Gerry's Regulator Build Clone

Gerryd · Feb 5, 2011

Hi all,

I still like to work with my hands a bit and Matt's work on my reg build has me wanting to try my own..

So, I am basically CLONING the build he is doing for me now..Same reg, solenoid, post body, etc.

Here is the parts list from post #79 in this thread:

http://www.barrreport.com/showthread.php/8190-Gerryd-s-regulator-build-thread/page8

I have all but the swagelok parts and the NV ordered already. NV will be Monday at min and swagelok next week. No hurry. I will do all brass again except for the reg...All brand new parts again...I want to be set with two quality rigs that should last a lifetime. Well at least Matt's will be quality....

I have to wait a bit until the parts come in due to 2 week lead time on the check valve, but that give Matt time to build mine and document it

I can compare my build to his so I can at least see where I go wrong lol

With the parts list he placed in my thread, it took about 10-15 minutes to find and order all the parts...

I will post pics of all parts as well as the build.

I think it will be fun. May as well do it now while I can....

Cyclesafe · Feb 5, 2011

I've been lurking. I ordered everything the day before yesterday and hope to assemble on February 14. A Valentine's Day gift to me!

Gerryd · Feb 5, 2011

Cool. I had a feeling you would be posting soon....

Are you doing the same basic build?

Matt F. · Feb 5, 2011

This is great. I'm glad you all are buidling your own regulators with quality components.

All you'll need tool wise is two quality adjustable wrenches (I use an 6" and 8"). Cheap wrenches can slip and cause damage.

Teflon tape and non-hardening thread sealer.

I use q-tips to clean off the excess and a clean shop rag to wipe of any residual.

If you buy and build a used regulator, I strongly suggest air tools.

Matt F. · Feb 5, 2011

Cyclesafe · Feb 5, 2011

The same, except I'm using a B-2C-1/3 CV mnpt to a B-2HCG hex coupling. This is per Matt's thread on converting from a bubble counter to a tube fitting.

What happened to the interest in the Buna seals? Or, why are we getting the Vitron?

Matt F. · Feb 5, 2011

Cyclesafe;61798 said:
The same, except I'm using a B-2C-1/3 CV mnpt to a B-2HCG hex coupling. This is per Matt's thread on converting from a bubble counter to a tube fitting.

What happened to the interest in the Buna seals? Or, why are we getting the Vitron?

Buna Seals are awesome for CO2. Viton is also a good material. Both are made by dupont. Buna-N is actually cheaper to make than Viton, too!
Buuna-N is nitrile (like the gloves).

I doubt we will ever see a difference in service life between the two.

The Buna-N sealed solenoid is a special order version of the type 6011, which Left C has made available to us. Until he worked out a deal with FreshwaterSystems.com, the typical lead time was many weeks. I ordered mine prior to the freshwater systems option.

I have both viton and buna-n sealed burkerts, and I can't tell the difference.

The aquariumplants.com solenoid (viton seal) comes with a pre-installed cord. This saves time and an extra few steps. It's plug and play. For $48, iirc, you get the 2506 DIN and the cord for the price of the solenoid alone at other sites.

I assume you got the Swagelok B-2c2-1/3 check valve?

Cyclesafe · Feb 5, 2011

Thanks for all the hard work!

Matt F.;61799 said:
I assume you got the Swagelok B-2c2-1/3 check valve?

Yes. My bad. These numbers give me a pain, but I guess there's no way around that kind of system.

Matt, what you Left C, Gerryd, and others have done in documenting this build process is to make something easy out of what was very intimidating. Without the threads and discussions, it would have been impossible for me to assemble a state-of-the-art regulator. Instead I would have bought something touted as "supreme" - only to find out later that it wasn't. The regulator I had from before was promoted as "deluxe", but when it was officially deemed junk(post #15), permission was granted from the boss to drop coin for a new one. Thanks Tom!

But the collection of threads written by Matt are really appreciated. I feel guilty, kinda like jumping a queue, in tasting the fruits of all the labor without as much a howdy doo! So, I want you to know I am in your debt and I hope to be able to reciprocate soon.

Matt F. · Feb 6, 2011

Cyclesafe-

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad the threads I have written help out. I just wanted to show that there is no mysticism to this process. It's very easy to do if you have the right tools and take your time.

Left C has done an amazing amount of research. He's the one who really started this movement-- a movement that provides us with a high quality alternative to the kaka on the market today. Tom has also been a proponent of high quality dual stage regulators and equipment. You can't post this type of info anywhere w/o people getting bent out of shape. This is a special site.

About your builds (back to the topic):

Be prepared to either have a vice or access to air tools. You will need to remove the stock tube adapter on the new VTS253A-1993. These are either glued or lock-tite(ed) in.

You can see my VTS253A-1993 thread to see what I am talking about.

Matt F. · Feb 6, 2011

To remove the OEM hose adapter, I used a 9/16" deep socket, which got me to this point:

The whole thread is listed above in a prior post.

barbarossa4122 · Feb 6, 2011

Matt F.;61796 said:
Teflon tape and non-hardening thread sealer.

Hi Matt,

Do you use both or one or the other ? I have found that the tape works better for me.

barbarossa4122 · Feb 6, 2011

Matt F.;61796 said:
Teflon tape and non-hardening thread sealer.

Hi Matt,

Do you use both or one or the other ? I have found that the tape works better for me.

Gerryd · Feb 11, 2011

Hi all,

Found my new regulator on my doorstep just now.....

Am leaving in the box until all other parts come in...am in no hurry with my new build soon to come...

Matt F. · Feb 11, 2011

barbarossa4122;61826 said:
Hi Matt,

Do you use both or one or the other ? I have found that the tape works better for me.

Tape is needed on the high pressure connections as well as the regulator body connection points. Non hardening thread sealer is fine for post body components.

barbarossa4122 · Feb 11, 2011

Thanks again Matt.

Cyclesafe · Feb 11, 2011

Gerryd;62127 said:
Hi all,

Found my new regulator on my doorstep just now.....

Am leaving in the box until all other parts come in...am in no hurry with my new build soon to come...

Mine arrived this evening! Just waiting now for the Swagelok parts.

Gerryd · Feb 11, 2011

Mine arrived this evening! Just waiting now for the Swagelok parts.

Glad to hear, but start your own thread

It is only fair..lol

It really would be good so others can see that it is not just Matt or Leftc posting build threads...I am looking at you too Barbarossa59483739393484....we know you are also building....

barbarossa4122 · Feb 12, 2011

Cyclesafe;62147 said:
Mine arrived this evening! Just waiting now for the Swagelok parts.

Hi Cyclesafe,

Post some pics when you get a chance please. In the new thread of course

barbarossa4122 · Feb 12, 2011

Gerryd;62148 said:
Glad to hear, but start your own thread It is only fair..lol

It really would be good so others can see that it is not just Matt or Leftc posting build threads...I am looking at you too Barbarossa59483739393484....we know you are also building....

Hi Gerry,

Yes, I will. You guys are lucky........I need to buy 3 $91.00/piece Ideal NVs.

Gerryd · Feb 12, 2011

Hi,

Yikes, 3 valves!!!

Okay, so only 1 more than me as Matt did NOT pay for mine on the build he did for me...Pretty sure that was me

Anyhoo, I just ordered all of the Swagelok post body/check valve components in BRASS. I ordered DUPLICATES of everything even the check valve. JUST IN CASE

. It won't hurt to have spare with two of the SAME rigs...

They have a nice website and their software to manage your account, see orders, etc is very nice.

I will call Bill on the new V52-1-12 later or Monday. I don't want to assume he works on Saturdays...

The regulator is already here. The solenoid should be here Tuesday or so...

Figure 2 weeks lead time on the check valves and perhaps the barb assembly and I would say the build will be around the end of this month if all goes well. I expect to receive the majority of the post body components next week as well.

At least I will have Matt's version here so I can always post pics of THAT one if I f*** mine up LOL

I would not do that to Matt or anyone....

But, I can use Matt's version as my benchmark along with the build threads, so I feel pretty comfortable already as I have the steps in my head..I can do that pretty well from my days as an auto mechanic.. Lots more parts to remember when they went and why

I will post any future developments or comments.

Thanks!

Line Items Not Yet Shipped

Part No. Qty-Ordered Qty-Not Shipped Req-Delivery-Date Unit-Price

B-2-HN 4 4 USD 2.50
Brass Pipe Fitting, Hex Nipple, 1/8 in. Male NPT

B-4-HRN-2 2 2 USD 3.50
Brass Pipe Fitting, Hex Reducing Nipple, 1/4 in. Male NPT x 1/8 in. Male NPT

B-2-SE 2 2 USD 8.90
Brass Pipe Fitting, Street Elbow, 1/8 in. Female NPT x 1/8 in. Male NPT

B-2C4-1/3 2 2
Brass Poppet Check Valve, Fixed Pressure, 1/8 in. FNPT, 1/3 psig (0.03 bar)

B-6M0-1-2 2 2 USD 2.60
Brass Swagelok Tube Fitting, Male Connector, 6 mm Tube OD x 1/8 in. Male NPT

B-6M5-4M 2 2 USD 0.80
Brass Tubing Insert, 6 mm OD x 4 mm ID

Gerry's Regulator Build Clone

Plant Guru Team

Guru Class Expert

Plant Guru Team

Lifetime Charter Member

Lifetime Charter Member

Guru Class Expert

Lifetime Charter Member

Guru Class Expert

Lifetime Charter Member

Lifetime Charter Member

Guru Class Expert

Guru Class Expert

Plant Guru Team

Lifetime Charter Member

Guru Class Expert

Guru Class Expert

Plant Guru Team

Guru Class Expert

Guru Class Expert

Plant Guru Team