As I'm sure you can all appreciate getting started is the easy part, keeping on the right path and making sound decisions can at times seem a bit daunting. Staying within our personal means is tough at any level from being a hobbyist to a pro, and making the best decisions possible from the beginning is key to the success of anyone starting a new endeavor.
That being said and if I purchase a good extractor now, I think if I can tough it out this year with a make shift uncapping tub I will be $$ ahead, and will go into next year more fiscally sound. Kathy I looked hard at the Mann Lake tubs, but I feel that if I can get by this year not spending much maybe I can find a tank like Scott did or save for a better tub. Mann Lake gets plenty of my $$ as it is. The process this year will give me a better understanding of how the workflow could be improved.
You have all been here where I am as a new beekeeper, so your insight is invaluable. indypartridge I'm thinking you have may be what I am looking for. The cost is low and it would get me by for now.
Anyway I need to make a decision soon so if I decide to, I can get a extractor purchased and delivered here before to long, as I probably should of had the honey supers off by now from what I gather from reading everything I have on here.