Tools,tools,tools

Phil_6

http://www.toolup.com/productinfo.asp?ID=93492&Manuf=Ridgid

Newt Loken

B-tank torchsetups & mechanized copper pipe cutter/prep

At our small time Solar & Heating contractors shop we've done fine with handheld turbo, and goss torch heads. We've put off the inevitable as our pipe sizes slowly edge up in size. Now it's time to pick up a B-tank set up. The Acetylene is the classic but we're interested in finding out the advantages of MAPP in B-tanks as well. Anyone out there...done it all with comments to share, good or bad.

I also saw an add for a Rigid "copper tube cutter" machine in a recent copy of Contractor news for mechanical contractors. Dream on...cuts, reams, cleans...I suppose it also displaces a part time helper too but I'm still interested in learning the details on the smaller one,1/2"-2". Sure could help move a larger job along. Rigid was too busy to answer their phone. Any $ info, performance, weight, size???
Thanks, and may Santa bring you your dream tool too!
Newt

Kevinj

TORCH

Can't help you on the cutter but on the torch I prefer a self igniting Turbo on a 12' hose with a B tank for large solder work and a Turbo with hose on a MAPP for small work. On any other work I use Oxy-Acet and appropiate tips.

Mark Eatherton1

We have 2 copper prep tools

and we LOVE them. Th eonly recommendation I'd make to Rigid is to provide a foot switch operator. Some times your hands are full trying to hit the off switch...

They have fixed trade price and thats what you'll pay. No discounts. I don't remember off hand what the $ amount was, but we feel they're worth it.

ME

scrook_2

B cyl vs MAPP cyl

A 40cu ft acetylene "B" cyl holds a little less than 3 lbs of gas and weighs about 26 lbs full, vs an aluminum 6 lb capacity MAPP/Propane cyl which weighs about 14 lb full, so MAPP's easier to handle.

adambuild

Prep machine

We purchased a RIDGID #122 copper prep machine a year ago for a little under $1000. It is worth its weight in gold! It's incredible the amount of labor and time it saves! As mentioned in a previous post, we purchased a generic foot pedal from WW GRAINGER to solve the inefficiency of reaching over to turn the machine on and off. If you have any more questions I'd be happy to help. My cell is 973-670-2095. Good luck.

steve_19

Have both

I have had both the prep machine and grainger foot pedal that i set up myself for about two years now. I wouldn't trade them for anything. Also bought one of those collaspable black & decker work mate benches for the prep cutter. Throw in a ridgid pipe stand with a roller and 20' lengths of tubing are no problem.

J.C.A._3

Not too familiar with solar stuff.

But have you looked into the Rigid Propress ?

I don't know if it will be proper for it, but I've been using it on boiler jobs and find it to be an outstanding tool. Just a thought. Chris

Boilerpro_3

Have you looked at the large Goss? propane tips

I've found they work better than acetylene. You get a much larger flame at lower temp to better wrap around the pipe, so heat is spread much better. Tends to burn flux less and not overheat.

Boilerpro