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CA-ON Large copper tubes?

Ontario
Type
Metal
M

Mike R

Super User
Premium Member
Anyone have a suggestion of where to find smallish quantities of sheet copper and large-ish copper tubes?
I want some rather large, uncommon stuff for model steam boiler purposes (just a stationary desktop one, not for a specific locomotive) . Needs to be type M or heavier ( L or K type) and not DWV which is the most common for large diameter copper.
Also could use some 1/16" sheet (1.6mm or 16 gauge) or slightly thicker (~2mm / 14 gauge)
I'm not particularly picky and can probably figure out an appropriate design once I've found some material, but man, the asking price for copper makes me want to cry and makes buying a kit from US or UK seems almost reasonable. (examples of something I'd like to build https://pmmodelengines.com/steam-boiler-kit-2/ or https://pmmodelengines.com/steam-boiler-kit-1/ )

Anything from 3" to 4" diameter is ideal for me, but 5" to 6" is workable too, or even just the sheet - I can always roll my own for what I'm doing, just one more operation.
Almost forgot the length - just need 12" min but am open to more as long as its not 12 or 20ft length for thousand bucks.

The local place (metalpros.com) don't have stock so I'd end up paying with my first born child for them to bring it in.
In Ottawa if that helps.
 
Mike R said:
Anyone have a suggestion of where to find smallish quantities of sheet copper and large-ish copper tubes?
I want some rather large, uncommon stuff for model steam boiler purposes (just a stationary desktop one, not for a specific locomotive) . Needs to be type M or heavier ( L or K type) and not DWV which is the most common for large diameter copper.
Also could use some 1/16" sheet (1.6mm or 16 gauge) or slightly thicker (~2mm / 14 gauge)
I'm not particularly picky and can probably figure out an appropriate design once I've found some material, but man, the asking price for copper makes me want to cry and makes buying a kit from US or UK seems almost reasonable. (examples of something I'd like to build https://pmmodelengines.com/steam-boiler-kit-2/ or https://pmmodelengines.com/steam-boiler-kit-1/ )

Anything from 3" to 4" diameter is ideal for me, but 5" to 6" is workable too, or even just the sheet - I can always roll my own for what I'm doing, just one more operation.
Almost forgot the length - just need 12" min but am open to more as long as its not 12 or 20ft length for thousand bucks.

The local place (metalpros.com) don't have stock so I'd end up paying with my first born child for them to bring it in.
In Ottawa if that helps.
Click to expand...

I used to get large diameter type L copper from friends in the hydronics trades when I needed short lengths of 3" and 4" and didn't want to order 12' length which is often the minimum length you can buy from wholesaler if you have an account. I'd suggest googling local hydronic heating companies that do restoration and maintenance work on federal buildings. You may find one with scrap lengths they'll sell you.

Even that is a long short since we've moved to composite pipe and tubes for the most part.
 
Find a plumbing retailer who also runs repair/install crews. In Vancouver, Hillcrest Plumbing, Pioneer Plumbing. The bigger operations do lots of commercial stuff and might have some 4” L in stock and would cut to length for you.
 
Larger plumbing suppliers have it for commercial contractors but dollars to donuts you'll have to take a length of it. Grainder is $1239 for a 10' length :eek: Sheet copper is easier to find, there are a few non ferrous metal services around. Try Peckovers and ASA alloys for a quote, and I think there are others... but you should spec a grade.

For the large tube, model engineering supplies in the US and UK used to sell short lengths. Yeah postage is a killer, but not as much as having to buy a length of it!!! May the guy in Guelph who took over for Ted McJannet?

Wonder if it would be worth calling a few demolition/used building material places? Some seem to retail the nicer stuff they find
 
Down here I’d try a large Mechanical Contractor; large diameter copper pipe/tube is frequently used for recirculating hot water systems and big facilities need big diameters (and they will have off-cuts that would only be worth scrap).
 
Maybe try checking with any jewelry suppliers around the area, some have various metals and solids and sheet materials. No idea of prices.
 
I have a number of sheets of copper that measure .050 ish and 12x15". Perhaps a little too thin for you? Unfortunately, if they are of use, I am in Alberta.
 
34" piece of 3" L grade copper tube, 0.1" wall thickness.

Abbotsford BC. DM Me.

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You could try AIM metal recycling. I once bought a 45 gallon drum of lead shielded wire. Last time I was there they had about ten beautiful shiny 4" dia X 36" copper bellows. I though what a waste to have it go to the shredder, it would of looked really cool on some kind of steampunk project. But I think the suggestion of talking to a commercial plumber is better, they would rater sell it to you instead of recycling it for peanut.
 
I'm in Calgary. These are probably too short but they are yours if you want them. There should be another one of these assemblies around here if you need two of each item.

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