Is assembling the console/first stage/second stage etc as easy as it looks?

[Scuba446]

TIP:
Place some black electrical tape on the sides of your wrenches so you don't scratch the surface finish of the soft, marine brass on the 1st stage...when you install or remove the HP or LP hoses....

 

[BOOinTX]

Is it good to screw the hose connectors into the first-stage without any lubricant or with a little dab? If so, what kind?

 

[Scuba446]

You should rub just a small dab on your finger tips, rub it on as if you were putting hand cream on, in other words, well rubbed in, and just SPARINGLY run your fingers over the O-ring so it looks wet, but NOT loaded up. This will prolong their life. DO NOT put any in the port holes. Assemble as usual.