Author: Dylan McFadden

  • How to Get The Highest Purity from Your Oxygen Concentrators

    Why Oxygen Purity Matters If you use oxygen concentrators—for glass blowing, torchwork, or other flame-based work—oxygen purity directly affects how your flame behaves. Higher purity means: But there’s a catch: Oxygen concentrators produce higher purity at lower flow rates. As you turn the flow up, purity usually starts to drop. Without a way to measure…

  • Lowest Cost Solution For Smooth Oxygen Delivery to your Torch

    If you want to start using an oxygen concentrator with your torch but aren’t ready for a full Stage 2 System, our 3-Part Oxygen Smoothing Solution gives you everything you need in one simple, affordable package. Many different lampworking torches can run directly from a concentrator, but two things usually happen: Our specialty Low Pressure…

  • How Unlimited Oxygen Transformed the Way I Learned to Blow Glass

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    My journey as a lampworker—and eventually the creation of Dylan Chris Glass—began in an unconventional way. I never once cracked open a tank of oxygen. From the very start, I built a DIY oxygen compression and control system based on an early Stage 2 prototype. That decision changed everything about how I learned, created, and…

  • Scaling Challenges and Sustainable Solutions in Stage 2 ETL Certification

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    As we continue refining our machines and processes, the recent ETL inspection of our Stage 2 unit reminded us of two important truths: scaling up comes with greater complexity, and every challenge is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to sustainability. Scaling Up Means Scaling the Risks When production moves from single units to batch…

  • How Much Oxygen Does a Borosilicate Pipe Artist Use in a Day?

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    For glass artists working with borosilicate, especially those creating functional art like pipes, managing fuel and oxygen usage is critical—not just for cost efficiency, but also for studio safety and planning. One of the most common questions among lampworkers is: How much oxygen do I actually use in a typical day at the torch? In…

  • How Much Oxygen Does a Soft Glass Bead Artist Use in a Day?

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    If you’re a lampworker using soft glass to create beautiful beads, pendants, or ornaments, chances are you’ve wondered: How much oxygen am I actually burning through each day? Whether you’re using bottled oxygen, a concentrator, or a liquid oxygen setup, knowing your consumption helps with budgeting, studio planning, and maximizing your time at the torch.…

  • Understanding Studio Ventilation: A Practical Primer for Glassworkers

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    Whether you’re new to torchwork or optimizing an existing studio, proper ventilation isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s critical to your health and safety. In a field where fumes, heat, and combustion byproducts are common, understanding how to design an effective ventilation system is non-negotiable. For years, Mike Aurelius’ Ventilation Primer has been recognized as a…

  • Designing for Durability: Why PTC Fittings and TPU Tubing Outperform Under Pressure

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    Oxygen compression systems demand reliability. Heat, vibration, and continuous operation can quickly expose the weaknesses of traditional hose clamps or barbed fittings. The result? Leaks, inefficiencies, and safety risks. A better solution is pairing TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) tubing with Push-to-Connect (PTC) fittings. This combination delivers strength, stability, and ease of use. Exactly what oxygen systems…

  • How Much is Your Oxygen Costing You?

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    The cost of oxygen isn’t straightforward—it’s shaped by several variables: To find the best value, begin by understanding how much oxygen you use and in what form. Option 1: Delivered Oxygen (Compressed or Liquid) Compressed Cylinders LOX Dewars Ongoing fees Option 2: On-Site Oxygen Generation (PSA Systems) By generating your own oxygen (e.g., with a…

  • How Much Oxygen Do You Use as a Glass Artist?

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    Whether you’re melting soft glass into delicate beads or crafting heavy borosilicate pipes, knowing your daily oxygen consumption is critical. It affects your bottom line, informs studio setup decisions, and helps you avoid mid-project surprises. This guide breaks down typical oxygen usage for both soft glass and borosilicate artists, so you can plan with confidence.…