NordFab: Connecting Flexible-hose to the rolled edge.
Question:
Does anyone know whether the "rolled-end" of a 6" Nordfab duct can be forced onto 6" flexible hose?
I know Nordfab makes a special adapter for connecting the rolled-end to flexible hose, but in my situation I know I'll be changing things soon, gradually eliminating some 6"-pipe-to-6"-hose connections. I don't have the space/funds to buy/store needless/obsolete adapters. Anyone know it's possible to make them fit, even if it's a bit ugly?
I know that on 4" hose it's not 'officially' possible to make them fit without an adpater (though I can imagine that SOME makes of 4" hose may fit), but in my case, I'm specifically asking only about 6". Geometry dictates that as the hose diameter gets larger, the better chance it can be made to fit without and adapter.
Any opinions?
-Karl
2 Attachment(s)
Connecting Nordfab QF pipe to flexible tubing and gates...
Karl,
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Karl Fife
Question:
Does anyone know whether the "rolled-end" of a 6" Nordfab duct can be forced onto 6" flexible hose?
I seriously doubt you will be able to accomplish this without a heat gun and pliers. Every 1/4" pull will be a battle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Karl Fife
I know Nordfab makes a special adapter for connecting the rolled-end to flexible hose, but in my situation I know I'll be changing things soon, gradually eliminating some 6"-pipe-to-6"-hose connections. I don't have the space/funds to buy/store needless/obsolete adapters. Anyone know it's possible to make them fit, even if it's a bit ugly?
Machine adapters are the same as hose adapters without the bead, so I have been using them in my pilot setup. Same price ($25.00 vs $25.50), basically, but slightly more versatile to me. Even without the bead it is a bit of a hassle, but it becomes easier with practice. I do get some blow-by of dust in the adapter/ hose interface, but not much seems to have made it past the hose clamp. Picture below, I hope.
Attachment 330852
Don't forget that if you are using 6" adjustable nipples anywhere, each one's cutoff will result in a potential "machine adapter". Just cut the 4" end ("machine adapter") off first, then trim to final length for installation using the adjustable nipple. As an aside, if you're already buying a few pieces of pipe (they seem to ship up to ~4x8" /box via UPS) or a lot (freight delivery), a 6" piece of pipe is $43.90, which is 2 pieces up to 30" long, each. Probably a wash in cost vs time/effort, but rather versatile.
Regarding blast gates, Nordfab 6" runs $58.60 for a standard gate. Over at blastgateco dot com a 6" aluminum self cleaning runs $15.55. The 6" pipe fits about 1/2 way up the tapered gate flange, so my plan is to put a 5" Nordfab O-ring on each side and clamp the blast gate in. For conservation of volume reasons, you can't effectively/ easily use a 6" gasket. This is what I did when connecting my G1030z2p inlet to a 7" adjustable nipple...a 6" O-ring clamped in perfectly--very securely held. In the picture below, the O-ring is positioned where it clamps in place with the nipple firmly seated on the fan inlet, one can see the rub marks on the paint.
Attachment 330853
The down side of saving ~$39 (don't forget the 2 O-rings now needed) is the interior brief reduction in diameter and associated increase in turbulence. I'm not sure how great an impact the cheaper gates will be on the flow, but that's what a pilot program is for. :-)
Justin
PS - Prices from the 2015 price list online. My distributor's prices were very close to these, if not exactly so.