Resources for larger diameter pipe?

[statekling]

I'm looking for a place to purchase copper/stainless steel pipe and fittings around the 2", 2.5" and 3" Diameter without having to large sections of it. Where did you find yours?

[LWTCS]

The bone yard or a plumber in the feild seem to be the most popular resource.

[The Baker]

The bone yard or a plumber in the feild seem to be the most popular resource.

Or, for stainless, a specialist stainless welding/ fabrication shop.

[LWTCS]

Or, for stainless, a specialist stainless welding/ fabrication shop.

Yep, thats what I did for the "Humper Thumper" build.

[stock doc]

Give Mike at Mile Hi Distilling a call.
He can make up any length 2" or 3" SS with ferrules TIG welded at both ends.
If you're in the states it's cost effective since he's in Colorado.

I'll expect to see the brown truck delivering mine this week.

Doc

[Time Lord]

Careful when phoning around to industrial suppliers asking for ss pipe. What you are really looking for is tube. Quite different, in dimension, wall thickness and type of fittings.

Best choice would be 2", 2.5", 3" Tube. 16 gauge. 304 stainless is the cheapest grade.

This is commonly used for food processing, breweries, dairy etc. A fab shop that does this work is your best source. Main warehouse suppliers will have a minimum charge and only sell full lengths (20ft)

Used tube from food processors is a good alternative to new and may have the odd fitting welded to it that could be useful.

[newerbrewer]

I just picked up a 5.5 ft section of 2" copper from a local metal recycler for $30. The outside is tarnished and bluey green but the inside looks fine and its not so hard to clean up the outside. Call around to metal scrap yards and metal recyclers, most don't deal with public, but some will if you tell them you have a small fabrication project at hand.