13 replies to this topic

[moosa]

Hi all. I just have a quick question that I hope one of you can shed some light on for me. I'm working on making something, but the guide I'm following calls for (quote) 3/4" PVC pipe (/quote) to fit into a 3/4" hole. Now, as I hope you all know, 3/4" nominal PVC will not fit into a 3/4" hole. At least none that I know of. 3/4" PVC is over an inch in outer diameter. So what I need to know is what kind of PVC has an OD of 3/4", or at least very close? I've tried searching the 'net to no avail, but obviously whatever these guys are using must exist. If anyone knows what I might be looking for, please do fill me in. Thanks a bundle.

[Zorns Lemma]

1/2" PVC pipe has an OD of .844 which is the closest you'll get in nominal PVC sizes to .75

They do manufacture plastic tube out of PVC plastic, so you can buy 3/4" PVC tube which will have 3/4" OD. But then the ID isn't related by any pressure standards to the OD or wall so unless an ID is specified it is unlikely that the instructions call for plastic tube as opposed to plastic pipe.

[Hubb]

Is the guide talking about CPVC? 3/4" CPVC has an OD of .875 (1/2" is running .625). CPVC is probably better suited for the darts anyway, as it will be closer to the right size.

Honestly, seeing the guide will help.

[moosa]

3/4" PVC Pipe - PVC pipe is a plastic pipe that is used in plumbing. It's light weight and easy to work with and make the structure of the boffer weapon. You can buy it at any large hardware store such as Home Depot, HQ, or Builder's Square. You'll need three-quarter inch (3/4") pipe. A 10 foot pipe costs about $2.00. There are three different types of this pipe. One is white with blue lettering, one is white with pink lettering, and the other is gray with black lettering. You will want to buy either the white with blue or pink lettering pipe because the gray pipe isn't sturdy enough.

This is taken from the guide. I get the feeling the tubing you're referring to isn't particularly commonplace. The ID isn't important here, so long as the wall thickness is not so thin that the pipe/tubing has no structural strength/rigidity.

[Zorns Lemma]

The guy that wrote the guide is an idiot. Pipe isn't classified by the color of the pipe and markings, but by the stamps on them. I think he means you should get SC40 or SC80 3/4" PVC pipe, and not DWV or SDR21. But then there's the question of what size hole you should drill...

[Hubb]

He may be talking about pex tubing. It is pretty close to the designated size and has different colored marks on it (which generally are for determining the different sizes). Standard pvc pipe (be it sch40 or 200psi) is generally white with black lettering. Gray PVC pipe is generally Sch80, which is much more sturdier than the other two. PVC conduit is usually gray as well, but is Sch40, so it won't be really flimsy as he describes. And, for the record, Sch40, Sch80 and 200psi (or SDR) all have the same outside diameter.

If he is actualy talking about 3/4" pvc pipe, then see the post above mine. This would indicate to me that the person who put together this guide really doesn't know what he is talking about, and, therefore, may be full of crap on the entire thing.

Edited by Hubb, 08 March 2010 - 02:12 PM.

[CaptainSlug]

the guide I'm following calls for (quote) 3/4" PVC pipe (/quote) to fit into a 3/4" hole.

Why the hell are you asking us then? Ask the dumb ass that wrote such a poorly constructed guide.

[SerpentofSet]

There are three different types of this pipe. One is white with blue lettering, one is white with pink lettering, and the other is gray with black lettering. You will want to buy either the white with blue or pink lettering pipe because the gray pipe isn't sturdy enough.

O_O
*disbelief*

[moosa]

Everyone, I realize he is incorrect about what he wrote, which is why I'm asking you guys. And contrary to what you all seem to think, the guide is very well-written and informative, aside from this one point. I was hoping somebody here might know what sort of pipe he could be referring to, especially seeing how he seems to think it's so common and whatnot.

CS, you do have a point, and I can try and find a way to contact the guy. Judging by the way he wrote this though I get the impression he probably doesn't know the answer to this himself.

[moosa]

Alright, but the holes in what I have do appear to be exactly 3/4". And he says that it should be a pretty snug fit, which is why I've been trying to find out what might be out there that has a 3/4" OD. I can try to bring in a piece to Home Depot or whatever, but I'm afraid that what I'll find is that nothing there is going to fit. It shouldn't be loose at all.

[KaneTheMediocre]

Alright, but the holes in what I have do appear to be exactly 3/4". And he says that it should be a pretty snug fit, which is why I've been trying to find out what might be out there that has a 3/4" OD. I can try to bring in a piece to Home Depot or whatever, but I'm afraid that what I'll find is that nothing there is going to fit. It shouldn't be loose at all.

Assuming this is for a boffer-

If your tube is a little bit loose, wind a few layers of duct tape, in a few places on the tube (no need to cover the whole thing). If the gap is small, you can easily fill it (to whatever tightness desired) without wasting much time or tape.

[Hicks]

When I used to LARP and make boffers, the idea was to have them as light but structurally sound as possible. We used thinwall (1120) PVC exclusively for the cores of our weapons, and it was never an issue; so I'd recommend seeing if you can find a Lowe's that carries it -- it will be in with the regular PVC in the plumbing section, and it will have written on it the number 1120. Should come in sizes from 1/2" to 1".

[EDIT]
Also, I'm assuming you're asking because you're putting 3/4" foam over the pipe? Don't worry -- the foam may be a little tight, but it will fit over the pipe just fine.

Edited by Hicks, 09 March 2010 - 09:09 AM.

[moosa]

From what I read, thinwall PVC is designated as "SDR" and comes in SCH 13.5, 21 and 26. The outer diameter of nominal sizes of SDR "thinwall" PVC is identical to that of SCH 40 or SCH 80 pipe. So while the weight factor may be something to consider, it doesn't seem to pose any relevance to the issue at hand.

I'm not too sure about this stuff's ability to stretch to accommodate it, but I'll see what happens when I try to shove a piece of 1/2" PVC into it next time I go to the hardware store.

[moosa]

Sorry for the double-post, but I think this is legit.
I just got a response from the gentleman who wrote the guide, and he gave me every bit of information I asked for and then some.

I've pulled out some of my materials to get exact measurements.
The pool noodles I have have an exact 3/4" interior diameter.
The PVC I'm using, which fits snugly into it is labeled as 1/2". I
have two types of PVC, both the same size, that are different
thicknesses. Here are the exact measurements and labels:

1/2" Cresline: Inside: 11/16", Outside: 7/8"
Label: PVC SDR 13.5 - 315 PSI PR Water At 73 F PVC 1120 NSF-pw ASTM D2241 PPFA
This PVC has a pink label and is very light and sturdy.

1/2" Bristolpipe: Inside: 5/7", Outside: 7/8"
Label: PVC 1120 SCH 40 ASTM D-1785 NSF-pw 600 PSI 73 F BP-2 L PC
This PVC has a blue label and is a little heavier than the pink labeled PVC.

So yeah, I guess my measurements are a little off, I'll have to update my site.

So that clears that up. Looks like 1/2" PVC it is. I'll fill him in on what I can.