Measuring (for safety) Equipment Opinions?

[Seabrook]

Has anyone every used one of these graduated cylinders to just throw everything into, then funnel into the smaller bottles. I like the idea of the wide base so it won't tip over and also the wider-mouthed opening to elimate drips down the sides of the bottle. Any opinion on this piece of equipment? Nalgene® Polypropylene Graduated Cylinders | U.S. Plastic Corp.
This particular cylinder is a high-quality one, so there are cylinders that are cheaper; just made out of cheaper materials.

Then there's the variable volume dispenser, It pumps (or releases) out the amount you need which would elimate opening a whole bottle of 100mg at once (fumes) several times. Also, if there is an accidental spill, you don't spill the whole bottle -- just what you have measured out. Also, it (supposedly) has extreme accuracy without out opening a bunch of stuff and having caps laying around (I have pets) Anyone ever use one of these? Nalgene ® Variable Volume Dispensers | U.S. Plastic Corp.

Please and thank you,
Seabrook

 

[Nikhil]

I recently got some graduated cylinders here, where I also got some 14 gauge needles. I don't think polypropylene is necessary, but you can get them there as well. I haven't used them yet, but they seem handy particularly for making large pre-mixtures.

That Variable Volume dispenser seems very cool, although they look like they're only compatible with certain Nalgene bottles.

Edit: I submitted a question about the compatibility, will let you know what I find.

 

[jimho]

I've used those variable dispensers in dark rooms...ok for stop bath or for diluting concentrates but I wouldn't use it for measuring developers (I make alot of my own chemicals in small amounts for B&W developing from base).....

I really don't like these at all. They were OK for measuring amounts in ml (5-10ml), probably too much for casual DIYers but if you are mixing larger quantities and you don't need to be super accurate, they are ok...It doesn't pump, you squeeze the bottle to force whatever you are dispensing up the tube. It requires a touch and once you overfill, there's no easy way to put the fluid back in the bottle .... Also, accuracy is dependent on keeping the top level and they are less acurate than a graduated cylinder- once you put a graduated cylinder down on a level surface, you will have a level scale.

Syringes,pipettes, and droppers (and a good scale) are better for smaller quantities. They won't help you with fumes and you will have alot of air in the bottle when it's not filled so....

Also, it doesn't work well when you get to the bottom .... I've tried lots of measuring gadgets in the dark room and always end up going back to the basics because in the end, they work with the least fuss and are the easiest to clean. Mixing juice is no different. KISS- (Keep It Simple Stupid)....

Did I say I really don't like these <G>

 

[redgirl]

These guys have graduated cylinders and pipette pumps:

Measuring Equipment - One Stop DIY Shop Store

 

[Seabrook]

Thanks for the links PureVape and redgirl. They're better deals than mine.

Thanks for the input of your experience jimho. Always counts when you have an opinion from someone who's "been there, done that." Nice that you took the time to explain so other ppl will know not to waste their time and on them.

Am re-thinking this. Probably be better to start with a kit like the one redgirl pointed out in here link. I'll compare it to Dawn's Flavor Shack too. It just makes more sense to get everything I can from the same place. Will save on shipping and gallons of gas driving all over the place, not to mention the time spent on mapquesting everything, LOL.

I also noticed that onestopdiyshop has a pretty good special going on for their one-year anniversary. With the PA flavors in the 15ml size and the liquid available in the 48mg makes me want to take a closer look later in the evening when I have more "quiet" time.

Thanks again, guys and gals.