ShopTalk

John Barba and the Taco training team discuss the sizing of heat emitters for a hydronic heating system. How to select the proper sizing charts, how to size a radiator and more!

Recently, ProStaffer Andy Mickelson gave a run-through of the Taco 0018e high efficiency circulator. The 00e series – 0018e featuring Bluetooth is a versatile, variable speed, high-efficiency wet rotor circulator with an ECM permanent magnet motor. Download the Taco 0018e Mobile App to see and control real-time system performance. Run system operation & validation reports including performance diagnostics & history. Know the most efficient setting based on real-time feedback and alleviate the problems of over-pumping. You design systems with precision. The 0018e offers the performance & control to match.

Check out the video below:

I’ve been going on and on for a couple years about my current tool bag, the Veto Tech OT-MC. Its an open-top model that’s compact but packed with features. The OT-MC is made by the now famous VetoProPac brand headquartered in Connecticut [most products made in China, some here in the US].

VetoProPac’s tagline is “Tool Bags That Work”. I have to agree 100%, I have been a Veto owner now for many years, my first bag was a huge OT-XL and its still kicking today. I chose the Tech OT-MC in December of 2017 for one main reason: I needed to lighten the load I was carrying on and off the truck, in and out of client’s houses and office spaces. The OT-MC allowed me to do just that. I must have shed nearly 20lbs of unneeded tools, I say unneeded because I wasn’t using them even once a week in some cases.

The center compartment is a hard plastic bucket if you will, it accepts up to three of Veto’s reposition-able square insert box with lid (the bag includes one) and that’s where I keep larger tools like a copper tubing cutter, PEX cutter, pipe dope and a small socket set. With 28 interior & exterior pockets the VetoProPac Tech OT-MC has a spot for just about anything I need on a daily basis.

Often times during the heating season you’ll see me clipping their meter bag (MB, MB2) on either end via the stainless steel ring on the exterior. The MB/MB2 has my meters and manometer, clipping it onto the outside of the OT-MC immediately converts my setup into a no heat assault weapon.

I’ve used an abused my Vetos. I’m less of a fanboy than I am a true fan; these bags are built to last and last they do. Some of my friends have gone as far as getting Veto tattoos, I’ll just stick to loving my bag for what it does best…keeping me organized and helping me make money.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0q4k8vnbUZ/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0s9AS8npeU/

Pocket Guide for ProPress

I remember back when I first started in the trade as an apprentice my first journeyman handed me a Tyler Pipe pocket guide for reference of fitting take-offs, make-ups etc. That was an incredibly useful tool and was nearly worn out by the time I memorized the most used measurements. I may not have a use for that book daily today but I definitely have referenced the Viega pocket guide for ProPress fittings many times over the years.

I would imagine there are printed copies available but I’ve included the link to Viega’s download page for the pocket guide and many other literature items they offer. Plain and simple, the ProPress guide is useful for quick reference of sealing element spec’s, fitting spacing, spacing from existing soldered joints and clearances when soldering near a press fitting.

I hope you find this useful, if you’re not using Viega brand press fittings check with the manufacturer of your preferred brand for similar info.

Viega Download Page: http://bit.ly/2v8J4xq

Also available for your mobile device is Viega’s Toolbox app:

Viega Toolbox App Google Play

Viega Toolbox App for Apple devices