Question 1

What is a B fitting on a glass torch?

Accepted Answer

A "B" fitting is the most common oxy-fuel hose connection size on lampworking torches and regulators. The fuel-gas side uses a left-hand (reverse) thread and the oxygen side a right-hand thread, so the two lines cannot be accidentally swapped.

Question 2

Why does the fuel fitting have a notch and thread backwards?

Accepted Answer

The groove (notch) cut into a B-fitting nut marks it as a left-hand thread — the standard for fuel-gas connections. The reverse thread is a safety feature: it makes it physically impossible to connect a fuel hose to an oxygen fitting. Fuel nuts tighten counter-clockwise.

Question 3

What are Y connectors (splitters) used for?

Accepted Answer

A Y connector joins two gas lines into one — most often to combine two oxygen concentrators into a single feed for a thirstier torch, or to branch a supply. Use correctly rated parts and keep flashback arrestors in place.

Question 4

Grade T vs Grade R welding hose — which do I need?

Accepted Answer

Grade T welding hose is rated for all fuel gases (including propane and natural gas) and is the correct hose for a lampworking setup. Grade R is acetylene-only — its tube is not oil/flame-resistant, so it is not suitable for propane/LP. Use grade T, or the matched twin oxy-fuel hose.

Question 5

What do I need to connect a single-stage vs a multi-stage torch?

Accepted Answer

A single-stage torch needs one fuel line and one oxygen line. Multi-stage (2- and 3-stage) torches have independently valved fires and generally need more oxygen — sometimes two concentrators or teed lines. Four-stage torches are vanishingly rare.

Question 6

How do I check my torch and hoses for gas leaks?

Accepted Answer

Use the soapy-water test: brush a 50/50 dish-soap-and-water solution onto every fitting with the gas turned on but the torch unlit. Growing bubbles mean a leak. Never use a flame to check, and re-test after any new connection.

Question 7

What ventilation do I need for lampworking at home?

Accepted Answer

Active exhaust that pulls fumes and combustion byproducts (including carbon monoxide and metal-oxide fume) away from your face and out of the room, plus make-up air to replace what is exhausted. Confirm specifics before you light up.

Question 8

Can you use natural gas instead of propane?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your space is plumbed for natural gas and you use the correct regulator/orifice. Natural gas is lower pressure and energy density, so flame behavior differs; many torches support both fuels.

Question 9

Can you use hydrogen?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen with oxygen burns hotter and cleaner and is used mainly for quartz and some high-temperature borosilicate work. It needs appropriate handling and is not typical for soft glass.

Question 10

Soft glass vs boro vs quartz — what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

Soft glass (soda-lime, ~104 COE) melts cooler and suits beads and soft-glass art. Borosilicate (~33 COE) needs more heat and is used for pipes, sculpture, and marbles. Quartz is higher still and mostly scientific.

Question 11

Can I run a glass torch on a single oxygen concentrator?

Accepted Answer

Smaller surface-mix torches (e.g. GTT Bobcat or Cricket, Nortel Minor) run on a single ~5–10 LPM concentrator. Bigger multi-stage torches need two concentrators or tanks.

Question 12

How much does oxygen cost and where do I get it?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen comes from welding-gas suppliers, by lease, purchase, or cylinder exchange. Costs vary by region and cylinder size. A concentrator avoids refills entirely for smaller torches.