I recently installed the Axiom digital mini feeder system [DMF150] with their Hydronode expansion tank support system. The Axiom DMF150 feeder was used on the #duluthbuild project because the system is filled with propylene glycol for freeze protection. The feeder eliminates the need for a pressure reducing valve and back flow protection because it is Read more
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I recently installed the Axiom digital mini feeder system [DMF150] with their Hydronode expansion tank support system.
The Axiom DMF150 feeder was used on the #duluthbuild project because the system is filled with propylene glycol for freeze protection. The feeder eliminates the need for a pressure reducing valve and back flow protection because it is not connected to the potable water.
The DMF150 will maintain a (programmable) upper and lower pressure on the hydronic system. The feeder also has NO/NC contacts for an alarm in the event there is a leak on the system or the tank level is too low. Another cool feature this model has that other brands I’ve used do not would be the easy mount wall bracket. The bracket is screwed to the wall, has to metal tabs that hook into to holes molded into the 4.5 gallon reservoir. The fill port is tilted slightly and in front making it easy to pour into. The digital display is clear and backlit, the included power cord even comes with a wall bracket.
The Hydronode rear/bottom valve connection is the intended connection point for makeup water or a system feeder. Because of the piping layout I chose to connect the feeder as shown to eliminate unwanted piping and fittings. The valve is off and now plugged.
Finally, the Hydronode can be ordered without the valves as well. As shown it ships assembled with three 1/2” ball valves, an manual air vent and a plugged opening gauge port. The Hydronode, like the Flexconsole I have been using for a couple years, provides support and install location flexibility which shaves time off my installs.
In conclusion, I like that and will continue to use these bracket systems for all my installs. Check your supplier for pricing.
Top view showing inlet filter and purge/pump prime valve through tank opening.
I recently added the Veto Pro Pac Hydrant Bag [HB-XL] to the truck with hope that it would make hauling a few critical tools in and out of the job more efficient. As you can see in the video attached below, I’ve loaded the HB-XL hydrant bag with tools that I have an almost daily Read more
I recently added the Veto Pro Pac Hydrant Bag [HB-XL] to the truck with hope that it would make hauling a few critical tools in and out of the job more efficient. As you can see in the video attached below, I’ve loaded the HB-XL hydrant bag with tools that I have an almost daily need for but don’t want to carry around in multiple boxes or cases.
Quality Materials
The VetoProPac Hydrant Bag (HB-XL) is made of the same heavy-duty materials all their bags and organizers are made from but with a new color scheme. Unlike the CT-LC & CT-XL [Cargo Tote] bags, the HB series bag with dividers allows for basic organization but accommodates larger, bulky tools like the M12 porta-band and PVC shears. I really think the HB-XL will be perfect for me on boiler and tankless water heater install days.
Buy your own Hydrant Bag
If you’d like to purchase this or other Veto bags please check out one of our favorite suppliers Acme Tools. Click this link to visit their site.
Watch the video posted below to see just how much I’ve fit into my hydrant bag. Its only just the start, I’m sure this setup will evolve as I get some time with the bag on the job. If you’re looking for more product and tool reviews check out our ProStaff pages here on The Hub. As always, hope this helps.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvSTCu5hI_-/
The M12 FUEL™ 3″ Compact Cut Off tool isn’t for me. I’m not one to hate on much of anything. I try to give all the tools a fair shake. I also realize that some tools just won’t cut it for what I do, pun intended. The M12 FUEL™ 3″ Compact Cut Off tool has Read more
The M12 FUEL™ 3″ Compact Cut Off tool isn’t for me. I’m not one to hate on much of anything. I try to give all the tools a fair shake. I also realize that some tools just won’t cut it for what I do, pun intended.
The M12 FUEL™ 3″ Compact Cut Off tool has been praised by so many “influencers” online that I thought it was just me and my sudden, out-of-the-blue inability to properly run a small battery tool or something because I think this thing is not great at best.
M12 FUEL 3″ Compact Cut Off Tool
Should this be 18V?
It’s somewhat under-powered in my opinion. Yes, even for a 12V tool. I say that because the performance we have enjoyed from so many other brushless M12 tools has set a benchmark for new tools like this. I literally have gone on record multiple times saying the M12 FUEL Impact driver is one of my favorite tools and has all but completely replaced my M18. Maybe circular cutting, in such a compact design, is better suited for the M18 platform? Nevertheless, this could be a very useful for light work, I’m not sure it’s suited for any of my light work, or what light work is and where to find it.
It stalled out three times cutting the outer pipe of the Centrotherm Innoflue boiler venting in the video. That outer pipe is about a 12 or 13 ga steel with a welded butt seam. It’s sturdy pipe but nothing this tool shouldn’t be able to handle. It handles it, but slowly.
How I used the 3″ Cutoff Tool
I think there are some people who literally just like everything someone gives them for free in hopes that they’ll continue to get free things. Imagine that. This tool was given to me. I don’t love it, it’s just not a good fit for anything I’ve tried to use it for. Those uses have been cutting tile to access a shower valve, cutting copper tubing, cutting threaded rod (don’t even try this unless you have way too much time), cutting sheet metal, cutting vent pipe as shown in the video. Again, nothing sugarcoated from me, just a reminder that I work as a plumbing and heating contractor.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuquBYahVEn/
Nationwide program throws BFGoodrich support behind America’s skilled trades GREENVILLE, S.C., March 1, 2019 — BFGoodrich® Tires has launched a first-of-its-kind tradesmen support program in the U.S. for the men and women in construction, agriculture, landscaping and other trades that rely heavily on pickup trucks to get work done. This is the first time a tire brand has Read more
Nationwide program throws BFGoodrich support behind America’s skilled trades
GREENVILLE, S.C., March 1, 2019 — BFGoodrich® Tires has launched a first-of-its-kind tradesmen support program in the U.S. for the men and women in construction, agriculture, landscaping and other trades that rely heavily on pickup trucks to get work done.
This is the first time a tire brand has launched such a program for the estimated 30 million skilled trades jobs in the U.S. The BFGoodrich® Tires Tradesmen Support Program will make work easier for tradesmen and women by reducing downtime and costs because of tire and vehicle issues.
BFGoodrich will partner with associations representing a combined 1 million tradesmen in the U.S. in 2019. Members of these trade associations will receive the following from the program:
- $100 off a set of four BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A® KO2® tires for association members and $70 off for non-association tradesmen and women – a substantial discount on the brand’s toughest all-terrain tire capable of handling virtually any job site.
- Roadside assistance for two years, with towing up to 150 miles.
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
- Chances to win VIP experiences to races such as the SCORE BAJA 1000 and the MINT 400.
BFGoodrich is working to offer the Tradesmen Support Program to associations, including the National Association of Home Builders, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Associated General Contractors of America, the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Subcontractors Association.
Members of partner associations receive the largest tire discount, but any tradesmen or women can take part in the program and still receive a significant discount on a set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A® KO2® tires and take advantage of the other benefits of the program.
“For the men and women in trades, downtime because of equipment equals lost money. Our All-Terrain KO2 tire is an essential piece of equipment that can withstand the toughest job sites,” said Jessica Parris, BFGoodrich director of consumer communications. “BFGoodrich is putting its support behind this critically important community with our Tradesmen Support Program.”
Tradesmen and women can find out if their association is offering its members the BFGoodrich® Tires Tradesmen Support Program by visiting www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tradesmen. Those who are not members of an association can still access the Tradesmen Support Program by visiting an authorized BFGoodrich® Tires dealer or going to www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tradesmen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzpXqe7y_VU The very first look at the new Milwaukee M18 Pipe Threader. I know it’s only January but this may be the most innovative tool announcement of 2019. I got my hands on the world’s first cordless pipe threader at AHR Expo in Atlanta, GA this week and I have to be honest, its legit Read more
The very first look at the new Milwaukee M18 Pipe Threader.
I know it’s only January but this may be the most innovative tool announcement of 2019. I got my hands on the world’s first cordless pipe threader at AHR Expo in Atlanta, GA this week and I have to be honest, its legit.
The performance is awesome coming from an 18V battery. If durability match it’s power it would be a easy decision to add this to the arsenal for anyone regularly working with a threader. Cutting the cord with a tool like this increases efficiency and nearly eliminates downtime and hassles that come with running cords. Just some early thoughts, more info and videos to come.