National 6B: the compact premix bench torch for pendants and small work
National 6B Bench Torch · Bench torch · Premix
The National 6B is a single-stage premix bench torch — a stand-mounted version of National's 3A-B hand torch with the same flame, aluminum knobs, and a 360-degree free-rotating O-ring elbow. It's an approachable burner for pendants and small-to-mid soft glass and boro.
Specs
- Mix type
- Premix
- Mount
- Bench
- Oxygen
- —
- Fuel
- Propane, Natural gas
- Skill level
- Beginner, Intermediate
- Glass
- Soft, Boro
- Best for
- Pendants, Small-to-mid work, General
- Price
- Entry ($) $
- Stages
- 1
Overview
The National 6B is a compact, single-stage premix bench torch — a stand-mounted take on National’s 3A-B hand torch with the same flame, fitted with aluminum knobs and 1/4-inch barbed hose fittings. National is a classic American hand-torch name with deep roots in scientific and entry-level glasswork, and the 6B brings that simple, dependable character to a bench-mounted format aimed at pendants and small-to-mid work.
What the premix flame gives you
The 6B is a premix torch: fuel and oxygen mix inside the body before reaching the flame. Premix burners tend to be simple to light, stable, and predictable — exactly what a learner wants — and the flame is easy to read. That predictability is a feature rather than a limitation within the torch’s intended range of soft glass and lighter boro. For how this compares to surface-mix designs, see surface mix vs premix torches.
Who the 6B is for
The 6B suits beginners and improving intermediates doing pendants and small-to-mid soft-glass and lighter boro work. As a bench torch it sits on a stand so both hands are free for the glass — a different way of working from a hand torch; the bench vs hand torch guide walks through which format fits how you work. New to the craft? The best beginner glass torch guide puts entry burners like this in context.
The free-rotating elbow
A nice touch on the 6B is its 360-degree free-rotating O-ring elbow: it seals positively and lets the tip and elbow rotate to any angle without a wrench, so you can position the flame to suit the piece. Note the 6B is sold without tips, so budget for the correct tip for your fuel and your work separately.
Glass, fuel, and oxygen
The 6B burns propane or natural gas with oxygen and handles soft (soda-lime) glass and lighter boro. It isn’t built for large boro tubes, marbles, or heavy functional work, which need more heat than a compact single-stage premix bench torch delivers. National doesn’t publish the 6B’s jet count or exact oxygen flow (LPM), so match your oxygen supply to the work you actually do before committing — see how many LPM does my torch need and oxygen concentrator vs tanks.
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, the right tip for the 6B, didymium 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: spec details reflect National’s own product materials and dealer listings. National doesn’t publish the 6B’s jet count, exact oxygen flow (LPM), or current pricing, and the 6B ships without tips — so confirm those specifics, and the correct tip for your work, with National or your dealer before purchasing.
Best for: Pendants and small-to-mid work, beginners and improving intermediates who want a simple, dependable premix bench flame for soft glass and lighter boro.
Not for: Large boro tubes, marbles, heavy functional pieces, or production work — a single-stage premix bench torch isn't built for that kind of heat.
Pros
- + Simple, predictable premix flame that's easy to light and read
- + 360-degree free-rotating O-ring elbow positions the tip to any angle without a wrench
- + Bench-mounted version of the 3A-B, so the flame and skills carry across National's hand torches
- + Burns propane or natural gas
- + Entry price band
Cons
- − Single-stage premix — not built for large boro or production heat
- − Sold without tips, so budget for the correct tip separately
- − Exact jet count, oxygen flow (LPM), and price aren't published — confirm with National or your dealer
Flame notes
Compact premix BENCH torch: a bench-top (stand-mounted) version of the 3A-B hand torch with the same flame, fitted with aluminum knobs and 1/4in barbed hose fittings. A 360-degree free-rotating O-ring elbow seals positively and lets the tip/elbow rotate to any angle without a wrench. Sold without tips. Ideal for pendants and small-to-mid work.
Maker
National Torch (Premier Industries)
USA
Focus: Hand-torch, Scientific, Soft
Classic premix hand and bench torches (3A-B, 3B-B, 4B, 6B); historically Veriflo, made by Premier Industries since 1995 (Wale Apparatus is only a distributor). Take National-thread tips.
Related reading
FAQ
- Is the National 6B good for beginners?
- Yes — it's a simple, predictable premix bench torch in the entry price band, the kind of forgiving flame that suits someone learning soft glass and small work. As your work grows into larger boro you'd step up to a bigger bench burner.
- What's the difference between the 6B and the 3A-B?
- The 6B is essentially a bench (stand-mounted) version of the 3A-B hand torch with the same flame, fitted with aluminum knobs and barbed hose fittings. The 3A-B is held and maneuvered; the 6B sits on the bench so both hands are free for the glass.
- Does the 6B come with tips?
- No — National sells the 6B without tips, so you'll need to add the correct tip for your fuel and the work you do. Confirm tip options with National or your dealer.
- Soft glass, boro, or both?
- Both, within its range: the 6B handles soft (soda-lime) glass and lighter boro and is well suited to pendants and small-to-mid pieces. Large boro tubes and marbles need more heat than a compact single-stage premix bench torch delivers.