National 3A-B: the classic premix hand torch, still made today
National 3A-B Hand Torch · Hand torch · Premix
The National 3A-B is a current premix blowpipe-style hand torch made by Premier Industries under the National Torch brand. Interchangeable tips set its flame size and oxygen use, and it runs city, natural, mixed, propane, or butane gas with oxygen or compressed air.
Specs
- Mix type
- Premix
- Mount
- Hand
- Oxygen (estimate)
- n/a
- Fuel
- Propane, Natural gas, Butane
- Skill level
- Beginner, Intermediate
- Glass
- Soft, Boro
- Best for
- Hand torch, Scientific, Tip-dependent work
- Price
- ~$151 (reference)
- Stages
- 1
Manufacturer manual
Manufacturer page
Manufacturer page
Treat the oxygen figure as a rough sizing estimate, not a specification. Depending on the model it may be manufacturer full-flame consumption, a converted flow figure, or a documented estimate, and delivered pressure and purity matter as much as flow. What actually drives a torch choice is the glass, the work, and the flame, so size your oxygen supply after you pick the torch. Prices may be manufacturer list prices or observed dealer references. Use the evidence label and sources below, then confirm the exact configuration before buying.
Overview
The National 3A-B is a classic blowpipe-style premix hand torch, and, unlike many heritage torch names, it is a current product: National Torch is a division of Premier Industries, which manufactures National’s torches and tips in the United States, and the 3A-B carries a current product page and part number. Older examples circulate used under the National and Veriflo names, but you can buy this torch new today.
What the 3A-B is
As a premix hand torch, fuel and oxygen mix inside the body before reaching the flame, a design that’s simple to light and predictable, which is why blowpipe hand torches became standard teaching and laboratory tools. For how premix compares to surface-mix designs, see surface mix vs premix torches. As a hand torch, it’s held and maneuvered rather than bench-mounted, suiting assembly, spot heating, and mobile work; the bench vs hand torch guide covers that distinction.
Tips are the whole story
The 3A-B’s defining feature is its interchangeable tips: National publishes a tip compatibility chart, and the installed tip sets the flame size and the oxygen draw. That’s why we don’t print a single oxygen LPM figure for this torch; an honest number is the torch-plus-tip combination, not the torch alone. It also means one 3A-B can cover a surprising range of hand-flame work as your tip set grows.
Fuel and oxygen
National lists the 3A-B for city, natural, mixed, propane, and butane gas, run with oxygen or compressed air. That fuel flexibility is part of its laboratory heritage. Whatever you run, use the correct regulator and fittings for that specific fuel, and size the oxygen side to the largest tip you’ll use. If you’re still mapping your setup, start with how to choose a glass torch.
Before you buy
Budget for the whole system, not just the torch: your oxygen or compressed-air source, the correct regulator for your fuel, flashback protection matched to your torch and gas supply, appropriate eyewear, and ventilation. New to plumbing a torch? Start with the fittings, hoses & connectors guide and the glass torch safety setup guide.
Editor’s note: identity, fuels, and the tip-dependent design reflect National Torch’s own pages and price list (a Premier Industries brand), checked July 2026. Our price is National’s 2024 list price for the base 3A-B torch ($151.23); kits and added tips cost more, so confirm the current price and tip chart with National before purchasing.
Fit and tradeoffs
Best for: Scientific glassblowing, repair, assembly, and localized heating, with the flame matched to the installed tip.
Not for: Boro production or large sculpture, and anyone who wants a single fixed flame; this torch is defined by its interchangeable tips.
Pros
- + Current, US-made product with an official page and part number, not a discontinued relic
- + Interchangeable tips let one torch cover fine to broad hand-flame work
- + Premix design is straightforward to light and predictable
- + Runs city, natural, mixed, propane, or butane gas, with oxygen or compressed air
Cons
- − Flame size and oxygen use depend on the installed tip, so no single LPM figure applies
- − Single-stage premix hand torch, not built for boro or production heat
- − Tip selection adds a small learning curve for first-time buyers
Flame notes
Current National 3A-B premix hand torch with a rotating leak-proof union. National lists city, natural, mixed, propane, and butane fuel gases with oxygen or compressed air. Flame size and oxygen use depend on the installed tip. National states that the only difference between the 3A-B and 3B-B is the hose fitting.
Maker
National Torch
USA
Focus: Hand-torch, Bench, Scientific, Industrial
National Torch is a division of Premier Industries. The current official catalog includes premix and surface-mix hand and bench torches plus interchangeable tip systems.
Related reading
FAQ
- Is the National 3A-B still made?
- Yes. National Torch is a division of Premier Industries, which manufactures National torches and tips in the United States, and the 3A-B has a current product page and part number. Older examples also circulate used under the National and Veriflo names.
- What kind of torch is the 3A-B?
- A classic blowpipe-style premix hand torch: fuel and oxygen mix inside the body before the flame. It's the kind of compact, hand-held burner long common in scientific and soft-glass work.
- What fuels does it run?
- National lists city, natural, mixed, propane, and butane gas, run with oxygen or compressed air. Use the correct regulator and fittings for whichever fuel you choose.
- How much oxygen does it need?
- It depends on the installed tip. National's torches take interchangeable tips, so flame size and oxygen use are tip-dependent; a single LPM number would misrepresent the torch. Size your supply to the largest tip you plan to run.