Copper pipe/tube source

[daveb1]

I'm begining the boiler on the new shay. Does anyone know a good source for copper tubing from 2 to 20mm or inch equvilent?

thanks

Dave Barker
Bow NH

[kenrinc]

Onlinemetals usually has copper tube in a variety of sizes although it's tough to find the thin stuff (under 1/8" wall). Are you asking about the thickness of sheet copper?

Onlinemetals will have sheet and tube in various sizes. For boiler shells it gets a bit dicey but I was under the impression that Kozo rolled all his boiler sheets so you would only need tubing for flues correct?

Ken-

[daveb1]

Hi Ken
You are correct. I have all the sheet copper to form the boiler and I'm looking for the flues. I tried online metals and they did not have the wall thickness Kozo calls for. I don't think I need the exact sizes but it should be close and have the about the same ID.

Thanks for the reply.

Dave

[kenrinc]

Yeah, was going to suggest K&S but they only deal in the real small stuff. You might try a plumbing contractor or the like. My guess is you want 1/2" or 5/8" type K or L copper pipe. 5/8" ID is roughly 3/4" OD so that gives you an idea. Wall is roughly .049". I can't remember the specifics of the shay boiler but I thought I remember it being 3 large flues.

Don't take my word for it, I'd actually check with someone as it's being used in a pressure vessel. Better to be safe here.

Ken-

[grege]

You could also look at McMaster-Carr.
I can't remember, but I might have purchased my flue material for my A3 from them. The site does give ID,OD dimensions for the various sizes.
I didn't find the exact size either, but compromised with greater wall thickness although the ID was slightly smaller.
Smaller tubing I've purchased was K&S at a hobby shop.
Greg

[daveb1]

Hi all
Well I have been to several sites and Online Metals seems to have the nearest sizes of copper 122 tubing. For the blower Pipe Kozo uses 6mm diameter with a 1mm wall, online has a 6.35mm with a .81mm wall. For the flues Kozo calls for a 20mm X 1.2mm and Online has a 19.05mm x 1.65. This leaves two questions in my mind, does the thinner wall on the blower cause a saftey problem and does the smaller ID on the flues cause a performance problem. Any input would be helpful. Thanks

Dave

[powderhorn01]

You might want to call your local commercial refrigeration repair co. They should be able to get you the info, or tell you where to get the materials, they might even have it stock. You might check the big box stores, you want copper pipe, not roll tube.

[bruce]

Mcmaster Carr has it all and nice catalog pages. I just bought some from them.