Extra tubes

[Woodchipper]

Noted this suggestion on another post. Good idea as I have a number of extra tubes. Have gotten in a jam and didn't have the right length. So...I either cut the tube down or used two tubes and cut off the extra length. A patient search on the supplier list can uncover the common diameters.

 

[its_virgil]

A patient search on the supplier list can uncover the common diameters.

Or use the IAP Bushing and Tube app.

 

[dschem]

Don't use two tubes, as you are creating a weak point and can very easily break the blank in half.

 

[Woodchipper]

Don't use two tubes, as you are creating a weak point and can very easily break the blank in half.

Never had a problem with one time. Turned as usual. To order extra tubes, one spends the money plus S&H to buy five tubes. When I bought kits, always bought extra tubes.

 

[egnald]

I used to buy extra tubes for any new style I added to my stash, but now I only do it if the kit uses some non-standard tube diameters. For the standards, I bought packages of long (10-inch) tubes and I cut them down to match a specific kit if I need an extra tube. - Dave

 

[Monty]

I used to buy extra tubes for any new style I added to my stash, but now I only do it if the kit uses some non-standard tube diameters. For the standards, I bought packages of long (10-inch) tubes and I cut them down to match a specific kit if I need an extra tube. - Dave

Great minds think alike.

 

[Woodchipper]

Who carries the 10 inch tubes of various sizes? Only found 7 mm for Slimline kits.

 

[egnald]

Who carries the 10 inch tubes of various sizes? Only found 7 mm for Slimline kits.

Exotic Blanks has 3/8, 10mm, 10.5mm, 8mm and 12.5mm.
I got my 27/64 for Sierra style pens from WoodTurningZ.
Dave

PS All brass tubes are not the same. It is important that they be specifically for pen kits as the tubes are named for the nominal drill bit size or kit style rather than their exact micrometric outside diameter (OD). Actual measured OD's usually run slightly under the designated size to allow a smooth, slip fit inside the drilled hole. Also general hobby stock brass tubing usually has thicker walls and different inner diameters (IDs) so they will likely not fit the pen kit components properly either).

7mm (Slimline): actual OD is typically ~0.243" to 0.245" (6.17–6.22 mm).
8mm Tubes: actual OD measures roughly 0.303" to 0.306" (7.69–7.78 mm).
10mm Tubes: actual OD measures close to 0.390" to 0.393" (9.90–9.98 mm).
10.5mm Tubes (Cigar / Big Ben): actual OD measures approximately 0.400" to 0.408" (10.16–10.36 mm).
3/8" Tubes: actual OD measures around 0.368" to 0.372" (9.35–9.45 mm).
27/64" Tubes: actual OD measures around 0.415" to 0.419" (10.54–10.64 mm).
12.5mm Tubes (King/Mega/Senior kits): actual OD measures near 0.488" to 0.492" (12.40–12.50 mm).

 

[Woodchipper]

Thanks. Worked with lots of brass tubing in gas appliances. Big difference compared to pen tubes.

 

[mark james]

On a rare occasion when I would do something wrong (glue in tubes and the glue set before fully inserting... DUH), I would cut long tubes to make up the needed length. Being careful, rasp clean the inner tube for glue blobs, I never had any problems. Using two tube lengths can work with care.