In search of a good machinist.

[Flewster]

I am getting ready to start producing an item that I need a good quality machinist for. What I am needing specifically is this. I have a 12" piece of sch 40 1/2" stainless steel pipe that I need 8 holes drilled in and tapped to 1/4" NPT. They have to be straight and evenly spaced so that I can ad a series of valves to it. I tried and I am not good at all at doing it and was hoping that someone could do it on here. I am willing to pay of course and will pay for shipping both ways. IF your interested and can do the job properly let me know at wayne at johnwaynehoney dot com.

Thank you
 

[johnpop1]

If it was me, I would try to avoid tapping hole, at least tapping 1/4 pipe holes in your 1/2 pipe. The main reason it not that it cannot be easily done but that it simply will NOT seal at the threads. I have tried it. Even a flat surface that is tapped to 1/4 pipe might have a difficult time sealing with the material thickness offered with sch40 pipe. I would suggest having someone welding 1/2 couplings (weldelets) to the pipe and then inserting the valves. I doubt that you will ever be able to insert so many valves in such a short distance because you will never be able to turn them into the holes.
 

[Bud in WV]

I'd try this - not cheap but it'd work. You'll need a good SS pipe welder in any case. Make a jig to hold stuff in alignment while it's being welded.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/Threadolet-4HWF3
 

[guido]

Hello flewster,
How about drilling holes in the pipe, and using saddle clamp valve.
The kind that is used to tap a copper pipe for a refrigerator water filter?
You did not say how much pressure though, so maybe it won't work for you.
Guido.