Carlisle GR: the combination burner that adapts to a lathe
Carlisle GR · Bench torch · Surface mix
The Carlisle GR is a combination bench burner with a flame much like the CC+ — an independently controlled premix center fire plus a surface-mix outer — that takes any CC-series base and can be adapted to a lathe-burner assembly when the base is removed.
Specs
- Mix type
- Surface mix
- Mount
- Bench
- Oxygen
- —
- Fuel
- Propane, Natural gas
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Glass
- Soft, Boro
- Best for
- Lathe, Production, General
- Price
- High ($$$) $$$
- Stages
- 2
Overview
The Carlisle GR is a combination burner with a flame much like the CC+ — an independently controlled premix center fire plus a surface-mix outer — but built with a distinctive twist: it’s designed to move between the bench and a lathe. It takes any CC-series base, and the base removes so the GR can be adapted to a lathe-burner assembly.
The combination flame
Like the CC+, the GR pairs a hot, detailed premix center with a bushy, soaking surface-mix outer, and the two fires are independently controlled. That gives it the same versatility the combination CC family is known for — fine work from the center, broad heat from the outer. To understand the two halves, see surface mix vs premix torches and soaking vs penetrating flame.
Bench or lathe
The GR’s standout trait is flexibility. Because it accepts any CC-series base and the base removes to adapt to a lathe-burner assembly, the same head can serve at the bench or mounted on a lathe — useful for makers whose work spans both. Carlisle supplies it with three 72-inch stainless-braided hoses, and offers the head as water-cooled for demanding, sustained use. If lathe work is on your horizon, see the glass lathes guide.
Who it’s for
The GR suits advanced makers and lathe workers who want a CC+-style combination flame with independent fire control and the option to move to a lathe. As with any combination Carlisle, the premix center rewards a careful, consistent startup/shutdown routine, so it isn’t a first torch — beginners should start on the gentler Mini CC; if you’re mapping the range, see how to choose a glass torch.
Glass, fuel & oxygen
The GR handles soft (soda-lime) glass and boro, and burns propane or natural gas with oxygen. Carlisle doesn’t publish the GR’s jet count or exact oxygen flow in our source data; given its CC+-like flame, expect a comparable appetite, but confirm the figures with Carlisle and match them to your supply before buying. For sizing your system, see how many LPM does my torch need.
Where it sits in the Carlisle lineup
The GR is the CC family’s lathe-adaptable combination burner — closest in flame to the CC+, but built for flexibility across the bench and lathe. It sits among the combination CC, CC+, and CC++ and shares the CC-series base system that runs through the family.
Before you buy
Budget for the whole system, not just the torch: oxygen (a concentrator or tanks), the correct propane or natural-gas regulator, flashback arrestors on both lines, didymium eyewear, and ventilation — plus, if you’ll run the head water-cooled, a cooling supply. New to plumbing a torch? Start with the fittings, hoses & connectors guide and the glass torch safety setup guide.
Editor’s note: spec details reflect Carlisle’s own materials. Carlisle doesn’t publish the GR’s exact jet count, oxygen flow, or current pricing in our source data, so confirm those specifics with Carlisle before purchasing.
Best for: Advanced makers and lathe workers who want a CC+-style combination flame with independent fire control and the flexibility to move between a bench base and a lathe assembly.
Not for: Beginners and anyone wanting the simplest, calmest single-fire torch — the combination design and lathe-oriented flexibility suit an experienced user.
Pros
- + Combination flame similar to the CC+: premix center plus surface-mix outer
- + Center and outer fires are independently controlled
- + Takes any CC-series base; base removes to adapt to a lathe-burner assembly
- + Optional water-cooled head for demanding use
- + Supplied with three 72in stainless-braided hoses
Cons
- − Combination design rewards a careful, consistent startup/shutdown routine
- − Lathe-oriented flexibility is wasted on a simple bench-only setup
- − High price band
- − Jets, oxygen flow, and MSRP aren't published — confirm with Carlisle
Flame notes
Combination burner with similar flame to the CC+: an independently controlled premixed centerfire and surface-mixed outer fire. Supplied with three 72in stainless-braided hoses; head can be water-cooled (option). Takes any CC-series base; base removes to adapt the GR to a lathe-burner assembly.
Maker
Carlisle Machine Works
USA
Focus: Soft, Boro, Beads
CC and Mini CC surface-mix torches; Mini CC beloved as a forgiving beginner/soft-glass torch.
Related reading
FAQ
- How is the Carlisle GR different from the CC+?
- The GR has a similar flame to the CC+ — an independently controlled premixed centerfire plus a surface-mixed outer — but it's designed for flexibility: it takes any CC-series base, and the base removes so the GR can be adapted to a lathe-burner assembly. It also ships with three 72-inch stainless-braided hoses and offers an optional water-cooled head.
- Can the GR be used on a glass lathe?
- Yes — that's a defining feature. The base removes to adapt the GR to a lathe-burner assembly, so the same head can serve at the bench or on a lathe. See our glass lathes guide for the wider context.
- What does the water-cooling option do?
- Carlisle offers the GR's head as water-cooled. Water cooling helps a hard-run burner shed heat, which matters in demanding or sustained work; it's an option, not standard.
- Is the GR good for beginners?
- No — it's an advanced, combination burner with lathe-oriented flexibility. Beginners are better served by Carlisle's surface-mix Mini CC.
- How much oxygen does the GR need?
- Carlisle doesn't publish exact oxygen flow for the GR in our source data. Given its CC+-like combination flame, expect a comparable appetite — confirm the figures with Carlisle and plan your supply before buying.