2.5" Copper Woes

[iDrinkWash]

So, I am FINALLY starting my column build (after years of prep and reading). I just recently got a smokin' deal on some 2.5" Type M pipe. Basically almost scrap prices.

So now I'm trying to figure out how I am going to modularly connect the stack to the head (or maybe even the head right to the boiler for pot still runs). The pipe that I have is 2.5" ID. It seems like all the tri clamp ferrules (copper or stainless) are sized for OD (and nobody makes a copper one that big, anyway). I have a 4" TC fitting on my boiler - so I was going to use a reducer anyway to fit the stack. I don't want to use any brass. I was hoping to braze on some stainless or copper TC ferrules.

My only choices seem to be:
1) have a machine shop bore out the center of a 3" TC blank to fit the OD of my pipe (about 2.6"), or
2) (from another thread here) have a muffler guy flare out the ends so the OD is 3" - and I can use a 3" ferrule

#2 seems extreme. I don't think they can flare it out that much.

Any help or advice for modular connections would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


iDrinkWash