barely touched the surface of what it's capable of. I will say the downside is the L-marver. It's a bit awkward to fit on and get to the knobs, and it can get real hot when you've had the outer on for a long time

[@revereglass]

Choosing your torch is like choosing a weapon, it should be suited for you! Glad you made the right choice!

[@THEGLASSMANSWORLD]

Thanks for reviewing all these! I've been working glass since 1995. Started out with a Victor welding torch and then got a National 3A. Around 2000 I got a Nortel Major with a square head and a National 3A top flame. I still use that today! But I'm really liking those Bethlemems and the GTTs!

[@THEGLASSMANSWORLD]

I go LIVE all the time on KZbin if you'd like to watch me work!

[@mr.cantsay]

An interesting comparison would be all the different torches using different oxygen sources. Compressors tanks or liquid. I was shocked the first time I used liquid.

[@maggiebannenberkowitz9254]

This was great!!!

[@revereglass]

Appreciate it man!

[@zacstronautglass]

I'd love to see the Sharp Flame torches from Bethlehem reviewed they are more precise and more driving flames than the older models with the Alpha centre fire.

[@anonymousasylum6561]

This helped me heaps cheers bro picked up my first torch yesterday been using map gas for a few months until now 😂

[@revereglass]

Nice one! Its a start!

[@lindacondray7918]

I teach at a public facility with 10 stations for instruction. We purchased Cheeta torches as replacements for the original set of Mini CC’s the facility started with. We discovered these GTT Cheeta torches are NOT suitable for multiple student use and were too fragile for intro and beginner glass workers. We were also warned not to set the flames with the candles less than 1/4”. The Cheeta’s are very good for small Boro work, they are very hot for the size of flame. But NOT good for soft glass work as the minimal flame is too hot.

[@clalam5241]

My teacher says you can tie a cc to the back of your car and drive to your bench spot and it will still work , a gtt tho apparently will stop working if you slap it too hard

[@dp5694]

am so happy with my red max its not the most efficient i am hearing alot but its been around forever and lots of people still own theres instead of selling them

[@user-uv6gt2kv2x]

Useful .thank you

[@revereglass]

Glad you liked it!

[@MICHELLEEVANS33]

So the gtt lynx would be good for beads, knick knacks, Christmas ornaments and drinking glasses?

[@morbek1]

Thanks!

[@revereglass]

Welcome man!

[@Pug-da-Chug]

I was surprised that you didn't review the GTT Bobcat. Only because it was in the glass pipe Maker's kit that you had put together with Mountain Glass Arts, but love the video and that kit I bought I had got as well

[@revereglass]

Next time!

[@HalmarkCreates]

no herbie :(. love mine best torch!

[@revereglass]

Unfortunately, there wasn’t one available to test when I filmed this video. It’s a great torch and I highly recommend it. I have one.

[@ghettosteeve]

had a steep learning curve and a hefty price tag but I agree. couldnt imagine using anything else on the bench now

[@dylankolonay6874]

For the carlisle cc do you know what the propane and oxygen psi was set at for that demo?

[@danielvasquez1878]

awesome video, I have no experience and am looking to get an insight. Im looking forward to watching more and learning. Any advice on where to start or classes in the LA area would be great. thanks for the video!

[@revereglass]

Get Your FREE Glass Class here 👉🏻 bit.ly/RevereGlass FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS FOR MORE FREE CONTENTS! Instagram: instagram.com/revereglass/?hl=en Facebook: facebook.com/RevereGlass Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/670881702993164

[@MAGATRON-DESTROY]

Get introduction to glassblowing by Homer L Hoyt, it's an awesome book and teaches really good skills

[@dustinmiller1549]

Thank you so much for your videos I am now starting to setup my own studio I just need a kiln but I have the Bethlehem alpha but I know I’m going to grow out of it so what’s the best bigger torch that I won’t grow out of and that’s extremely durable and reasonably priced

[@revereglass]

I'm rooting for you! Goodluck on your own studio!

[@graphiccreature356]

Ha, this guy put me on my path and once again he’s my mentor and he doesn’t even know it

[@revereglass]

Now, I know. :)

[@graphiccreature356]

@@revereglass awesome, I been watching since about 2015-16 hard to say, e-nail hot and hurty days lol

[@michaelkmiec5842]

Same most of what I’ve learned is from Dustin 😂

[@mikemallett8499]

Where do I purchase a torch I'm a beginner I want to learn how to blow glass

[@Wyatt_sprague_]

Will the Bethlehem alpha work with borosilicate? Only asking because you only mentioned soft glass.

[@MAGATRON-DESTROY]

It does

[@soniatrocme-lepage8701]

Hello Mr Revere Glass, thanks again for this great video. Could you please help me with my questions below from 3 days ago? It would be great ! Many thanks!

[@revereglass]

Hello there! directly message me on www.revereglass.com so I can answer your question. Thank you!

[@soniatrocme-lepage8701]

Thanks for this great review! have a Bethlehem Alpha but because I work with concentrators (2 5L ones) I was told not to touch the oxygene button at the torch but adjust at the concentrator, otherwise it will damage the concentrator. Is that right? Also, I can’t seem to get the very precise small flame nor the bushy big flame. Is it possible to get them with concentrators? It’s impossible unfortunately to get oxygene bottles in France. Many thanks for your answers! 🙏

[@clalam5241]

This is true , if you try to "breathe slower " like you are trying to blow out a candle for awbile you will feel light headed or pass out , a concentrator is basically a mechanical lung , if you turn the oxygen to low on your torch you are choking the lung . ( this only applies to daisy chained concentrators)

[@soniatrocme-lepage8701]

@@clalam5241 thanks for this very clear explanation 😄👍! Would you by any chance know the answer to the second part of my question?: with concentrators is it possible to get a big bushy flame or a very precise small flame like in the demo or not? Many thanks!

[@clalam5241]

@@soniatrocme-lepage8701 that completely depends on the total LPM you are producing and how much gas your torch needs to produce different flame chemistries . I was able to get a bushy flame on my 2 stud scorpion at 8 lpm . For a small needle flame i just turned off one concentrator .

[@jacobreynolds4547]

First 🥇 once again 🤟 😃🤟 Been on a Carlisle my entire career , other than GTT for 6 months . Would be interested to be able to play around with all those torches . Have a great day everyone out there ! 🫶😘🫠

[@dw6752]

What is the three point mix? How is it different than oxy/Propane? Thank you looking to upgrade from a bobcat

[@revereglass]

It allows you to control your flame even more. I would definitely recommend it.

[@michaelcolton9530]

Hey man, I’ve been blowing for a lil over 2 years now and just got my first home studio set up, I have a snub nose gtt mirage w switch and can’t seem to get a happy neutral flame on it. I keep getting orange tints to the flame even when I turn the oxygen up till it starts to distort the flame. Maybe I am running it correctly and am just being too anal about things but I wanna make sure I’m running it correctly so I don’t mess up my torch in the long run. If you have any advice please help, I can send videos if needed🙏🏼

[@michaelcolton9530]

Also I’ve watched this video at least 10-15 times now watching the way you’re setting your flame and color of the flame, I’m just trynna get a nice solid blue throughout the flame, and I can’t seem to get it to go all the way thru the flame, by the tip it stays wanting to be orange

[@williamspringirth6589]

I’m looking to upgrade from a beth the stacks, I can’t decide from the champion sharp or a gtt phantom. What would you suggest?

[@jtown778]

i dunno i use a middy plus and sheesh, i go through oxy like there is no tomorrow.

[@jizzstain4458]

Whats the difference between regular oxygen and compressed oxygen? There is 4 options for for gtt mirage. Regular, snub nose, variable on and off? And compressed air? Also do you feel or see a difference in orientation of the noosle holes? Like from the Bethlehem star, vs cheeta ggt?

[@clalam5241]

A herbie i have worked on uses compressed air coming from a seperate compressor and a 2nd oxygen source coming from a compressed chamber fed by a liquid dewar. Comprssed air is just whatever is in your area and oxygen comes from your system or tanks

[@jizzstain4458]

@@clalam5241 so is compressed air cheaper? Can I hook up my air compressor?

[@CmdrTigerKing]

I just used a 10 dollar propane torch worked fine

[@revereglass]

That’s all you may need for your work. Great job.

[@jizzstain4458]

What type of fuel do these torches use?

[@clalam5241]

Oxygen propane, sometimes compressed air . Depending on your use case you may want to use different gasses

[@jizzstain4458]

@@clalam5241 thanks I really appreciate you

[@revereglass]

Propane and oxygen

[@jizzstain4458]

@@revereglass man your awesome 😎 thanks for responding 👍 keep on keeping on og 👌🎈

[@barrymccockner458]

What, no Hydra??

[@revereglass]

Not yet!

[@stickjohnny]

Hmmmm I was always under the impression that the red max isn't very oxygen efficient at all 🤔

[@dp5694]

think like this 1 oxycon for the top and 2 for the bottom even if you need 3 in total. yeah im a redmax fanboi but they look the best like just like ferrari

[@stickjohnny]

@@dp5694 I have a premix Redmax with a homefill. My only complaint about the redmax is the the fact that the flame tends towards reduction. Other than that I love the torch and want to get a hydra one day.

[@hanksyflamework]

@@stickjohnny I have the major ontop myself.

[@MAGATRON-DESTROY]

I love my Redmax! I have a national hooked to the side with a strong magnet for bench premix work or hand torch work. Also I made a water cooling coil for the lower

[@stickjohnny]

@@MAGATRON-DESTROY That sounds sick!

[@delanegall]

For the CC or Cannon style torches you should turn your outer flame off first but for the inner flame turn your inner propane off then turn your inner oxygen off. This will clear the chamber of propane and reduce backfire. Based on the video it sounds like the CC inner and outer combined are only 0.2 inches larger flame than the Bethlehem Alpha. Awesome video but the impression someone might gain from the tape measure test is wrong here. SO wrong. I'd say the inner fire of the CC or Cannon (aka Mini CC) is wider & hotter than the Alpha. I love this video and it's a great resource for everything except for the CC references.