> I have the Stanoszek plans for a calliope and have often wondered
> about making the pipes out of plastic (pipe), for convenience.
> The referenced web site also states that the polymer pipes are more
> temperature stable.

Well, standard plumbing pipe would be interesting if you were going
to use steam.  CPVC pipe (I don't know what the first 'C' is for) is
certified for hot water, but I don't think it's a real champ at live
steam.

> Does anyone have plans for making a set of plastic calliope pipes?
> I could sort of copy the Stanoszek plans but I believe that plastic
> pipe material, at least from plumbing sources, is not available in as
> many different diameters as are listed for the brass pipes, so some
> adaptations would need to be made.

1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/2 inch, 1-1/4 inch (maybe), 2-inch,
2-1/2 inch, 3 inch, 3-1/2 inch, on up to six inches, I think.  I also
believe, on the basis of a stop in Italian plumbing shops, that European
plumbing pipes and fittings are the same size as those in the US.

Now, there are sources of pipes in just about any material you can name,
including graphite if your adventures take you there.  McMaster-Carr is
one place to start, http://www.mcmaster.com/  Among a multitude of pipe
materials they have red nylon pipe, amber polybutadiene or however you
spell it, neoprene pipe fittings, carbon-reinforced pipe, and of course
the standard aluminum (!) brass, a multitude of plastics, and stainless
steel.  Delivery is fast, shipping is cheap.  The on-line catalog makes
all the difference: they have a gigantic thick paper catalog, but it's
available to their better customers and copies are highly prized.

There is really graphite pipe.  For this, you have to look in the
'raw materials' category, which also includes lead, tungsten carbide,
tin, bronze, cerro low-melting alloys, and titanium.  No lead pipe,
I'm afraid.

Mark Kinsler