Otter
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Is it advisable to buy only ground-glass joints?
I'm just beginning to build my glassware collection.
Is it advisable to buy only glassware with ground glass joints? I know that it's a bit more expensive, but out of your collective experience is having
all your glassware collection capable of assembling like lego worth spending the extra money?
That being said are there any chemical incompatibilities (aside from the obvious like concentrated hydroxides or fluorides), or anything/any accident/
that has proven incredibly difficult to clean from the joints?
So far I've been using http://www.labdepotinc.com/ to order my glassware online (so far I've only ordered ground glass joints), but I'm suspecting that whatever they
have there is overpriced. Where do you all buy your glassware from? It might be useful to collectively put together a list of good suppliers, like the
one we have for chemicals. I'm not going to continue spending $15+ on just erlenmeyer flasks.
[Edited on 17-8-2011 by Otter]
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bahamuth
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Lutra Lutra, let me advise you to buy ground joint glassware.
Cost is of no concern I would say, compared to "old" style glassware with no grpound jounts.
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
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User
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It sure is 
It has many advantages over the old style glassware as one has no concern whether the connections hold up under extreme chemical weather.
But I have to admit that sometimes I find myself in need to build custom setups which with ground glassware requires lots of parts,thus being
expensive.
Especially the different sizes can be annoying, I bought my glassware from many different suppliers and mostly second hand.
I often find myself in the trouble that I need to make connections that dont fit, using adapters can create *dead* spots, that kinda sucks.
Be sure to buy the same size 
What a fine day for chemistry this is.
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Otter
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So okay, question settled...
But what about suppliers? Do you all build it up haphazardly or is it all from one supplier? Is there a... less expensive supplier than www.labdepotinc.com?
I don't feel like doling out $15 each for erlenmeyer flasks...
*Otter sniffs the puddle.*
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*Pukes out dinner.*
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Synthettek
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Quote: Originally posted by Otter  | So okay, question settled...
But what about suppliers? Do you all build it up haphazardly or is it all from one supplier? Is there a... less expensive supplier than www.labdepotinc.com?
I don't feel like doling out $15 each for erlenmeyer flasks... |
I've used these two suppliers reliably for several years now.
http://www.unitedglasstech.com/products.htm
http://www.avogadro-lab-supply.com/
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MrHomeScientist
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I've used avogadro too (their eBay store, at least) and they are a very good supplier. They have great quality and I generally receive things quickly.
Some things can be expensive though, so it's worth shopping around.
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redox
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| Quote: Originally posted by MrHomeScientist | | I've used avogadro too (their eBay store, at least) and they are a very good supplier. They have great quality and I generally receive things quickly.
Some things can be expensive though, so it's worth shopping around. |
Avogadro also has pretty good customer support. I ordered a 2" petri dish from them, and the top arrived cracked. I e-mailed them and they sent me
another within 3 days. But you're right, they are expensive.
United Glass Technology has great quality, but can be pricey.
Laboy Glass is quite cheap, but the quality is questionable.
[Edited on 17-8-2011 by redox]
My quite small but growing Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/RealChemLabs
Newest video: Synthesis of Chloroform
The difference between chemists and chemical engineers: Chemists use test tubes, chemical engineers use buckets. |
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barley81
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The user Dr.Bob is having a wonderful sale here, check out the this thread: http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=15667
Elemental Scientific also has some good prices on glassware and equipment.
Get some flasks without ground-glass joints. They are cheaper to replace and you don't always need to use the extra capabilities. If you're starting
your glassware collection, don't forget to buy beakers, test tubes, watch glasses, pipets, etc.
Check out Expediglass. They have good prices but I can't say firsthand about quality (I've heard it's good).
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Endimion17
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My advice would be - yes, if you're planning to do more serious stuff. If you're out for pyro-shit and mentos, no.
Ground glass joint equipment is something that you collect over the years.
Used glass is ok unless it's obviously damaged.
And my second advice - stay away from big companies. They'll suck the money out of your pockets. Find yourself a flameworker and ask him if he's
willing to make some equipment for you. The price is lower, and you can get customized glassware.
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