Herbert Arnold Premix Hand Torch: very sharp, hot flames with interchangeable jets

The Herbert Arnold Premix Hand Torch (model 126/22) is a premix, hand-held burner that produces very sharp, hot flames — well suited to borosilicate and quartz work. It has a brass body with precisely adjustable needle valves (one for propane, one for oxygen) and an exchangeable upper part that swaps between interchangeable jets, so you can tune the flame to the job. It comes from Herbert Arnold, the long-established German glass-machinery maker known for precise burners.

What the premix flame gives you

In a premix torch, fuel and oxygen mix inside the body before reaching the flame, which tends to give a hot, sharp, focused flame — exactly what this hand torch is built for. That character drives heat efficiently for boro and quartz, though a premix flame is naturally less soft and forgiving than a surface-mix one. For the full comparison, see surface mix vs premix torches.

Who it’s for

The Premix Hand Torch suits intermediate-to-advanced makers doing hand-held boro and quartz work who want a very sharp, hot flame and the flexibility of interchangeable jets. As a hand torch it’s held and maneuvered rather than bench-mounted, which makes it well suited to assembly and localized heating; if you’re weighing the format, see bench vs hand torch.

Fuel, valves, and jets

It runs propane with oxygen. The needle valves are precisely adjustable for fine control, and the upper part is exchangeable via a screwed swivel nut so you can change jets without tools. It ships with three stainless groove jets for propane — 0.8mm, 1.0mm, and 1.3mm bores — letting you step the flame from finer to larger work. Herbert Arnold doesn’t publish the torch’s exact oxygen flow (LPM), so match your oxygen supply to your work before you buy — see how many LPM does my torch need.

Before you buy

Budget for the whole system, not just the torch: oxygen (tanks or a concentrator), the correct propane regulator, flashback arrestors on both lines, didymium eyewear, and ventilation. As a German burner, sourcing, support, and parts can be less convenient outside Europe. New to plumbing a torch? Start with the fittings, hoses & connectors guide and the glass torch safety setup guide.

Editor’s note: spec details (the model number, brass body, needle valves, exchangeable upper part, and the three included propane jet sizes) reflect Herbert Arnold’s own materials and dealer listings. Herbert Arnold doesn’t publish this torch’s exact oxygen flow (LPM) or current pricing, so confirm those specifics with Herbert Arnold or your dealer before purchasing.