Bethlehem PM2D (discontinued): the surface-mix production bench torch
Bethlehem PM2D · Bench torch · Surface mix
The Bethlehem PM2D was a surface-mix bench burner used across production and scientific work. It has been discontinued and succeeded by the Champion — this page is kept for reference.
Specs
- Mix type
- Surface mix
- Mount
- Bench
- Oxygen
- —
- Fuel
- Propane, Natural gas
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Glass
- Soft, Boro
- Best for
- Production, General
- Price
- Mid ($$) $$
Overview
The Bethlehem PM2D was a surface-mix bench burner used across production and scientific work. It is discontinued and has been succeeded by the Champion, so this page exists for reference rather than as a current buying recommendation.
Discontinued — and what replaced it
Bethlehem has retired the PM2D and replaced it with the Champion, which the catalog describes as a redesign of the PM2D. If you’re shopping new, that’s where to start. The PM2D’s flame also lives on in a current hand torch: Bethlehem’s Sharp Flame Hand Torch is built to mimic the PM2D’s centerfire flame, so its character wasn’t lost when the bench burner was retired.
Where it sat in the line
Like the rest of Bethlehem’s bench torches, the PM2D was a surface-mix burner — fuel and oxygen meet at the face of the torch, which gives the quiet, forgiving flame the brand is known for. It filled a production and scientific role before the line was modernized around the Champion and the newer Sharp Flame models. For how surface mix compares to premix designs in feel and capability, see surface mix vs premix torches.
Glass and intended work
The PM2D handled soft glass and boro for general production and scientific use. Bethlehem doesn’t publish the PM2D’s jet count, stage count, or exact oxygen flow in the catalog, so treat its capacity qualitatively rather than by the numbers.
Buying one used
A well-kept PM2D can still be a usable burner, but because it’s discontinued, verify parts availability and support with Bethlehem before committing, and weigh it against the current Champion that you can buy new and service easily. If you’re starting from scratch, our how to choose a glass torch guide walks through the trade-offs, and Alpha vs Bravo vs Champion covers the current surface-mix bench range.
Editor’s note: the PM2D is listed in our catalog as discontinued and succeeded by the Champion. Bethlehem doesn’t publish its jet count, stage count, exact oxygen flow (LPM), or current pricing — confirm specifics with Bethlehem for any individual unit.
Best for: Reference only — the PM2D is discontinued. Makers who ran one, or anyone evaluating a used unit, who wants to know where it sat in Bethlehem's line.
Not for: A current purchase decision — Bethlehem has replaced the PM2D with the Champion, so new buyers should look there.
Pros
- + Bethlehem surface-mix flame and solid build quality
- + Capable across production and scientific work
- + Its centerfire flame lives on in the current Sharp Flame Hand Torch
Cons
- − Discontinued — no longer sold new; succeeded by the Champion
- − Bethlehem doesn't publish jet count, stage count, or exact oxygen flow for the PM2D — confirm with Bethlehem
- − Parts and support for a discontinued model are worth verifying before buying used
Flame notes
(Discontinued — succeeded by the Champion) Surface-mix bench burner used in production and scientific settings.
Maker
Bethlehem Burners
USA
Focus: Scientific, Production, Boro
Alpha/Bravo/Champion/Grand Brander/PM2D and larger production burners; premix.
Related reading
FAQ
- Is the Bethlehem PM2D still made?
- No. The PM2D is discontinued. Per the catalog, it was succeeded by the Champion, a current two-stage surface-mix bench burner.
- What replaced the PM2D?
- The Champion, which the catalog describes as a redesign of the PM2D. Bethlehem's current Sharp Flame Hand Torch is also built to mimic the PM2D's centerfire flame.
- Was the PM2D surface-mix?
- Yes — like the rest of Bethlehem's bench line, it was a surface-mix burner, where fuel and oxygen meet at the face of the torch rather than mixing inside it. If the distinction matters for a used unit, confirm the specifics with Bethlehem.
- Should I buy a used PM2D?
- It can still be a usable burner, but because it's discontinued, confirm parts and support with Bethlehem first and weigh it against the current Champion.