So enough messing around with ghetto-ware. I decided to get the proper labware. Easily and inexpensively enough, I obtained, among other essentials, a reflux condenser and boiling flask. So far so good.
But my inexperience showed through (yet again) when attempting to set up the apparatus on a ring stand. The only clamps available were a buret and a three-fingered clamp. Not knowing how much to tighten the thumb-screws, the condenser sprung cracks at the top and bottom ends (just above and below both ST joints) due to (guess it) over-tightening. I literally screwed the condenser, but to what extent is the query of this post.
I've got another condenser (of a different type) on the way, but lack of funds means it will not replace the cracked one soon enough. Can I still use my condenser for a reaction in the meantime, I wonder?
The cracks are only on the water-jacket (outside) part, except for a small one located (unfortunately) just below the very first inner condenser bulb. In order to determine how bad the cracks were, I blew lightly into the top joint whilst covering the bottom end with my hand. A chunk of glass flew out in between the condenser top and joint. I don't think that should be a problem, since the gas will not reach that far up (theoretically).
Speaking with a guy at a lab supply shop, I was told that it should do fine if I epoxy and/or duct-tape the cracked parts. The heat from the reflux will not be much more than 100°C, but I don't know how well Pyrex-type glass holds up in this condition when the glass has already been compromised.
My main concern is that the inner bulb crack will give way, letting tap water flood the reaction flask. I realize now, after reading Zubrick, that I should have clamped the bottom at the neck of the flask. (But if I did that at the time, I probably would have broken the flask's neck.)
I haven't yet attempted a "dry run", but will try that soon before the big show. I suppose I'll have the new condenser on hand prior to doing the real thing, but regardless, does anyone have any tips?
Just another reason why newbees should at least take an intro course to organic chemistry before messing around without any real experience.