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I was gifted a 20L glass reactor body. It’s a handy size to have around but it’s missing the cover/drive and it has a nice sized chip. Thankfully the jacket and discharge assembly is in good shape. Ideally I would like to set it up to run esterification reactions (~130-200c).

The question is should I spend the money to make it usable? There are several companies that sell a replacement lid that would fit the body and I would also need the whole drive assembly. I also need to either get the chip fixed (cost plus 3 hour drive) or flame polish (myself) to prevent any further damage. I already have all the jointed glassware and an appropriately sized process heater/chiller.

I would use it maybe a half dozen times a year. This is one of those “nice to have but don’t need it” sort of situations. Invest or pass it along?

Hello Folks - I figured it’s about time to upgrade the lighting on my manual vertical mill and lathe. My eyes are getting pretty bad now.

I am considering the light in the photo but my reservations are:
Should I opt for the higher lumen option (550 vs 1300)? I’m concerned about shadows and eye strain with the higher lumen version. One 550 lumen light on each side of the spindle and call it a day?

Does the magnetic base attract too many chips? I’m more concerned about the lathe here as it will be mounted fairly close to the chuck.

Im probably overthinking all of this. Any thoughts would be appreciated!