[TheForge] Foundations and shop design

[paul]

dan tull wrote:
> Encased in concrete shouldn't be a shrapnel problem..
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul" <crosspein at sbcglobal.net>
> To: "Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2008 10:29 AM
> Subject: Re: [TheForge] Foundations and shop design
>>
>> I have heard for years that PVC eventually becomes brittle, and can 
>> fail in an explosive manner, sending PVC shrapnel around. I was able 
>> to find a lot of controversy, and ignored it for several years; but 
>> eventually decided to replace it with copper.
>>

1. Some years ago my brother was hit by pvc shards after an explosion 
occurred during the installation phase of a pvc drain system. He was 
installing pressure gage piping and was soldering about a foot away from 
the pvc pipe and the residual solvent vapors in the pipe ignited. He was 
unfortunate in that the vapor level of the solvents in the pipe was 
between the LEL and the UEL... The solvents and cement used for PVC are 
flammable and hazardous, read the label. If you tried to purchase large 
quantities of some of the constituent chemicals it would most likely put 
you  on some kind of watch list...
2. Even if the pipe is encased in concrete it has to come out sometime...
3. The transitions between pvc and any threaded system are prone to 
leaks as the expansion rates between  steel and pvc are great (+ 
installer problems, crappy thread preparation, rough threads, gross 
overuse of teflon tape and incompatible thread compounds).
4. Why do blacksmiths fear measuring and threading steel pipe? A small 
shop would probably be just fine with 3/4" iron pipe mains, and the 
mechanical strength of iron pipe is more than sufficient for any shop 
environment. Hand threading 3/4" iron pipe is good exersize. Larger 
sizes would be better, more storage volume in the main piping... you can 
rent a pipe machine for the larger sizes if you have large shop. You can 
also use the leftover pieces... they are iron after all.
5. If you fear corrosion in the pipe from water this would indicate that 
you should be using an air dryer to protect your air powered equipment 
in the first place. Frosty is right on with the drain stuff, and if you 
are forgetful they make automatic drain valves to expell the water from 
the low spots. When you install ANY air system the branch piping should 
be taken off the mains on the top, and separate drain piping should be 
installed from the bottom to remove accumulated water in the mains.
...or just run a hose :<|)

Paul Sperbeck
WB9HCO
jadap

  "The difference between genius and stupidity is that
genius has its limits." -Albert Einstein
"Life is hard...it's harder if you're stupid" John Wayne - Sands of Iwo Jima