Threading Pipe advise

[NorCal/NM Dennis]

I left my dear Rigid 400 and most of my drop head dies in NM. I could strap that baby on my taigate and thread away. I want to thread pipe, mostly 1/2 to 1 inch, for jobs that come around once a month or so.

I could do the following:

1. buy or ship the 1/2 to 1 inch ratchet type threaders and buy a pipe vise and stand. This worries my wife, as I am 65, and it could add some aches and pains to my shoulder and elbow.

2. Buy a used Rigid 400 in CA thru craigslist or ebay.

3. Order a Wheeler-Rex 7991 Sidekick II. This looks good for threading this range of pipe, is light weight (58lbs), but does not look like a machine that one can use to put the fittings on the end of the pipe. Also they cost a bit ($1400 or so, including tax and shipping). Does anyone have experience with this type of machine?

I would like comments as to what works for them and would appreciate any suggestions.

Dennis

[ToUtahNow]

The 400s are real work horses but I finally threw the last one away and just kept my 300s. Unless you're using them for geared threaders the 300 is easier to use.

Mark

[PLUMBER RICK]

the 300 is a great portable threader up to 2'' or 6'' with a 161 geared threader:eek:

i would look into the ridgid 1210 oiless threader. good for 1/2-1''.

ps. my wife, joey loves to play with it.:D

every few weeks you can find it on ebay.

the hand held ratcheting threaders will either make you or break you:eek:

love taos n.m. rafting the box;)

welcome and join the fun:)

rick.

[ToUtahNow]

love taos n.m. rafting the box;)

rick.

OT-You raft?

Mark

[yasudaplumbing]

I left my dear Rigid 400 and most of my drop head dies in NM. I could strap that baby on my taigate and thread away. I want to thread pipe, mostly 1/2 to 1 inch, for jobs that come around once a month or so.

I could do the following:

3. Order a Wheeler-Rex 7991 Sidekick II. This looks good for threading this range of pipe, is light weight (58lbs), but does not look like a machine that one can use to put the fittings on the end of the pipe. Also they cost a bit ($1400 or so, including tax and shipping). Does anyone have experience with this type of machine?

I would like comments as to what works for them and would appreciate any suggestions.

Dennis
I have the Sidekick II. It's a great machine.
Other plumbers I know have no complaints about them.

Tracy

[NorCal/NM Dennis]

Thanks for all the great advice. I think I will treat myself to the sidekick II.


NorCal/NM Dennis

PS Not clear as to how to post a quick reply.

[ToUtahNow]

This is a quick reply. It is just like a "Post Reply" but you don't get all of the smiley faces and font choices.

Mark

[westcoastplumber]

I love my Amigo 2 and it will thread over scotcoat, a huge plus. Not all that speedy, but for what I do, remodels and that, I can still pipe in a gas system in a day to a day and a half, all galvy.

As for Taos, New Mexico, I love Taos, Questa, Red River, Angel Fire, the whole enchanted circle. Used to up there 2-3 times a month, very nice drive and very pretty in the winter.

[jeeny1]

Pipe dope is used as a sealant. Once it is functional, it is very hard to break the joint. Threaded pipe has a way of not threading back precisely the same once it has been torque the initial instance. I would stick with pipe dope.