best Micron gauges

[latentcool]

I read the post about micron gauge measurement on vacuum.
I was wondering what are some good quality, and AFFORDABLE models?(micron gauges)
Also, do techs usually supply these themselves, or is this a company-supplied tool?

Don't have 1st job yet, and I am still learning alot. thanks in advance.

[oloenneker]

There are several affordable gauges out there. They are not the best, but they do get the job done and are marginally accurate if you keep them clean and treat them right (keep them in a case, not on the van floor etc.)

Ihave used a variety, and seem to like the Supco Digital.

http://www.microdaq.com/images/supco/vg64.jpg

They make a cheaper version with LED lights that I own as well, and it's allright.

http://i1.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/b2/57/84_1_b.JPG

There are others out there from JB and some attachment accessories for Feildpeice meters that are also affordable, and should be fine for light commercial and Residential use. The key is that you develop the habit of using the Micrin Gauge from the start, and keep the habit of using one every time you pull a vacuum.

http://www.jbind.com/Catalog/deep_vacuum/Graphics/DV_22N.jpg

As far as an employer providing such equipment, it all depends on who you work for. I have worked for companies that made you buy everything, including ladders, Vacuum pumps, and so forth, to companies that provide everything except your basic hand tools.

[joebear]

ritchie yellow jackey 69075,all the way baby!

[captainrat]

Originally posted by joebear
ritchie yellow jackey 69075,all the way baby!
Same Here !

[amickracing]

I have this one...
http://www.jbind.com/Catalog/deep_vacuum/Graphics/DV_22N.jpg
It has a different fitting on the bottom, it was one of the 1st models out (that one is the 2nd I believe). Anyway, it's far from the best, but it's way better than nothing (and I would say reliable enough to use on a day to day basis). I religiously keep it clean and protect it and it's never failed me... well, it did once, but I was kinda slow to remember the whole "dead battery" thing lol.

I think that yellow jacket one they mentioned is by far one of the best, but the price reflects it (2-3x what the one I have is). Eventually I'll have one, but there's other tools I "need" before I need another micron gauge.

Around here it seems most of the guys supply their own micron gauge (when they use them). Last company I worked for did finally break down and buy some right after I left, but before that I was 1 of the 2 tech's that used them... the other handfull never did and likely never will.

The new company I worked for is a new company and somewhat new to the trade. They know the tin side pretty well, but were new to the whole picture side of things, so I was the 1st to use it there. They did buy one later, but they don't take care of it so it doesn't read very well. I used it a couple times and after a good cleaning it works.. but you gotta keep em clean to make them work.

[markwolf]

Hands down the thermal engineering analog meter is the tank of all micron guages.The 14571 is battry or 110 volt.Tip the sensor down to keep oil out of it during use & place a cap on it when not in use.It will give you years of service. http://www.thermalengineeringco.com/display.cfm?p=50003&pid=23&cat_id=2

[rayr]

Im with Mark on this one. Had my Thermal Engineering tester for over 20 years. Replaced the tube a couple of times. It is accurate and dependable.

[oloenneker]

Originally posted by joebear
ritchie yellow jackey 69075,all the way baby!

Yeah sure...

But the OP wanted an AFFORDABLE micron meter..

[captainrat]

Originally posted by oloenneker

Originally posted by joebear
ritchie yellow jackey 69075,all the way baby!

Yeah sure...

But the OP wanted an AFFORDABLE micron meter..
Whats not affordable about it !

[oloenneker]

Originally posted by captainrat

Originally posted by oloenneker

Originally posted by joebear
ritchie yellow jackey 69075,all the way baby!

Yeah sure...

But the OP wanted an AFFORDABLE micron meter..
Whats not affordable about it !


$233.43 is not as AFFORDABLE as $149...

Some of us do not have an unlimited budget for this stuff.

[corny]

Just tack on a few hours overtime each week.... or if you are an independant contractor make the customer pay for it...next time you are on a opm change out the contactor and charge an additional 300.00 labor. BAM.... new ritchie micron gauge.

[t527ed]

Originally posted by oloenneker

Originally posted by captainrat

Originally posted by oloenneker

Originally posted by joebear
ritchie yellow jackey 69075,all the way baby!

Yeah sure...

But the OP wanted an AFFORDABLE micron meter..
Whats not affordable about it !


$233.43 is not as AFFORDABLE as $149...

Some of us do not have an unlimited budget for this stuff.


over the years i have found it MUCH more affordable to buy high quality the first time, even if i had to wait to do it.

[alpha480v]

I like the Supco Digital. But you got to clean it regularly.

[lilquiz]

microns??...is that when the pump changes pitch??...(hides)

[oloenneker]

Originally posted by corny
Just tack on a few hours overtime each week.... or if you are an independant contractor make the customer pay for it...next time you are on a opm change out the contactor and charge an additional 300.00 labor. BAM.... new ritchie micron gauge.

Well, now that you put that way....

[R12rules]

Originally posted by joebear
ritchie yellow jackey 69075,all the way baby!

the tools you use everyday are the one's you want to be top of the line.

If you just need a 24" pipe wrench every once in awhile ... you probably do not need the best money can buy.

But you also need to factor in... what is the cost if your tool fails you?

if your working twenty stories up on a construction project and your 24" cheapie pipe wrench gives out ... your a LOOOONG way from a back up unit. And THAT can cost you some serious time!


some guys buy six in one screw drivers for discount. cause they get broken and lost often times.
no big deal.
however, when you need a good tool for everyday use and can count on it's performance, you dont want to be scrimping pennies over the purchase of the good one's versus the "affordable" ones.

a broken or inaccurate tool of ANY kind is no bargain!!!



a vacuum gage is the ONLY insturement that will inform you of the condition of your vac pump, gages and connections. Just "listening" to the sound of your pump running when you blank off your manifold valves is only something a fool would do to test their vacuum level.


and guys do that trip each and every day.

[psychometric]

Originally posted by latentcool

Also, do techs usually supply these themselves, or is this a company-supplied tool?


The company had better pay for it if they want you to use it for their work. Hand tools are one thing, specialty items are another. All of our trucks come with micron gauges. Replaced when they fail.

[the mojo]

Carry two supco VG64 and yes you have to keep them clean. But for the long runs on installs old trusty Thermal 14571 gets hooked up and monitored @ the evap,with a supco teed at the pump. I've found that temperature variations are more controlled using the Thermal to ensure a complete evacuation.Oh and the 4150 sensor carry a battle spare and keep it capped.

[1972torino]

markwolf
Professional Member

Registered: Aug 2002
Posts: 3982
Hands down the markwolf
Professional Member

Registered: Aug 2002
Posts: 3982
Hands down the thermal engineering analog meter is the tank of all micron guages.The 14571 is battry or 110 volt.Tip the sensor down to keep oil out of it during use & place a cap on it when not in use.It will give you years of service. http://www.thermalengineeringco.com/display.cfm?p=50003&pid=23&cat_id=2
__________________
Take your time & do it right!

-----------------------------------------------------------
Hell yeah! I love my thermal engineering micron gauge

[Dowadudda]

I am tottally on board with testing a vacuum with a micron gauge. I mean really after all, the real job of insuring no leaks, moisture ect, is from the use of a micron gauge. And the customer is being better served. Takes time, yes, but the job is then done right.

My problem is. I have been through all of the cheapies. The Supco's, The JB. I have no clue what the hell I am doing to them.

I am almost afraid to buy an expensive one. I am afraid I will break it.

There is a yellow jacket, that has the remoted probe on wire. I don't know the Model. I have heard this is as good as the thermal engineering, and 200 bucks cheaper. Any one have any luck with this style?

[t527ed]

yellow jacket 69075 is the one you're talking about.
have had one for a while, put a ball valve on it to keep isolated from system till ready to read. looks like it should hold up pretty good.

[emsmech]

I use a uei modal em100a paid $100 8years ago. Works great and I keep it in my tool box. a very cheap one. I'v been very happy with it. but agree if you don't care to use anlog go with the yellow jack. It will be the last one you buy.

[berg2666]

I own the fieldpiece vacuum head and the jb industries, like them both no problems in three years. The only thing I have seen is that the fieldpiece reponds slower then my JB.

[ndfrozen]

Originally posted by 1972torino
markwolf
Professional Member

Registered: Aug 2002
Posts: 3982
Hands down the markwolf
Professional Member

Registered: Aug 2002
Posts: 3982
Hands down the thermal engineering analog meter is the tank of all micron guages.The 14571 is battry or 110 volt.Tip the sensor down to keep oil out of it during use & place a cap on it when not in use.It will give you years of service. http://www.thermalengineeringco.com/display.cfm?p=50003&pid=23&cat_id=2
__________________
Take your time & do it right!

-----------------------------------------------------------
Hell yeah! I love my thermal engineering micron gauge

Ditto, best dam guage you can get for the price. You can watch what is happening to the system your working on. this is why I like it. We did a dry cleaner unit awhile back, water cooled. Condenser coil leaked water into ref. side, filled with water, put your gages on it and water came out. c/o'ed compressor and condeser coil, emptied full co2 tank thur system blowing it out, vacuumed out for about 10 hrs, emptied oil 3 times, got down to 700 microns. Wanted to go to below 500 but boss and owner said no. started it up running ever since no problems. checked in on it and sight glass is a deep purple and moisture tattle tale is sitll green. btw, these are neat units to work on, them Itialians can build a neat machine.

[Richard Kletty]

What do you guys know about the Ritchie 69040?

I can get my hands on one and was wondering...

[arcticbreeze]

I am tottally on board with testing a vacuum with a micron gauge. I mean really after all, the real job of insuring no leaks, moisture ect, is from the use of a micron gauge. And the customer is being better served. Takes time, yes, but the job is then done right.

Actually, once i started using it regularly a few years ago i found it takes less time because you know its done.

[Richard Kletty]

I bought the Thermal 14571... Totally awesome...

[grayghost]

I agree with R12, you have to decide what tools you need to go cheap on. I don't think meter's are one of them.I have used the yellow jacket 69070 for 8 year's with good result's. I got it to replace a thermal that was severely damaged when dropped and have been just as happy with the yellow jacket.

[rayr]

I'm with the Thermal Engineering..Had mine for over 20 years. What is not affordable when you only buy it 1 time. LOL

[heatermanbob]

a few years back i bought a TIF9450D and paid nearly 400.00 for it. it was difficult to use and i didnt like it much so now i use a supco micron gauge like the one pictured earlier

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/gransportsedan/microngauge.jpg

[acguytx]

what type of maintenance are you talking about when you are saying "keep them clean"?

[cold coffee]

Pour some rubbing alcohol in, shake it and let sit overnight.