zombiedude1
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Lab Jack Needed?
I have 2 (8x5"b ; 20"L rod) lab stands.
I have an old 7x7" VWR Model 320 hot plate w/stirrer. (Entire unit is 9x10")
I plan on using a (copper or aluminum) bowl on top of the hot plate, filled with either Lab Armor beads, or Copper plated steel BB's as a bath for the
round bottom flasks. Are there any better ways besides a heating mantle? (Which I decided against due to me wanting a large variety of sizes of
glass)
So here's my issue:
What should I do to be able to lower my bath and easily remove when needed, since my lab stand is only 20". I would be unable to support a tall reflux
setup with a jack.
DETAILS
If I purchase a 10x10" lab jack to be able to lower the hotplate/bath, will the lab jack even be suitable? ...
Assuming the lab jacks lowest height is approximately 3", the hotplate being 4", and another inch for the bath = 8".
Considering my bath will be approximately 4-5" deep for a 2000ml rbf, I will need to raise the jack about 6" in order to remove the bath completely.
The total height for distillation with a jack + hotplate + 1" for the bath would be: 14"
14" from the table is where the bottom of the flask will sit.
Another 3" up is where the 3-prong claw will hold the top of the flask.
This leaves absolutely no height to have more clamps/claws holding the glass; considering my rods are only 20" in height.
SIDE NOTE:
I have been reading this forum for quite a while to use as answers for many topics. I decided to create an account now as I am getting started in
chemistry as a hobby. I apologize for not posting this in "beginnings," I wasn't paying attention. I do have a bit of a background in
science/chemistry as an Engineering/business student and very experienced with personal beer/wine and ethanol-fuel distillation experiments.
I plan on synthesizing OTC drugs, as well as other medicines/useful chemistry that would be valuable in an apocalyptic or off-grid living scenario.
Perhaps even dabble into personal research after learning more for a few years. I've spent around $2,000 on equipment for this new hobby, and have 5
different condensers; so I can't wait to start learning more hands-on!
[Edited on 22-10-2015 by zombiedude1]
[Edited on 22-10-2015 by zombiedude1]
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j_sum1
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Here's mine. Cost me nothing. If I need to go higher I set it on an upturned bucket.
http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=61783&...
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zombiedude1
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LOL.
This crossed my mind as well, but it still doesn't solve my situation with height issues.
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Little_Ghost_again
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I have two lab jacks one on top of the other, they are held together with mole grips but do have a bolt hole in the top (I find it quicker to use mole
grips)
Dont ask me, I only know enough to be dangerous
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Sulaiman
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Considering the relative costs, would it not be easier and cheaper to buy a longer support pole ?
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zombiedude1
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Yeah, I think I'll just whip out the TIG machine and weld up a set of support poles and bars with stainless steel rods.
Only problem is my chem table is glass, and I like to keep things neat (It's a lab!).
Looks like I'll be needing to get a wooden table so I can fix the rods into it.
I'd like to make a stainless steel table with a fume hood, but I'm worried about rust issues with HCl.
I have a 435cfm centrifugal fan w/speed controller, would this be suitable for a fume hood? (For future reference)
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JJay
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I've never used a lab jack; sometimes I stack up blocks... but they sure do look cool.
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