Does Anybody Know Where to Find...

ridewiththewind

♥ Hippie Hustler ♥
Silver Member
I am trying to locate a source, or anyone who has one...PVC oval pipe or tube, like that used in the Thomas, Engles, Fellini type cases? I am tiring of trying to find what I want, and thought I would just make my own...I'm kinda handy that way. A manufacturer's name would be lovely. I am just looking for a 36" long piece, suitable for a 1x2 config case...or perhaps 2x3.

I would really super appreciate any help anyone could throw my way. I have located a source for the oval metal pipe, but that is gonna be heavier than, well, you get the picture! ;)

Thanks in advance!!
Lisa
 
Lisa,

Since you're not going into business just look in the yellow pages under plastics. Figure out what dimensions you need first and call around. You'll probably have to buy a bit more length than you need.Somebody locally should have what you want.

Terry
 
Lisa,

It May Be Worth Trying To Call One Of The Case Makers And See If They'll Tell You Where To Get It, Or Ask Them To Sell You A Piece. You Probably Want To Tell Them, That You Don't Plan On Making Cases For A Living But You Are Just Trying To Make One For Yourself. They May Be More Willing To Help If You Know You Aren't Planning On Competing With Them.
 
I could be wrong, but I think the oval is manipulated by boiling the pvc pipe. After boiling, it's bent/pressed into an oval shape. If you're going to produce several cases, you'll need a fixture or jig to ensure you're getting the same size oval each time.
 
Pvc

The oval shapes are extruded and very wxpensive to set. You have to have a die custom made and you own it, and I doubt that any case maker will sell you any, but they might.
A good cue deserves a good case, so its time to step up.
 
I build rubber extrusion dies and you are correct. They can be extruded. I also think boiling would work. It will temporarily soften the pvc so you can bend it. Then when it cools, it'll get hard again. I would suggest some sort of troft over gas (propane) heat. It could be pressed by making a vise out of 2x10 lumber or whatever. Just something to squeeze it evenly a few inches. You may even have to do the squeezing while it's in the water. It may cool too rapidly otherwise.
 
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D-I-Y would be tough

Gimme The 8 said:
The oval shapes are extruded and very wxpensive to set. You have to have a die custom made and you own it, and I doubt that any case maker will sell you any, but they might.
A good cue deserves a good case, so its time to step up.


I believe Gimme is correct, in that the Thomas case appears to be extruded abs. But to make the do-it-yourself route even more complicated, the cap slides/seats over a tube which is actually nested inside the outer tube of the storage portion of the case assembly. So two tubes would be required to make one yourtself.
 
MrMasse said:
I believe Gimme is correct, in that the Thomas case appears to be extruded abs. But to make the do-it-yourself route even more complicated, the cap slides/seats over a tube which is actually nested inside the outer tube of the storage portion of the case assembly. So two tubes would be required to make one yourtself.
Well, aren't you just one big $%&#*@% ray of sunshine? :p

:D

All in fun,

:DJon:D

P.S. I wonder if you could do without the double-tube setup and just use one???
 
There are sources...out of China & India. That is definitely a no-go. I did find a source for oval aluminum pipe...like that used for handrails. Still looking...some sources out of the UK possibly. If I find any, I will post info.

Thanks for the suggestions!!
Lisa
 
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