3 Stage Cascade - Rebuild, Modification Thread

[sdumper]

First off I would like to give my hats off to the original builder of this cascade.
NoL built this for me sevaeral years ago before I started building but it got banged up in transit by FedEx which resulted in a massive first stage leak and very slow leaks in the second and 3rd stages. Well this unit has collected dust long enough so now its getting an overhaul and will find its way to GunSlingers benching room.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr......


Pict as it looks today


Unit is going to be cleaned up painted rewired and put onto a rollable benching cart.
Suction hose is getting replaced with a 5 footer


The familly of gases which will be used:
r14 (small 5lb tank)
r1150
and
r507 or r404 or r402a still deciding...



To do:
Add handvalve
Tune the charges of r14/r1150
Insulate
Paint base
Add digital temp displays
Rewire electrical using those corragated wire loops you see in the pictures including on off switches for the 3 stages and bypass
Add top of cart and mount suction line to cart with bracket to keep it stable at the connectors...

Misc touch ups to make it pretty...

[tool_462]

Oh a thing of beauty to see a beast resurrected

Any ideas on load capacity or target temps?

[gunbo13]

I would be interested to see you switch over to r402a SD. You have been swapping mineral rotaries with POE/507 as of late right? You don't really bite to much cost difference with r402a. Plus, you never can get the oil charge quality of the factory set. 402a would go great with your latest LG/Matsu/Tecum rotaries. The lower boiling point never hurts either.

I'd like to follow along with the pressure readings you would get.

[n00b 0f l337]

Good to see it coming back to life.
Hopefully that huge first stage condenser helps a bit

And I'm glad she's getting a cart, I remember getting that thing up 2 flights of stairs...

[sdumper]

Checking the likely spots first and then ill start looking at the other joints....

[sdumper]

Oh a thing of beauty to see a beast resurrected

Any ideas on load capacity or target temps?

Target -131c or so loaded but wont have a clue until I start tuning...

[n00b 0f l337]

You really like those carts don't you.

[sdumper]

You really like those carts don't you.

Yep whats not to like

They roll you can mount pids into the lid, mount bracket to the side for holding the suction, mount all your wiring underneth the base to hide it, put your mobo's on top for benching and did I mention they roll

Honestly the rolling makes it so much easier for me because I can move it around while brazing and leak testing ect...

[sdumper]

Just found the third stage leak .... and because it was such a slow leak I expect this to be the only leak...

[n00b 0f l337]

You should consider picking up the welding trade, might be much better in the long run then having wood in your construction or even buying those carts.

Test all around, who knows what that fork lift could have also damaged when they dropped/hit/smashed it.

[sdumper]

You should consider picking up the welding trade, might be much better in the long run then having wood in your construction or even buying those carts.

Most builders building cascades are using wooden bases mainly because its lighter and functional.

[bazx]

good luck sdumper i love a 3x stage build

will enjoy reading up on this

[n00b 0f l337]

I wouldn't say most, metal can be just as functional although not as easy.
It's a matter of tools. And my MIG welder has now been really showing strength. Being able to just tack some steel bars together and have a full ready to go case needing some walls is great.

[sdumper]

eaxmple:

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=215573

or

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...6&postcount=21

[n00b 0f l337]

Little debate mood, so in advance, your warned.
I think the wood is only because of a limitation in tools. Those with better do better. I'm simply saying that a decent MIG ($300-500) with tools and what not might serve as a good investment, it's done wonders for me lately. Just an idea I'm offering to try and help you improve your overall quality. Isn't that what we're all trying to do?

[[XC] gomeler]

I agree, it is a matter of tools. If I had the space and money I'd have a MIG welder and oxy/acetylene setup asap. Wood is great because it is easy to assemble and plentiful, steel and aluminum is where it is at though

[n00b 0f l337]

For instance, when I framed that unit the first time. On that steel cabinet with wood base? The wood was great, usable, drillable, workable. But if I had thrown together some 1" steel square, thrown a piece of steel down over the top (or just framed directly under each component) it would be tight as.. well.... no metaphor needed.
I'm just saying, go wood, its great. But you've done quite a few cascades now. Maybe consider steel. Or finding someone who can simply do steel for yuo.

[Ozzfest05]

The wood was great

Thats what she said.

*leaves thread*

[sdumper]

Thats what she said.

*leaves thread*

LoL

[sdumper]

For instance, when I framed that unit the first time. On that steel cabinet with wood base? The wood was great, usable, drillable, workable. But if I had thrown together some 1" steel square, thrown a piece of steel down over the top (or just framed directly under each component) it would be tight as.. well.... no metaphor needed.
I'm just saying, go wood, its great. But you've done quite a few cascades now. Maybe consider steel. Or finding someone who can simply do steel for yuo.

I agree welding a steel plate to the base would be easy and work nicely but the price is set and im already taking a loss on this build and since wood will work fine as a subtructure its going to need to stay.

[Jor3lBR]

All I can say is that GunSlinger is a freaking lucky man! Subd!

[Expat GriZ]

While I always enjoy reading and sifting through your threads and builds I have one comment...(please don't take this wrong) could you please purchase A REAL CAMERA!!!!

[Jor3lBR]

While I always enjoy your reading and sifting through your threads and builds I have one comment...(please don't take this wrong) could you please purchase A REAL CAMERA!!!!

+1 I will donate the tripod!!!

[sdumper]

LoL sorry guys sometimes its just quicker to take my phone out to my garage for a quick snapshot
Ill try to use my wifes camera for published picture

[SAE]

Yeah, I am anxious to see what your magic can do to this unit. But I agree with my predecessors: your pics suck!