Basic Constuction supplies (US guys)

juggle5 Mon Apr 27, 2009 5:30 pm

For the 6 and 8 inch versions can you help me out with the following:

- where did you get your large tubes, I couldn't find them at Home Depot
- did you use plastic or brass screening
- what did you use to hold the screen in place
- did you use the standard size and length straws
- what baffle material did you find works best

thanks Ken

John Mon Apr 27, 2009 8:02 pm

Ken, I'm sure you've already read this post but I want to put it here for future nozzlists.

I will be referring to this post for some of the answers https://laminar.forumotion.com/laminar-nozzle-talk-and-pictures-f1/the-guide-to-laminar-flow-t18.htm

Q. Where did you get your large tubes, I couldn't find them at Home Depot?

I purchased my tubing at Sprinkler World. I think it's just a local store, but it is dedicated to sprinkler systems. I would start there as well some sort of plumbing supply store. I'm pretty sure they use sprinklers in Cali. Companies that supply piping for road construction and such will have some too. You don't need a huge wall thickness.

Q. Did you use plastic or brass screening?

I used a nylon screen, just something you'd find at home depot in the window section. The thread (if that's what you call it) is pretty thick, so it doesn't really matter how big or small it is in my opinion.

Q. What did you use to hold the screen in place?

I used the split ring technique. Essentially I used the same pipe, but just cut a small section out so that it slips inside.

For the complete information you should read this post https://laminar.forumotion.com/laminar-nozzle-talk-and-pictures-f1/the-guide-to-laminar-flow-t18.htm, but here is a section from it. I think there are some other references about the internal ring in that post.

"To make an internal ring:

Once you have cut your ring to the desired thickness, then simple cut it once. Insert it into the pipe and measure the distance mark it, but DO NOT CUT IT THERE. Cut it so that the ring will be too big still. That way if you screw up at least you can cut it again. I have my rings so that they are a bit too tight and you really have to push them hard to get them to fit inside. Once they are inside they move easier."

Q. Did you use the standard size and length straws?

Yes, the standard size will work fine. I didn't cut or modify mine. They are the regular straws, not the oversized ones that you will find at McDonalds. Mine are 7.75" long.

Q. What baffle material did you find works best?

Do you know what a swamp cooler is? If so, I used a mat that you would find in there. If not, don't worry about searching for it. There are a number of different materials you can use. Mario used some sort of fish filter material. I've been looking into using reticulated foam for my final product. You can used some sort of sponge material. Pretty much any material that will allow water to flow through it will probably work. You probably could even use coffee filters if they allow enough water through it. Just walk up and down the isles at your hardware store and you'll probably be able to find soemthing that will work perfectly for you.