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Re: Black Iron Pipe Reamer?
Electric die grinder. Unless sparks are a concern in your work area.
Gordy
5
Re: Black Iron Pipe Reamer?
only ones I know of are the Ridgid handheld type with a ratchet handle. They make two types, straight flutes for using with a pipe machine and the spiral type supposed to be used by hand only--no pipe machine. I have use the spiral with a pipe machine but you have to use some caution so it doesn't get caught and explode the pipe.I use the straight flute reamer in my ratchet handle for the reason you mentioned with the spiral. I also only use straight flute easy outs more than spiral for the same reason.
If I use a hand threader or a 700 power drive to thread I usually cut with a portaband--no burr to ream and no pipe cutter to crank
6
Re: Black Iron Pipe Reamer?
I use a round file because I couldn't see spending the money on a reamer due to the amount I'd use it.
But the only ones I ever see talked about are Ridgids.
But the only ones I ever see talked about are Ridgids.
ChrisJ
5
Re: Black Iron Pipe Reamer?
only ones I know of are the Ridgid handheld type with a ratchet handle. They make two types, straight flutes for using with a pipe machine and the spiral type supposed to be used by hand only--no pipe machine. I have use the spiral with a pipe machine but you have to use some caution so it doesn't get caught and explode the pipe.
If I use a hand threader or a 700 power drive to thread I usually cut with a portaband--no burr to ream and no pipe cutter to crank
If I use a hand threader or a 700 power drive to thread I usually cut with a portaband--no burr to ream and no pipe cutter to crank
Re: Black Iron Pipe Reamer?
what size pipe? I have a ridgid 2s that'll go to 2" when I don't feel like dragging along the 300. haven't seen anything for 2" that'll go on the end of a drill.
Re: Which brand and model of steam boiler is the most reliable?
In general you want to match the installed EDR to the boiler st ft of steam rating. If the boiler is too big it short cycles and operates less efficiently, if it's too small it may not heat the house on really cold days. Remember the boiler sq ft of steam has a 33% pickup factor for piping so the boiler actually produces more steam than the label claims. The steam piping in the cellar all should be insulated with 1" steam pipe insulation.
A gas boilers ability to heat the house does not change with age unless you have bad combustion or serious water quality issues.
If your more comfortable with a larger boiler and don't mind the fact it is less efficient that is your call.
Bob
A gas boilers ability to heat the house does not change with age unless you have bad combustion or serious water quality issues.
If your more comfortable with a larger boiler and don't mind the fact it is less efficient that is your call.
Bob
BobC
5
Re: A.O. Smith water heater. Big problems. No help. (JohnNY) **Updated 3/27/15, 11:30am**
UPDATE:
A.O. Smith sent a technician from their Field Service Engineering team and it was like someone had opened a window. Having a knowledgeable technician there who was proficient and savvy in the language and design of where the Cyclone came from and how it functions today, was a breath of fresh air and all I really ever needed to put this thing into a state of reliable function for the application.
I’ll refrain from direct quotes because I wouldn’t want to wrongly convey the sequence of operation of this unit on this forum. There are a lot of non-industry people here that might misinterpret and then pass on inaccurate information.
In a nutshell, the Cyclone is a gas flame-modulating unit, a function that ultimately saves fuel and is a proven method of accurately meeting and maintaining a target temperature efficiently.
In this case, however, modulation takes several things into account such as two temperatures within the tank, time that it takes for those temperatures to change, and an algorithm to provide a run time at a specific flame intensity to meet the current demand.
The issue is that in this, or maybe any restaurant, that demand changes sometimes drastically and at unpredictable points in the recovery process.
When the tank temp drops quickly due to a large and sudden intermittent draw the integral logic is sometimes “caught looking” when it should be swinging for the fence.
In this particular case, modulating flame is not the best technology and that process is the only difference between the new water heater and the one that it replaced.
In A.O. Smith’s defense, the fact is that if my water heater were significantly larger, this almost certainly would be less of an issue or perhaps not an issue at all.
As a professional, I specify and install conservatively based on factors like proven math for the application, performance history, possible future changes in demand, and cost, without giving in to the common compulsion to grossly oversize.
I am set to receive two new replacement parts that will allow me to eliminate modulation and have the unit run in high-fire at any call for hot water. The potential disservice is that the water temperature in the tank will almost certainly overshoot at times by a few degrees. Our previously installed mixing valve will greatly minimize any scalding risk at the points of use, so I’m not concerned.
Clearly I’ve been very vocal about this whole episode and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you in this wonderful and unique community of industry professionals and lay persons alike, Dan Holohan, my wholesalers at West Side Supply (Bill, Jeff, Jerry) and of, course, A. O. Smith (Thank you, Scott. Your professionalism is rarely seen these days) for all your support and for lending an ear.
When I get my new parts today or tomorrow, I’ll consider this whole issue resolved and closed.
My best to all,
John (JohnNY) Cataneo
New York
A.O. Smith sent a technician from their Field Service Engineering team and it was like someone had opened a window. Having a knowledgeable technician there who was proficient and savvy in the language and design of where the Cyclone came from and how it functions today, was a breath of fresh air and all I really ever needed to put this thing into a state of reliable function for the application.
I’ll refrain from direct quotes because I wouldn’t want to wrongly convey the sequence of operation of this unit on this forum. There are a lot of non-industry people here that might misinterpret and then pass on inaccurate information.
In a nutshell, the Cyclone is a gas flame-modulating unit, a function that ultimately saves fuel and is a proven method of accurately meeting and maintaining a target temperature efficiently.
In this case, however, modulation takes several things into account such as two temperatures within the tank, time that it takes for those temperatures to change, and an algorithm to provide a run time at a specific flame intensity to meet the current demand.
The issue is that in this, or maybe any restaurant, that demand changes sometimes drastically and at unpredictable points in the recovery process.
When the tank temp drops quickly due to a large and sudden intermittent draw the integral logic is sometimes “caught looking” when it should be swinging for the fence.
In this particular case, modulating flame is not the best technology and that process is the only difference between the new water heater and the one that it replaced.
In A.O. Smith’s defense, the fact is that if my water heater were significantly larger, this almost certainly would be less of an issue or perhaps not an issue at all.
As a professional, I specify and install conservatively based on factors like proven math for the application, performance history, possible future changes in demand, and cost, without giving in to the common compulsion to grossly oversize.
I am set to receive two new replacement parts that will allow me to eliminate modulation and have the unit run in high-fire at any call for hot water. The potential disservice is that the water temperature in the tank will almost certainly overshoot at times by a few degrees. Our previously installed mixing valve will greatly minimize any scalding risk at the points of use, so I’m not concerned.
Clearly I’ve been very vocal about this whole episode and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you in this wonderful and unique community of industry professionals and lay persons alike, Dan Holohan, my wholesalers at West Side Supply (Bill, Jeff, Jerry) and of, course, A. O. Smith (Thank you, Scott. Your professionalism is rarely seen these days) for all your support and for lending an ear.
When I get my new parts today or tomorrow, I’ll consider this whole issue resolved and closed.
My best to all,
John (JohnNY) Cataneo
New York
JohnNY
7
Re: Help! Ubearable noise from Taco Hydronic Circulation Pump
Thank for posting the video with sound’ it really helps diagnose the problem. Although not conclusive, I’ve listened to it several times to determine the origin of the noise, and it appears the impeller is hitting. The 100 series pump does need periodic servicing, and the lubrication schedule is dictated by run time. If the pump runs 24/7, as opposed to periodically, obviously the greasing intervals would be more frequent. Perhaps the sleeve bearing ran dry, and compromised the assembly. I was able to ascertain the motor model as a 120-105, which is a 1/6 HP motor used on a 120 pump equipped with permanently lubricated bearings, so the motor does not need servicing. However, the bearing assembly does have an oil port to lubricate the sleeve bearing. Not sure when the last time it was lubricated?? We do lubricate the bearing assembly when assembling the motor, and include on the maintenance instructions for servicing.
I would suggest replacing the bearing assembly so you can get some sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to all kinds of issues unfortunately; mechanical products are dependent on resources to keep them mechanically fit. If interested, Taco offers a comparable maintenance free 0012 pump with the same performance characteristics as the 120 pump.
I am prepared to support the landlord, plumber, and you the suffering sleep deprived tenant and provide a replacement bearing assembly to mitigate the situation. Perhaps you, the landlord or plumber can contact me and let me know if you would like to take advantage of Johnny White’s generosity and have me send out a replacement bearing assembly.
I would suggest replacing the bearing assembly so you can get some sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to all kinds of issues unfortunately; mechanical products are dependent on resources to keep them mechanically fit. If interested, Taco offers a comparable maintenance free 0012 pump with the same performance characteristics as the 120 pump.
I am prepared to support the landlord, plumber, and you the suffering sleep deprived tenant and provide a replacement bearing assembly to mitigate the situation. Perhaps you, the landlord or plumber can contact me and let me know if you would like to take advantage of Johnny White’s generosity and have me send out a replacement bearing assembly.
Re: A.O. Smith water heater. Big problems. No help. (JohnNY) **Updated 3/27/15, 11:30am**
We've run into this too. No longer can we count on supply houses to have what we need in stock.
This is why our shop resembles a mini-supply house. One example- we just started work on a building that had a bunch of Webster 02H traps (very common in this area) which had not been touched since they were installed in 1939 (yes, we found the date codes in them). No problem- we had parts in stock, and could fix them right away. AFAIK, no one else in Baltimore could make that statement.
A previous contractor had replaced some 02H traps with Hoffman 17C units, which made those radiators extremely slow. Talk about causing more problems than you solve. The 02H traps were gone, so we installed Barnes & Jones 122 traps which, again, we had in stock.
Somewhere along the line, the Hahvahd MBAs took over many suppliers, and they forgot how this business works. Customers don't want to hear that it'll take 2-3 weeks to get a part when their heating system isn't working (are you listening, mod-con vendors?). This was one of the problems with the company I worked for prior to starting All Steamed Up, Inc.- they didn't want to stock anything, choosing to depend on supply houses. We lost a lot of work as a result.
This is why our shop resembles a mini-supply house. One example- we just started work on a building that had a bunch of Webster 02H traps (very common in this area) which had not been touched since they were installed in 1939 (yes, we found the date codes in them). No problem- we had parts in stock, and could fix them right away. AFAIK, no one else in Baltimore could make that statement.
A previous contractor had replaced some 02H traps with Hoffman 17C units, which made those radiators extremely slow. Talk about causing more problems than you solve. The 02H traps were gone, so we installed Barnes & Jones 122 traps which, again, we had in stock.
Somewhere along the line, the Hahvahd MBAs took over many suppliers, and they forgot how this business works. Customers don't want to hear that it'll take 2-3 weeks to get a part when their heating system isn't working (are you listening, mod-con vendors?). This was one of the problems with the company I worked for prior to starting All Steamed Up, Inc.- they didn't want to stock anything, choosing to depend on supply houses. We lost a lot of work as a result.

