Hi MMD'ers!

I came across a couple of things in the last few days that I'd like
to share as I think they might be useful.

Automotive rubber tubing:  We all have tried to use this stuff and have
all had the same results.  The tubing is just slightly too small and it
has that ugly white writing on it that says something like "HEATER HOSE
1/2" ID MADE IN USA".  The 1/2 inch ID is a lie, it is more like 7/16ths
at best and won't slide onto a 1/2 pipe without a lot a trouble.

Well I discovered two things.  One is that lacquer thinner will remove
the white writing with very little effort.  Also if you wipe the hose
down from end to end with lacquer thinner not only does it even out the
look of the rubber but it also temporarily makes the rubber soft and
pliable to the point that is easily slides onto the "same size" pipe.
The rubber goes soft in only a few seconds.  A few minutes later the
rubber is back to its normal consistency.  I thought this was pretty
"neat"!

Copper tubing:  This is the regular water pipe copper tubing you can
get in straight 8 foot lengths at Home Depot.  I have used this with
copper elbows, couplings and reducers (to get from 1-1/4" to 1/2"
tubing).  I use clear two part epoxy to glue the parts together.
Although copper tubing is not quite historically correct, it is cheap,
a good substitute for cloth covered rubber tubing for long vacuum
supply runs, and after about 2 or 3 months is tarnishes a bit and just
looks "old" - very much like it belongs there. Copper tubing and
connectors are very cheap and readily available.  Also lacquer thinner
will remove the writing on the copper tubing as well.  Hint: Buy a hand
pipe cutting tool.  It makes very straight cuts and the tubing does
not require sanding down ends like it would if you used a hack saw.

Anyway, although these materials are not quite traditional they are
very easy to work with and won't break your pocketbook.

Musically,

Ray Finch
Albuquerque, New Mexico