ground joint tool...

[dnug42]

do you need this tool to attach ground joints? or is it another unnessassary investment which other tools can do the same thing? like say, grabbers and the right size graphite....hummmmmmmmm- please help! tks
golddee

[Swampy]

it's been done before mate. search it :-)

[faded]

worth every penny if you ask me.

[sevin dummerville]

You need them to hold the fitting and protect it from melting the frost off. Get the graphite ones and not the Herbert Arnold ones. The herbies hold nice but you can't work close to the fitting.

[Shatner]

Just use an opposite fitting welded to a blowtube. You'll need to be more careful about melting the grind off, but will save a lot of money. Those things aren't cheap and they wear down over time, loosing grip on the fitting.

[dnug42]

nice thanks folks, shatner thats what is was lookin for!
d

[kage]

what swampy said.
this has been discussed in detail.

what shatner said too.
imo, if you can get it down using only glass, then you might teach yourself something and it will be more rewarding in the future.

[jello]

What shanter said.. That wha i use, kist watch out so you don't weld the tool to the joint... But I hear nomad just uses his bare hands... Awesome!

[DrBobalicious]

the fitting tool is worth its weight in gold would not go back to using opposing fittings for anything.But I am a tool whore

[ITIS]

use extreme caution if you make your own holders using ground glass parts.!!!! you would not be the first to end up in the hospital when it snaps off while you're putting the joint in. FYI

[standard28]

Best way is to use a opposite ground joint. The trick is to use hight temp paper. Rip a small portion off. If your using 19/22 joint rip off a section around 1/2" X 1/4" and place it between the male and female joint. Use a soft tool like carbon or wood and tap the joint in. The paper allows the 2 joints to be separated. I work joints like this all the time and never loose any grind or have them fuse together and I get pretty close to the grind sometimes. Here is some of the paper I use. A roll will last a long time. No need to wrap the whole joint just a small piece will do....http://www.waleapparatus.com/catalog.asp?prodid=548621&showprevnext=1

[jello]

^^^^^ i use steel paper, have not had a problem since

[l33t:weasel]

one of my friends back home cuts half of the ground portion of the joint off with the lap saw so it dosen't crack the rim after the first dozen slides. he gets closer than anyone ive seen and does not loose any of the frost even tho it is exposed. .. i envy the mad skills + Herbie flame atmosphere. i cant get quite so close.

[jello]

ive tried to use the saw but it leaves the scuzz and i have to heat and wipe... kinda sucks, if you dont wipe it after it will bubble to shit

[l33t:weasel]

jello: i don't understand. where does it leave scuz for you?