Nortel Multimix 11x11: the large-flame Multimix hand torch
Nortel Multimix 11x11 · Hand torch · Surface mix
The Nortel Multimix 11x11 is a large 11x11-orifice surface-mix hand torch, the bigger sibling of the Multimix 8x8, for makers who want the Multimix flame scaled up for boro and general work in a hand-held form.
Specs
- Mix type
- Surface mix
- Mount
- Hand
- Oxygen (estimate)
- n/a
- Fuel
- Propane, Natural gas
- Skill level
- Intermediate, Advanced
- Glass
- Boro, Soft
- Best for
- Hand torch, Boro, General
- Price
- ~$465 (reference)
- Jets
- 121
- Stages
- 1
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 Nortel Multimix 11x11 is the large-flame member of Nortel’s Multimix hand-torch family, a surface-mix hand torch with an 11x11 orifice pattern, described as the bigger sibling of the Multimix 8x8. It’s the pick when you want the Multimix flame scaled up for boro and general work in a hand-held form.
What the Multimix 11x11 gives you
Like the rest of the Multimix family, the 11x11 is a surface-mix torch, fuel and oxygen meet at the face rather than premixing inside, for a clean, quiet, color-friendly flame. The larger 11x11 pattern is the difference from the 8x8: more orifices, a bigger flame, and more heat in the hand. For the background on the flame type, see surface mix vs premix torches; on choosing a format, bench vs hand torch.
Who the Multimix 11x11 is for
This is an intermediate-to-advanced hand torch for boro and general work, for someone who found the 8x8’s flame useful and wants more of it in a portable form, for assembly, spot heating, or larger off-bench pieces. It runs soft glass too, but the large flame leans toward boro. Weighing which glass you’re committing to? See soft glass vs boro vs quartz.
Fuel and oxygen
The Multimix 11x11 burns propane or natural gas with oxygen. Nortel doesn’t publish a full spec sheet for this torch, the exact orifice count, dimensions, and oxygen LPM aren’t given in the catalog, so treat any specific numbers as something to confirm with Nortel directly. A large flame like this draws plenty of oxygen, so size your supply against the work; see how many LPM does my torch need.
Where it sits in the Nortel line
The Multimix 11x11 is the largest of Nortel’s Multimix hand torches, above the Multimix 8x8 (the Major’s 64-orifice head) and the smaller Multimix Junior (the Mid Range flame). It’s the family’s top-end hand-held flame.
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 protection matched to your torch and gas supply, didymium or boro-rated eyewear matched to your glass, and ventilation. New to plumbing a torch? Start with the fittings, hoses & connectors guide and the glass torch safety setup guide.
Editor’s note: Nortel publishes little detail on the Multimix 11x11 beyond its description as a large 11x11-orifice surface-mix hand torch and the bigger sibling of the 8x8. Its exact orifice count, dimensions, oxygen flow (LPM), and current pricing aren’t published, so confirm those specifics with Nortel before purchasing.
Fit and tradeoffs
Best for: Intermediate-to-advanced makers who want a large surface-mix hand torch for boro and general work, bigger than the Multimix 8x8.
Not for: Beginners and hands-free bench production, this is a large hand torch, and the biggest boro wants a dedicated production burner.
Pros
- + Large 11x11 orifice pattern, bigger flame than the Multimix 8x8
- + Surface-mix design: clean, quiet, color-friendly
- + Hand-held form brings a large flame to the work
- + Handles boro and soft glass
Cons
- − Large hand torch, not for hands-free bench work
- − Big flame means a big oxygen appetite
- − Detailed specs (orifice count, dimensions, oxygen LPM) aren't published, confirm with Nortel
Flame notes
Large 11x11-orifice surface-mix hand torch (bigger sibling of the 8x8).
Maker
Nortel Manufacturing
Canada · Founded 1967
Focus: Soft, Boro, Beginner
Toronto manufacturer founded by Peter Norton. The current mounted line is surface mix; selected hand torches and optional top burners are premix.
Related reading
FAQ
- How is the Multimix 11x11 different from the 8x8?
- It's the bigger sibling. Where the 8x8 uses an 8-by-8 pattern of 64 orifices, the 11x11 uses a larger 11-by-11 pattern for a bigger flame. Nortel doesn't publish a full spec sheet for the 11x11, so treat the exact orifice count and dimensions as something to confirm.
- Is it surface-mix or premix?
- It's a surface-mix hand torch, like the rest of the Multimix family, fuel and oxygen meet at the face rather than premixing inside, for a clean, color-friendly flame.
- What's it best for?
- Boro and general work in a hand-held form, with a larger flame than the 8x8. For the very largest boro you'd look at a dedicated production bench burner.
- Hand torch or bench burner?
- The Multimix 11x11 is a hand torch, held and maneuvered for off-bench and spot work. If you want hands-free work at the bench, a mounted burner suits better. Our bench versus hand torch guide, linked below, walks through the trade-offs.