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Author Topic: Copper pipe help  (Read 2320 times)

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Copper pipe help
« on: March 29, 2024, 10:24:33 am »
I need some help understanding what fittings and size copper piping I need.   I want to use copper pipe for some of my engines thus I need copper pipe with a union fitting from 1/4” compression to 1/4-40 tpi.   What size diameter pipe should I buy? Also, how do I fit copper pipe onto a threaded fitting?
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2024, 10:37:00 am »
Solder.
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2024, 10:59:11 am »
I'd recommend getting yourself a PM Research Co. catalog, as it has a whole lot of that kind of information, and more, in the reference sections in the back.
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2024, 11:05:56 am »
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2024, 11:50:57 am »
Soft solder does work for steam joints that will NOT be exposed to direct flame. I much prefer Staybright brand solders, with a small percentage of silver, for soft solder jobs as it is much stronger with a somewhat higher temperature tolerance than standard soft solder. But for anywhere that flame is likely to be near or come in direct contact with any solder joint, then true silver soldering (silver brazing) is far and away the better way to go!
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"Information is not knowledge, Knowledge is not wisdom, Wisdom is not truth, Truth is not beauty, Beauty is not love, Love is not music: Music is THE BEST...   
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2024, 01:27:09 pm »
Quote from: Stoker on March 29, 2024, 10:59:11 am
I'd recommend getting yourself a PM Research Co. catalog, as it has a whole lot of that kind of information, and more, in the reference sections in the back.

I’ve been to the website but it doesn’t tell me what I need, just the pieces available for sale - where can I find a catalogue like this?
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #6 on: March 29, 2024, 02:17:21 pm »
They don't know what you "need", so there is no way they could "tell" you that, but they offer a selection of materials from which you can decide what you need, however, the decision is yours to make based on what is available.

There is nothing in the catalog (it appears that they don't offer it in hard copy anymore) that isn't in their website catalog, so that resource should be adequate.

Perhaps I should also point out that your local hardware store likely has small copper tubing and fittings for hooking up things like swamp coolers and the like, so perhaps a trip there would be of service to you.
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"Information is not knowledge, Knowledge is not wisdom, Wisdom is not truth, Truth is not beauty, Beauty is not love, Love is not music: Music is THE BEST...   
Wisdom is the domain of the Wis (which is extinct). Beauty is a French phonetic corruption of a short cloth neck ornament currently in resurgence..."
F. Zappa ... by way of Mary, the girl from the bus.

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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #7 on: March 29, 2024, 02:24:01 pm »
Quote from: Stoker on March 29, 2024, 02:17:21 pm
They don't know what you "need", so there is no way they could "tell" you that, but they offer a selection of materials from which you can decide what you need, however, the decision is yours to make based on what is available.

There is nothing in the catalog (it appears that they don't offer it in hard copy anymore) that isn't in their website catalog, so that resource should be adequate.

Perhaps I should also point out that your local hardware store likely has small copper tubing and fittings for hooking up things like swamp coolers and the like, so perhaps a trip there would be of service to you.

Understood.  But I don’t know fitting names. I need copper pipe to fit into fitting screws that are hollow. 
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #8 on: March 29, 2024, 10:00:06 pm »
I think this type of solder to threaded adapter may be what you’re referring to (in model engineering size), but without a picture that’s only a guess.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

A fitting on one of my engines.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

You may find the type fitting(s) you are thinking of in the resources listed below. There are many other online resources where you will find helpful information. Once you have identified the fitting(s),you might want to post pictures here.

https://www.ajreeves.com/

https://www.munotmetalloys.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-copper-pipe-fittings/

https://pdf.directindustry.com/pdf/nibco/copper-fitting-catalog/12637-123275.html

https://maccmodels.co.uk/

https://www.ekpsupplies.com/steam-fittings-and-parts.html



As others have said, PM Research is a very good resource.

https://pmmodelengines.com/pipe-fittings/
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #9 on: March 30, 2024, 01:52:17 am »
Quote from: Hassellbear on March 29, 2024, 10:00:06 pm
I think this type of solder to threaded adapter may be what you’re referring to (in model engineering size), but without a picture that’s only a guess.

(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

A fitting on one of my engines.
(Attachment Link)

You may find the type fitting(s) you are thinking of in the resources listed below. There are many other online resources where you will find helpful information. Once you have identified the fitting(s),you might want to post pictures here.

https://www.ajreeves.com/

https://www.munotmetalloys.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-copper-pipe-fittings/

https://pdf.directindustry.com/pdf/nibco/copper-fitting-catalog/12637-123275.html

https://maccmodels.co.uk/

https://www.ekpsupplies.com/steam-fittings-and-parts.html



As others have said, PM Research is a very good resource.

https://pmmodelengines.com/pipe-fittings/


I appreciate these kind of replies. Thank you!  We all gotta learn & start somewhere.  I feel like some people just don’t want to share, like it’s some secret, lol!
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #10 on: April 24, 2024, 03:42:23 pm »
Late to the party here, take a look at what Jerry at Clevedon Steam has for fittings:
https://www.clevedonsteam.co.uk/products.html

He is in the UK but have found his shipments to me in Canada are quick and reasonable.
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Frank C.
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Re: Copper pipe help
« Reply #11 on: April 28, 2024, 02:52:08 pm »
Quote from: Weedensteam on April 24, 2024, 03:42:23 pm
Late to the party here, take a look at what Jerry at Clevedon Steam has for fittings:
https://www.clevedonsteam.co.uk/products.html

He is in the UK but have found his shipments to me in Canada are quick and reasonable.

Jerry is a great guy. I order from him all the time and I get my shipment in a week which is really good for England. I recently ordered a safety valve for a boiler I just bought and he even set the pressure for me so I wouldn’t have to do it.
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