by
lmh » Thu Feb 02, 2012 10:28 am
agreed! But if you are struggling to afford a text book, get hold of every catalogue you can from the manufacturers and read the brochures. Of course they have bias, but they still provide a lot of general information about column chemistries and how they work.
Some manufacturers are very educational and can be persuaded to come and give seminars, and have useful guides. If you pick a manufacturer who makes a very wide range of typical columns, they have no particular reason to sell you the wrong one, and will be as anxious as you to make sure that you get a column that gives you the best possible separation for your price. The usual things apply (this is a personal opinion in no way to be attached to my employer, not endorsing any company etc.) but I've had good experiences with Phenomenex in the UK.