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  • Copper tube

    Hi,

    I'm making thermosyphon lines to replace some unserviceable ones as part of a La Pavoni pub rebuild at the moment. The old copper tubes were 12mm outer diameter, with compression (mushroom) fittings brazed on each end.

    I've found some new end fittings of the correct (original) size, but I can't find a supplier of 12mm copper tube. Standard plumbing copper tube is 1/2", which is close, but too big for the end fittings.

    Unfortunately most advertisements for "12mm" copper tube turns out to be 1/2" in reality.

    Anyone know where I can source metric 12.0mm OD copper tubes suitable for espresso machines?

    Thanks!

  • #2
    More or less impossible to find 12mm in Australia but copper tube is easy to swage to size.

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by rustyfence View Post
      Hi,

      I'm making thermosyphon lines to replace some unserviceable ones as part of a La Pavoni pub rebuild at the moment. The old copper tubes were 12mm outer diameter, with compression (mushroom) fittings brazed on each end.

      I've found some new end fittings of the correct (original) size, but I can't find a supplier of 12mm copper tube. Standard plumbing copper tube is 1/2", which is close, but too big for the end fittings.

      Unfortunately most advertisements for "12mm" copper tube turns out to be 1/2" in reality.

      Anyone know where I can source metric 12.0mm OD copper tubes suitable for espresso machines?

      Thanks!
      Hey! I might have some (not new). What length?

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by sprezzatura View Post

        Hey! I might have some (not new). What length?
        Hi sprezzatura, thanks for checking. Second hand is fine. 1x550mm and 1x350mm pieces would cover it, including allowances for bends and trimming the ends and brazing mistakes. A pic below of the original tubes, for interest.

        Hi Lyrebird, not very familiar with swaging and unfortunately I don't have swaging kit at home. Reducing (rather than expanding) looks like it requires some serious gear?

        Attached Files

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        • #5
          I’ll take a look in my brass/copper bin ??

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          • #6
            Originally posted by sprezzatura View Post
            I’ll take a look in my brass/copper bin ??
            Yes please, would appreciate it!

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            • #7
              I found one piece - it’s in descale. I’ll send you an image tomorrow.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by rustyfence View Post

                unfortunately I don't have swaging kit at home. Reducing (rather than expanding) looks like it requires some serious gear?
                A 5% reduction doesn't need anything fancy, you can do it with a torch, a hammer and a lot of patience.

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                • #9
                  12mm OD with PTFE olives & 1/2” BSBP female caps. Overall 380mm usable.
                  Attached Files

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by sprezzatura View Post
                    12mm OD with PTFE olives & 1/2” BSBP female caps. Overall 380mm usable.
                    Thank you kindly sprezzatura. That would be perfect for the shorter thermosyphon pipe, but I won't impose on you for it yet because I will still need to source a longer piece for the other pipe - will let you know how I go.

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                    • #11
                      I’ll have a look around and see if anyone else has some 12mm

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                      • #12
                        If you don't mind waiting for a little bit, I've used these people in the past for various bits and pieces and found them to be honest and relatively quick when you factor in where it's coming from...

                        Mal.
                        Attached Files

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Thanks Mal and sprezzatura. Went the ebay route - nevertheless thanks sprezzatura for checking your scrap inventory! Barring mistakes with bending and brazing, I should have a little left over ... if anybody else runs into the same predicament.

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