So I'm collecting the bits and pieces to make a stormtrooper blaster and yesterday I went to Lowe's to get the pipe and caps. I had already gone to a Home Depot to get some other stuff and checked there and they didn't have any kind of brass or chromed sink pipe, much less anything long enough to do a trooper blaster. I've always found better selection at Lowe's, but I was surprised to find out that they didn't have any brass pipe either. Apparently they changed suppliers and don't stock it anymore. On top of that, they didn't even have any PVC pipe with the appropriate OD. I was just starting to plan a steampunk saber as well, but it seems I'll have to cancel that plan as it required brass pipe. Anybody have any recommendations?
Oh, and the local ACE hardware stores have terrible selection of anything useful.
What size and style are you looking for? Also, how is it going onto the blaster? In other words, what's the important dimension here, inside or outside diameter? If it's outside diameter that you're looking for, the plastic drain tube (it's not pipe, because of the wall thickness) would be the same OD, so it can fit the older, standard connections. I've seen, and used, the 1-1/4"OD tube as well as the 1-1/2"OD tubes for saber handles, but find that for me, the 1-3/8"OD brass tube is the most comfortable size for my hand.
As a retired master plumber, and a former Lowe's employee, I'm surprised your local store isn't carrying such a commonly used item. However, these types of jobs were handled long before the box stores came on the scene, and still can be. Look in your local yellow pages for a plumbing supply store, and the older, the better- they'll have the experience to walk you through anything you might not know the name of, or what lengths it comes in, etc.
If you post pics of what you have, I'd be happy to help if I can, or you can PM me. btw, if you go looking for 1-3/8" tube, it's a size used only on the old clawfoot bathtubs, and is rarely used anymore- another reason to seek out an old mom and pop type supply house- ask around to see where the plumbing contractors go, then go there yourself.
