[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

Dave,

I say go for it. We bought a bunch of tubing last year, and most of it was within +/- .005" of the specified dimension.

Thanks for the quick reply. You say the tubing was in good tolerance, but what about pipe. Is it made to the same tolerances? An online metal store says they guarantee OD and wall dimensions but not ID. However it is impossibe to guarantee two without guaranteeing the other. My tubing OD can't be more than about .008 under the size of the pipe ID and if it is oversize by a lot, that is okay if I can turn it down. The tubing is going to be a bit over 2 feet long. I've never tuned anything that long before. But I would definitely try scotch brite and/or sandpaper before I put it in the lathe.

Also, on turning long stuff, I will be needing to do a slight bit of work on the pipe. I need to turn about 1 inch of one end from the 1.660 to 1.615 and cut like a 1/8 or 3/16 slot down the side. What would be the best way to do each of these operations? Again, the pipe will be a little over 2 feet long.

Thanks.