[nj_bartel]

I'm thinking to do some workable home chemistry, the essentials would boil down to

-50 mL erlenmeyer
-250 mL erlenmeyer
-50 mL roundbottom x2
-250 mL roundbottom
-50 mL beaker
-250 mL beaker
-Rubber stoppers with 0/1/2 holes
-Glass piping for the stoppers
-Rubber tubing
-Mortar/pestle
-10 mL graduated cylinder
-100 mL graduated cylinder
-250 mL separatory funnel
-Stemmed funnel
-Sample Vials
-Stir bar
-Hot plate/stirrer

Is there anything else rudimentary I'd be missing?  I hate not having a setup for vacuum, but I can't find an inexpensive setup.

[enahs]

Chemicals?

A cheap balance, even a kitchen one would work decently enough.
Maybe some test tubes, they always seem to come in handy.

[nj_bartel]

Chemicals!  Knew there was something 

And yeah, I already own a cheap mechanical balance that ways out 1 - 500g (with probably pretty significant error, but good enough for me).  I was considering test tubes, but I couldn't think of anything I'd really want to use them for, other than microscale stuff.

[enahs]

Test tubes are always good for dissolving small amounts of stuff, and check solubility, etc.

Do not forget the stuff to clean the glass ware!

Pipettes would we nice, as well as a glass dropper.

[Grundalizer]

Where do most of you get your chemicals and glassware/equipment from?  How do you dispose of your chemical waste?

[Fleaker]

Grundalizer,
Much glassware can be found on ebay or labx. Some can be obtained from colleges or highschools which are downsizing and switching to the microscale. Really, microscale chemistry is what should be practiced at home--less waste, less expense on reagents, and less hazards!


As for the main topic...I would suggest a vacuum filtering flask and Buchner funnel with filter papers. Watch glasses are important as well as pipettes and burettes.

[alchmx]

Get chromtography equipment if you want to have more fun. I recently bought a chromatotron, but I'm trying to get some glass discs for it so I can separate stuff. It seems like the most long term, cost effective solution for me.

[408]

Some standard taper glass would be nice to go with the rbf...

[craiglen]

Buchner funnel, vacuum pump. Vital!

[albgk]

definitly test tubes, they are very useful in many experiments.
oh and Lithmus paper especially if you are trying to test for unknown substances
and if you do get test tubes you will need test tube holder, tongs, and some type of burner (alcohol burner or portable torch)... i say a burner because its easier to heat test tubes in a burner rather than a hot plate

i hope this helps
-albgk

[macman104]

and some type of burner (alcohol burner or portable torch)... i say a burner because its easier to heat test tubes in a burner rather than a hot plate

I would go for a water (or oil bath if you need higher temperatures) which also provides even heating, and you can get a hot plate that doubles as a stirrer.

[nj_bartel]

Thanks for the advice guys.  This project has unfortunately been delayed to me being a broke unemployed student >.<

[Lawrence]

Hi NJ,

Even if you are an broke unemployed student there are things you can do. Check out my blog, it is about putting together a DIY lab very inexpensively (a lot of using recycling). I created this blog for people and teachers who can't afford an elaborate lab. I try to post new equipment on a regular basis.

It can be found here:

http://citsci.blogspot.com/

Enjoy,

Lawrence

[nj_bartel]

That stuff is great man, especially the blender centrifuge.  I'm impressed you hooked it up so it didn't shake itself apart!

[Lawrence]

Thanks, the centrifuge took a bit of work balancing it out. But it spins nicely. It has 10 different speeds, you don't have to keep it on for to long.