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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Nannuu on April 05, 2006, 04:18:22 pm

Title: Looking for small clear tubes
Post by: Nannuu on April 05, 2006, 04:18:22 pm

I'm trying to put fake neon on my marquee.  This is actually EL wire placed in polyethylene tubing (milk white tube), which is then placed in clear tubing (3/8" outer diameter). The bend radius of the 3/8" tubing requires that the neon will be set off of marquee about an inch.  To keep the lettering on the path that I want, I'll need some stand offs to hold the neon in place.  So I'm looking for some clear (probably polycarbonate) tubing that I can cut to length.  I prefer tubing so I don't have to drill a hole through it.  I thnk I want tubing so I can run fishing line through to hold the neon.  Or I can use a rod if needed and drill a hole through the side.

Hmm, come to think of it, want tubing.  Then I can run a small bolt through the center to hold it to the marquee.

I can find tubing on McMaster but it only comes in long lengths.  I would guess the shipping cost is too high for that.

Title: Re: Looking for small clear tubes
Post by: sWampy on April 05, 2006, 04:26:04 pm

Pet stores most likely have some in their fish section.

Title: Re: Looking for small clear tubes
Post by: Nannuu on April 05, 2006, 04:32:02 pm

I think the fish stuff is flexible though.  That is what I'm using for the outer shell of the neon.

I just ordered the 8 foot length from McMaster, they said shipping wouldn't be more than $9.  That's more than the entire order but still kind of cheap per foot overall.

Title: Re: Looking for small clear tubes
Post by: sWampy on April 05, 2006, 04:33:53 pm

Petsmart has several sizes of hard clear pipe.

Title: Re: Looking for small clear tubes
Post by: Nannuu on April 05, 2006, 04:48:46 pm

Oh, well thanks!!!  I'll run by there tonight on the way home.  I'm on the phone right now with McMaster, they called to say the shipping is going to be $27.  Poop, Petsmart it is!

Title: Re: Looking for small clear tubes
Post by: MikeDeuce on April 05, 2006, 05:26:47 pm

If you don't find what you need at the pet shop:

http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=141&

Title: Re: Looking for small clear tubes
Post by: Nannuu on April 06, 2006, 05:09:49 pm

I was able to pick up some small tubing at Petsmart last night but I'm sure it won't be large enough.  It was only .99 so why not get it.  Anyway I'll be ordering from Tap today.  Thanks for the link Deuce, that helped a lot.  I didn't think I was going to find it at all.

Title: Re: Looking for small clear tubes
Post by: MikeDeuce on April 07, 2006, 12:53:40 pm

Very cool, hope it works out!

I *heart* my local tap, not sure how their online service is, though.

Quote from: Nannuu on April 06, 2006, 05:09:49 pm

I was able to pick up some small tubing at Petsmart last night but I'm sure it won't be large enough.  It was only .99 so why not get it.  Anyway I'll be ordering from Tap today.  Thanks for the link Deuce, that helped a lot.  I didn't think I was going to find it at all.