Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Best bang for the buck

Yttrium2 - 1-9-2022 at 07:40

This seems to be the most versatile chemistry kit for the lowest amounts of money.

What are your thoughts?


https://www.ebay.com/itm/334525375888?mkevt=1&mkpid=2&am...

C4548FB4-BE59-476A-96D3-0BBED7AF6BBB.jpeg - 36kB

Yttrium2 - 1-9-2022 at 07:42

Followed by this, which I have seen he price fluctuate on, IIRC




[Edited on 9/1/2022 by Yttrium2]

34AD6FC1-0041-4C1E-8470-451A08DDEACF.png - 1MB

Yttrium2 - 1-9-2022 at 07:44

Not sure of the temp range of the thermometer, or the accuracy (right word?) of the scale.


It seems it’d be hard to piece together a kit for prices lower than the first one.
It also seems to offer a fair amount of applicability

Gammatron - 1-9-2022 at 07:46

Seems decent for someone who just wants to try their hand at chemistry. I've always looked for used glassware lots on ebay because you can get nice pyrex and kimmax pieces for good prices. I've also had surprisingly good luck with chinese glass, I've even distilled sulfuric acid with it. I'll just say that the grad cylinders are horribly inaccurate.

Yttrium2 - 1-9-2022 at 07:56

Quote: Originally posted by Gammatron  
Seems decent for someone who just wants to try their hand at chemistry. I've always looked for used glassware lots on ebay because you can get nice pyrex and kimmax pieces for good prices. I've also had surprisingly good luck with chinese glass, I've even distilled sulfuric acid with it. I'll just say that the grad cylinders are horribly inaccurate.


How did you check the accuracy of the graduated cylinders. Is it the Chinese ones you are referring to? Do you know why?

arkoma - 1-9-2022 at 08:06

sort of on topic

I just bought a claisen adapter from Home Science Tools. VERY pleased with the service/price/shipping time. Ordered online, was $20 total, and I had it on the third day.

Yttrium2 - 1-9-2022 at 08:10

Quote: Originally posted by arkoma  
sort of on topic

I just bought a claisen adapter from Home Science Tools. VERY pleased with the service/price/shipping time. Ordered online, was $20 total, and I had it on the third day.


I like
Those seem very versatile,

If only there was one that could be connected to test tube¿









Gammatron - 1-9-2022 at 08:51

Quote: Originally posted by Yttrium2  
Quote: Originally posted by Gammatron  
Seems decent for someone who just wants to try their hand at chemistry. I've always looked for used glassware lots on ebay because you can get nice pyrex and kimmax pieces for good prices. I've also had surprisingly good luck with chinese glass, I've even distilled sulfuric acid with it. I'll just say that the grad cylinders are horribly inaccurate.


How did you check the accuracy of the graduated cylinders. Is it the Chinese ones you are referring to? Do you know why?


Yeah the Chinese ones. I tested them by weight of water and against a pryrex cylinder which matched up to the weight. I had a 100ml chinese one and it was several ml off.

Rainwater - 1-9-2022 at 16:23

https://www.homesciencetools.com/amp/product/organic-chemist...
About 2 years i got their deluxe organic glass set. Only thing it didnt include was a 105-degree adapter to properly use the gramhan condenser included in the kit and stands. Their limited on the glassware selection. I use them all the time. Every issue ive had has been resolved with customer service that is almost unbelievable. Last package i got... let me find the video.
Anyway was punted by the usps delivery driver onto my doorstep. Nice 20 yard kick.
The round bottom flask was packed so well it survived without a dent in the internal box.

The delux set had 4in of foam packing surrounding the interior box containing a custine cut foam storage packing.

The thermometer have a range of -10c ~120c

[Edit]
Things that you will want. Extra thermowell, metal k clips. Pressure equalizing addition funnel, stright vacuum adapter. Stands/clamps. Heating mantle, vacuum grease. Rubber tubing( their condincer kit is good).

[Edited on 2-9-2022 by Rainwater]

j_sum1 - 1-9-2022 at 16:56

Personally, I think it is a better approach to build your lab project by project. Plan for a particular activity and then buy what you need for that. Of course, if you see a kit that meets your needs then get it. But a project-mentality keeps you from getting stuff you don't use, ensures you get the quality of equipment you actually need, ensures that the bulk of your gear gets used and is properly tested. It probably keeps costs down in the long run. And it means your lab matches your interests not someone else's thoughts about what you need.

One of the worst things is to invest in a kit where some components are sub standard or are insufficient for your needs. And then maybe you break something. You end up with a kit that is unuseable.

Gammatron - 1-9-2022 at 17:13

Quote: Originally posted by j_sum1  
Personally, I think it is a better approach to build your lab project by project. Plan for a particular activity and then buy what you need for that. Of course, if you see a kit that meets your needs then get it. But a project-mentality keeps you from getting stuff you don't use, ensures you get the quality of equipment you actually need, ensures that the bulk of your gear gets used and is properly tested. It probably keeps costs down in the long run. And it means your lab matches your interests not someone else's thoughts about what you need.

One of the worst things is to invest in a kit where some components are sub standard or are insufficient for your needs. And then maybe you break something. You end up with a kit that is unuseable.


I dont think this could have been stated any better. This is how I have set up my metal shop, electronics lab and chem lab, but I also have a tendency to buy stuff just cause it seems useful and then never use it lol but I think every beginner should be told this. Find a reaction you want to do and buy materials accordingly.