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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Tim Wescott on May 09, 2013, 02:45:50 PM

Title: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Tim Wescott on May 09, 2013, 02:45:50 PM
I see folks making control systems using lead-out wire run through small copper or brass tubing -- like, OD less than 1/16" (and ID obviously more than .027" cable).

Where would I look for such stuff?  I suppose I'd rather have copper than brass; either way I want soft.
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: John Cralley on May 09, 2013, 03:34:43 PM
You might try this:
http://www.amazonsupply.com/copper-c122-seamless-round-tubing/dp/B003TFFCBU/ref=sr_1_12?sr=1-12&qid=1368135167&filterBy.item_shape=round (http://www.amazonsupply.com/copper-c122-seamless-round-tubing/dp/B003TFFCBU/ref=sr_1_12?sr=1-12&qid=1368135167&filterBy.item_shape=round)
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Balsa Butcher on May 09, 2013, 04:19:24 PM
K&S tubing displays can be found at hobby shops. Hobby Lobby craft shops carry it as well as many ACE or OSH hardware stores. The trick is to anneal (I think that is what it is called) the tubing. Heat it using a propane torch and then quench it in some water. It will now be soft and can be bent into tight loops for leadouts or line ends. Done carefully it will not crush or pinch the cable. 8)
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Tim Wescott on May 09, 2013, 04:24:19 PM
K&S tubing displays can be found at hobby shops. Hobby Lobby craft shops carry it as well as many ACE or OSH hardware stores. The trick is to anneal (I think that is what it is called) the tubing. Heat it using a propane torch and then quench it in some water. It will now be soft and can be bent into tight loops for leadouts or line ends. Done carefully it will not crush or pinch the cable. 8)

K&S only goes down to 3/32.  I was hoping for smaller.
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Trostle on May 09, 2013, 04:30:03 PM
K&S only goes down to 3/32.  I was hoping for smaller.

Gee, I have bought K&S tubing that is 1/16" OD with an ID of 1/32".  I am even holding a piece in my castor oil stained fingers here very close to the monitor.

KT
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Geoff Goodworth on May 09, 2013, 09:17:20 PM
I'm like Keith. Tower lists 1/16" OD, $2.09 for a packet of 3 pieces 12" long.
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Tim Wescott on May 09, 2013, 09:29:38 PM
I'm like Keith. Tower lists 1/16" OD, $2.09 for a packet of 3 pieces 12" long.

Augh!  I had just looked on Tower and didn't find that.  Do you have the number, or a page URL?
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Mark Scarborough on May 09, 2013, 10:44:19 PM
Augh!  I had just looked on Tower and didn't find that.  Do you have the number, or a page URL?
dude,, go to Ace hardware, or Micheals, or hobby lobby,,

save shipping, + instant gratification
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: RC Storick on May 09, 2013, 11:02:20 PM
I see folks making control systems using lead-out wire run through small copper or brass tubing -- like, OD less than 1/16" (and ID obviously more than .027" cable).

Where would I look for such stuff?  I suppose I'd rather have copper than brass; either way I want soft.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCGCK&P=7
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Tim Wescott on May 09, 2013, 11:04:50 PM
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCGCK&P=7
Thank you Robert.  For some reason I just could not choke that out of Tower.
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Mark Scarborough on May 09, 2013, 11:46:27 PM
Tim if you decide on copper,,

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCGCH&P=7

Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Randy Powell on May 10, 2013, 09:15:48 PM
Tim,

I'm surprised your not digging up the copper and casting it yourself.   ;D
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Mark Scarborough on May 10, 2013, 09:19:11 PM
Tim,

I'm surprised your not digging up the copper and casting it yourself.   ;D
oh Randy, that is kinda harsh,,

funny,,
but harsh,,

Tim,, heres to you bud,, now they dont pick on me quite as much,, LOL
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Tim Wescott on May 10, 2013, 11:13:30 PM
Tim,

I'm surprised your not digging up the copper and casting it yourself.   ;D

No copper ore on the property.

But, come to think of it, I do have some spare romex.  Hmm.
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Howard Rush on May 11, 2013, 02:30:25 AM
No copper ore on the property.

But, come to think of it, I do have some spare romex.  Hmm.

If you get that straight enough, you might be able to drill it.

Amazon Supply (formerly Small Parts), the link John posted above, has lots of cool tubing, including tiny stainless hypodermic needle tubing.
Title: Re: Source for small copper or brass tube
Post by: Jim Thomerson on May 12, 2013, 10:55:14 AM
If your are using a plastic bellcrank, the Teflon tubing, like used with CA glue, works fine at the bellcrank end of the leadouts.