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Thread: Copper Tube

  1. #1
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    Default Copper Tube

    Hi All,
    I am building a model steam engine and am chasing a piece of copper tube approx. 2.5inch dia x 8 inches long, to make the boiler. Help would be much appreciated.
    Thanks

  2. #2
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    You can get it from plumbing supplies, but you will need to buy a full length of it... or get friendly with a commercial plumber and ask for an off cut


    https://www.grainger.com/category/pl...&filters=attrs
    ....................................................................

  3. #3
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    Default

    Would this be of any use?
    Approx 40mm diam, 125mm long on the plain section. Tubes are just over 11mm OD.

    I have a couple here that were destined for the scrappie.



    Steve

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by OxxAndBert View Post
    Would this be of any use?
    Approx 40mm diam, 125mm long on the plain section. Tubes are just over 11mm OD.

    I have a couple here that were destined for the scrappie.



    Steve
    Thanks, but it is too small. Needs to be between 60 & 70mm dia.

  5. #5
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    Default

    A few years ago a mate of mine used an old fire extinguisher body, the type they had on buses in days gone buy, picked it up for $5 at a second shop

  6. #6
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    You could try a scrap metal dealer. Should be one close by. They usually end up with the short lengths of new pipe when a plumber cleans out the van.

  7. #7
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    A scrap dealer would be a good idea I think. A sprinkler fitter would use plenty of larger diameter pipe also. It might be worth a phone call to a fire services business to ask them if you could buy a small piece off them.

  8. #8
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    That size wouldn't be in the range of a general plumber, unless it's someone who does Fire sprinkler systems. I doubt even Refrigeration blokes would use that size.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  9. #9
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    Default

    You could also make one using a swage block then rivet and silver solder the seam

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore View Post
    That size wouldn't be in the range of a general plumber, unless it's someone who does Fire sprinkler systems. I doubt even Refrigeration blokes would use that size.
    Kryn
    A long run for gas supply can get to that size in an commercial environment plenty of industrial uses my work has runs of 4" for combustion air and 2" for the gas to feed the burners on our smaller pans/kettles but all of the bigger pans use heavy wall steam pipe probably a cost thing I'd say.
    ....................................................................

  11. #11
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    Any tube you get will only be thin wall. You may have to get some copper sheet, roll it and then solder a strip of copper across the join to make it a lap joint.

    Thought - have you contacted a model engineering club in the area? They may have a member who has something suitable. The other thing is that boilers for models are covered by a standard so they should be able to advise on how thick it should be and any things that are prohibited as a construction method. Given the pressures involved and the consequences of failure, worth checking.

    Michael

  12. #12
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    Default

    I can give you a choice of sizes.

    These sizes are close but not exact. Where they are, they are awkward to measure.

    OD = 60mm Wall thickness appears to be +3mm (could be some burring on edge)

    OD = 64mm Wall thickness around 1.7mm.

    Michael has raised the idea of model engineering society near you. He has also raised the issue of boiler safety.

    If you are not already aware there is a magazine "Australian Model Engineering"

    https://www.ameng.com.au/main.htm

    They have a club listing and under their shop tab sell various miniature boiler code books.

    Let me know if this is of interest.

    Findlay.



  13. #13
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    Default Ummm

    Would 70 mm od do?

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore View Post
    I doubt even Refrigeration blokes would use that size.
    Kryn
    we can and do use some big copper tube Kryn...biggest suction line I have used is 3-1/8 inch copper....think we go up to 4inch?

    Our pipe is usually thicker wall than what a general plumber would use as we operate with higher pressures

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