Getting tools to start with

[mike357]

Hi, I am only in my first semester of HVAC class, but I want to start getting tools now.

What I have:
Fluke77, Inficon tek-mate leak detector, CPS scales CC220 Fluke therm temp gun 62, goss oxy acetylene toch, flaring tools basic hand tools, yellow jacket manifold gauges, uniweld air acetylene torch on the way from ebay(got it new with 2 tips a4 and a11 for 75.00) it fits a b tank.

What I want next: acetylene b tank, low loss fittings for manifold set, fittings to fit car systems, vacuum pump, maybe get a recovery unit if I found a deal.

My question is any suggestions on finding a used b tank arcet wants 175.00 just for the tank, and how about a robinair 3cfm pump would that be good enough for system of 4 ton and less?

The b tank and the vacuum pump will be the end of my purchases for a while but anything else that is not to costly or a gotta have tool.

Thanks for the advice

[Pascone10]

If your going to work for someone when you graduate more then likely they will supply the tanks, recovery equip, and vacuum pump. May want to save your money for something else but your enthusiasm for good tools is nice to see..

[John Markl]

What I want next: acetylene b tank, low loss fittings for manifold set, fittings to fit car systems, vacuum pump, maybe get a recovery unit if I found a deal.

My question is any suggestions on finding a used b tank arcet wants 175.00 just for the tank, and how about a robinair 3cfm pump would that be good enough for system of 4 ton and less?

The b tank and the vacuum pump will be the end of my purchases for a while but anything else that is not to costly or a gotta have tool.

Thanks for the advice

Curious.....what do you need a "B" tank acetylene torch for?

[mike357]

Not planning on changing jobs, but may do occasional jobs in trade for friends and myself, I do electrical work currently, I am taking these courses and plan to get a journeymans card eventually, but I will set up my own shop for my use and eduacational purposes, I am currently working on a small window unit just to learn on, I got it from the dump (before they recovered the refrigerant). I will also teach my son some when he gets a few years older.

Mike

[mike357]

I just want the b tank with the air acetylene because that is what we use in school.

Mike

[Glennhvac]

I bought a Btank years ago from that Trading Times paper. Not sure if your local Craigs list might have some

[ironpit]

check classifieds, pawn shops and craigs list. Around here , the pawn shops get new tools from drop-out students who buy the stuff with the free money they get for school

[ironpit]

Curious.....what do you need a "B" tank acetylene torch for?

are you serious john? B tanks are used for soldering the pvc lines.

[Glennhvac]

check classifieds, pawn shops and craigs list. Around here , the pawn shops get new tools from drop-out students who buy the stuff with the free money they get for school

Or out of our trucks! Before I finally put those honking puck lock things on they hit me 4 times. Take the sawzall, battery drill, hammer drill. I'll deal with it . Take my hand tools I don't know what I am missing till 2 am. I felt like putting signs on the windows. "Knock on door, I'll give you 2 hundred for your crack habit and see you next year"

[John Markl]

are you serious john? B tanks are used for soldering the pvc lines.

Mapp Gas torches are much easier to carry around.

[Cooked]

You've got a nice start but you couldn't give me a "B" tank. Oxy/acetelyne is the way to go. Greasy low life plumbers us those "B" tank turbo thingys.

[oldblue]

I love my turbo torch I have a oxy/act and prefer brazing with the turbo torch. Its what I learned on and what I'm good with.

If you got a harbor freight close they have empties for $80 get one there take it to the supply house and exchange it for a full one.

[John Markl]

You've got a nice start but you couldn't give me a "B" tank. Oxy/acetelyne is the way to go. Greasy low life plumbers us those "B" tank turbo thingys.

I have two or three "B" tanks I'd give away...

We use a Mapp gas torch for Sta-Brite #8, and oxy-acetylene for brazing.