Making PVC DC Fittings

[JoeyGee]

Does anyone make their own fittings from PVC pipe? I need to make a few for 2.5" SV hose. WHat diameter works best? Is there a good size?

[JR]

Is there a good size?

No. There isn't.

This is a source of considerable frustration for me. There is almost nothing avaialble at local stores near me for this application.

Rockler and Woodcraft (and I presume others) have a good selection of components. It's a good idea to buy a few likely suspects each time you're in their stores or buying something else on line.

That's all i got

JR

[JoeyGee]

FWIW, Shopnotes had some homemade PVC fittings. They basically used a TS to cut a kerf lengthways, and then a BS to make some shallow kerf cuts into the insides of the pipe to help it collapse on itself, and then I believe they just PVC "welded" it back together. That's more work than I want, but it does appeal to my cheap side.

I do have great local store with a good selection of 2.5" fittings, but they are at least $4-$5 a piece. Like I said, I'm cheap

[messmaker]

I have found that a 1/2 liter water bottle with the ends cut off and some duct tape will work in a pinch.You may have to experiment with different brands but they work. You can also get a rubber fitting with clamps on each end in the plumbing part of your hardware store. They are about 5 bucks each though.

[Thom2]

I threw in the towel trying to find suitable 'cheap' fittings in the plumbing dept. .... nothing seems to work and I wasn't going thru the hassle of trying to cut and glue pvc to do it. My Lowes has some shop vac connectors for joining two hoses together that run right around $3 a piece, that's the best thing I've found so far. You can cut them in half and get 2 hookups out of each sleeve.

I have made several out of MDF or plywood tho' ... a 2 1/4" hole saw is almost exactly the right size for the hose end to fit snugly.

This is another I did using a hole saw and a forstner bit, I forget what sizes I used to get this one tho. (the hose actually fits on the outside of this one)

[Popeye]

For what's it's worth... I've been through this drill with 2.5" shop vac and now with 4" DC hookups.
The following are absolute requirements for hooking any of this stuff up:
Duct tape...for making up the outside dia. of connections, not wrapping the outside, that works but not for making good tight fittings.
Hole saws
Fly cutter.... (adjustable circle cutter)
3/4" ply or MDF
A GOOD imagination for using using stuff that you'd never associate with DC plumbing.
To me it got to the point that is was less agravating to just make my own fittings than to pick and growl through the box store plumbing isle and Woodcrafts pile of stuff.
Did I mention patience????? Have fun.... Pat

[JimD]

Aluminum duct tape is better than normal fabric based duct tape. If your big box store has a section where they sell rigid HVAC duct, they should have the aluminum duct tape. Glue is better and it does not leak air (it is actually thin aluminum).

For blast gates, I cut a union for the 4 inch drain pipe I use in half and use an adjustable hole cutter (fly cutter) to make holes in the plywood the right size for the union piece. Then you can either rely on friction to keep the pipe in the fitting or glue it in if you are confident of the placement.

I am unsure I understand the question but to join flexible pipe - if that is the issue - I have also rolled a piece of aluminum flashing up around the pipe and then duct taped it in place. I have also done this with a piece inside the pipe pop riveted together. Inside is prettier but outside allows more air flow.

Jim

[eezlock]

pvc for DC?

The problem with pvc plumbing fittings is that is thicker walled than needed
for dc collection usually a schedule 40 or heavier. Might want to try some electrical pvc fittings usually thinner walled stuff here, or might try and contact a contractor in your area that installs central vac systems for
homes and see if they would have the fittings you need.eezlock

[Scottydont]

I make my own blast gates that have different diameter holes when needing to step up or down the size of a hose.