HELP! Pipe or tubing in odd size

[PhilGood]

I have been rebuilding some mics left over from parts and circuits left over from Soundelux. I ran into a road block. The machinist making the bodies got one done for one of the e47 (U47 copy) mics. I bought aluminum pipe that was 2.5" outer diameter and 2.25" inner diameter. The 2.25" inner diameter fits the frame perfectly so I had him machine one full solid body to match the U47 dimensions. It looks great!

However, the labor involved in machining a single piece brought the cost of the body up to $300 each. I still have 3 more e47s to do and 13 iFet7s to do. I can't afford it at $300 a pop. So I thought I will just have him machine the simple parts for the basket and get them welded together and then find tubing that will make the sleeve and attach with the 3 screws that hold the basket to the frame.

Here's the problem: No one seems to make pipe that is 2.375" (2 3/8") outer diameter and 2.25" inner diameter. It needs to be aluminum because that's what Neumann used for the sleeve of the U47.

Anyone know of a place to get this size tubing? I am at a complete LOSS!

Thanks in advance if anyone knows.

 

[thajeremy]

no...but by the time you shell out for him to do 16 more bodies...you can buy a lathe and do them your self...

 

[c7sus]

The 2.25" ID is kinda oddball.

Rigid Aluminum Conduit is fairly common and is sized by the ID, so a 2-1/2" Rigid Al pipe is 2.5" ID and about 2.75" OD. The 2" version has an OD of 2-5/16". It's also very soft annealed.

You might check out aircraft-grade or try to hook up with a hobbyist that can do the machining but isn't relying on it to pay the rent.

 

[Marik]

I have been rebuilding some mics left over from parts and circuits left over from Soundelux. I ran into a road block. The machinist making the bodies got one done for one of the e47 (U47 copy) mics. I bought aluminum pipe that was 2.5" outer diameter and 2.25" inner diameter. The 2.25" inner diameter fits the frame perfectly so I had him machine one full solid body to match the U47 dimensions. It looks great!

However, the labor involved in machining a single piece brought the cost of the body up to $300 each. I still have 3 more e47s to do and 13 iFet7s to do. I can't afford it at $300 a pop. So I thought I will just have him machine the simple parts for the basket and get them welded together and then find tubing that will make the sleeve and attach with the 3 screws that hold the basket to the frame.

Here's the problem: No one seems to make pipe that is 2.375" (2 3/8") outer diameter and 2.25" inner diameter. It needs to be aluminum because that's what Neumann used for the sleeve of the U47.

Anyone know of a place to get this size tubing? I am at a complete LOSS!

Thanks in advance if anyone knows.

Hey Phil,

Contact me privately for all your machining needs. As you can guess, somehow () I am experienced with making mic bodies and parts. Here in my shop I have a 2.75 horse power 10"x22" high precision lathe, with digital readouts with 1micron eek:) resolution.
If you need, powder coating of any texture (wrinkle, hammertone, vein, etc.) is not the problem, either. CNC engraving coming soon...

Best, M

 

[PhilGood]

Hey Phil,

Contact me privately for all your machining needs. As you can guess, somehow () I am experienced with making mic bodies and parts. Here in my shop I have a 2.75 horse power 10"x22" high precision lathe, with digital readouts with 1micron eek:) resolution.
If you need, powder coating of any texture (wrinkle, hammertone, vein, etc.) is not the problem, either. CNC engraving coming soon...

Best, M

Marik,

Thanks! You are a life saver! I am pretty tired tonight, but I will have some time to email you in the morning with my needs. If you can do it and we can work out a payment/price deal I will pay this guy for what he's done and have you do the rest. I badgered him for months to even get started and he got a prototype finally last week. It looks good, but his lathe is off in centering the tube and has a taper to everything.

I thought about shooting an email to Tony since he gets replacement parts done, but the Soundelux have slightly different machining, so I want it to match originals. The e47s can be separate pieces that fit together, but I'd like the iFet7's to be a solid job if possible because of how they anchor to the frame.

I'll email you tomorrow. Thanks again!

Phil

 

[Marik]

It looks good, but his lathe is off in centering the tube and has a taper to everything.

Well, ANY lathe has it to some extend, but should be within tolerances and can be adjusted. For example, with a regular chuck the off center can be considerable because of the run out, but then with independed jaws you can set it somewhere close to 5 micron. It just takes MUCH MORE time to set, and the price goes up accordingly.
In backplates (where very high presision is really needed) I do it with specially cut 5c collets. Again, depends on the tolerances.

The e47s can be separate pieces that fit together, but I'd like the iFet7's to be a solid job if possible because of how they anchor to the frame.

That would be no problem, just give me plans (or body to copy). Is it everything Al?

Best, M

 

[PhilGood]

That would be no problem, just give me plans (or body to copy). Is it everything Al?

Best, M

Well, I know that at least the sleeves (body) on the U47 were aluminum, but I don't remember about the basket. I believe it was plated brass. If that's the case I will provide brass for you, but if not we can continue with aluminum. Can you, or do you know someone who could braze the parts?

P

 

[Marik]

Well, I know that at least the sleeves (body) on the U47 were aluminum, but I don't remember about the basket. I believe it was plated brass. If that's the case I will provide brass for you, but if not we can continue with aluminum. Can you, or do you know someone who could braze the parts?

P

The Al is cheaper and easier to machine. It is trickier to electroplate it, as it needs an agent, but still very possible.

Best, M