Copper Pipe and fitting help

[STGRule]

I am designing 3 copper-pipe gates for my back patio. I need to have the measurements as exact as possible. I have made trellises before and didn't worry about the dimensions, as it didn't matter as long as the corresponding pieces were the same length. Now I have a finite measurement with as many as 14 T's across the width. As I will have a lot of cost in material I am building my bill of materials as leanly as possible. I am building them out of 1/2-inch pipe with 1/2-inch slip-joint T's and elbows. My question is: How far does the pipe slip into a 1/2-inch fitting? You would think I could find the answer on the net. You would think somebody could answer that question over the phone.

My best guess is it will slip in 1/2 inch. But if I am wrong, the gates will be too wide. Is it 1/2 inch? Is it 3/8"? Help. I have 150 pieces to cut so I really need them to be the correct length the first time.

[Small Fry]

Sounds like a neat project. How about posting some picture when your done I'd like to see how it turns out.

Stop by any hardware store and measure the inside. When you solider the fittings make sure there seated well or you'll be sorry.

1/2" per joint. Don't do less than 3/8" if you're short. Have you done copper soldering?

[STGRule]

Small Fry: It depends on how well it turns out.

Keta: Yes, I've made a few garden items. I epoxied the first one and that didn't work as well as the instructions said it would. I've soldered since then. I just never worried about the measurements before, as they were freestanding. As long as the corresponding pieces were the same length, it didn't matter. This time it will matter.

Have fun :smile:

[fisheromen]

If you cut them a little short don't worry about it because the pipe doesn't have to be seated all the way into the "T" in order to make a strong joint (even 1/4" seated into the T will make a decent weld). So I'd say stay on the lean side of 1/2" or the strong side of 3/8" (maybe just shoot for 7/16"). With copper dryfitting is somewhat accurate.

[love2fish]

STGRule,
I just measured some 1/2" copper fittings I have, and they seat at 1/2". Hope that answers your question. I wouldn't mind seeing some pictures of your trellises if you have the time to post them.

love2fish

[Snapset]

Stg, that sounds like a fun project. Could you post a picture when you are done?

[1pump]

Hmmmm....I've soldered copper for both compressed air and water, and as long as the joint didn't leak I didn't care how it looked. But here you're gonna have the challenge of soldering clean joints so they have a uniform appearance and don't have solder running all over the pipe. Wow.
Good luck, and I hope you're better with a torch than I am! :smile: