First measurement tests

In order to properly gauge the pipe sizes needed for my new workstation, I have purchased the following pieces of 1-inch interior diameter pipe:

• 2 floor flanges
• 2 T intersections
• 2 6-inch pipes
• 2 end caps
• 1 "close"

This set of piping cost me $40.07.  Now, to start piecing them together to get dimensions.

A T intersection for 1-inch pipe is 2⅞ inches from opening to opening and 2⅜ inches from opening to back.

A 6-inch-long piece of 1-inch pipe is actually 6 inches long with an outer diameter of 1⅓ inches and an inner diameter of 1.05 inches.  The threads cover 1 inch on each end of the pipe.

Because of really poor seams in the end cap pieces, the measurements vary from 1⅛-1¼ inches in height and 1⅓-1¾ inches in diameter.  {Note to self:  Learn how to use multiple point focus on your camera!}

This is called a "close."  It is basically all thread.  It measures just short of 1½ inches in length.

Here is the infamous floor flange.  I had to buy it in galvanized steel because Lowe's doesn't have it in black iron.  I checked Google.  Home Depot sells it, but I cannot order it on-line because my local Home Depot does not carry it.  I came across a company called MSC Industrial Supply that has the floor flange for only $7.71.  They also have free shipping on orders over $99.  I checked a few other prices.  MSC's prices are higher, sometimes twice as high, as Lowe's.  The flange is the only difference.  However, the specs on the MSC flange show it to be rated 300 psi, while my pipe is 150 psi.  Also, the promised free shipping at $99 did not materialize.  Even so, the cost per flange by ordering from MSC is only $8.95, compared to $10.79 at Lowe's.

Anyway, the dimensions of the flange are 3⅞ inches in diameter and ¾ inch in height.

Assemblages:

This T-close-T assemblage measures 6½ inches in length.  As each T is 2⅞ inches, 2 Ts make 5¾ inches.  Therefore, a close between two items adds ¾ inch to the length and loses ⅜ inch on each thread.

Adding an end cap to a 6-inch pipe results in a length of 6¾.  An end cap, thus, adds ¾ inch to the length of a pipe, while the pipe itself loses ½ inch of thread length.  This is a larger loss than on the close.

The T-6-T configuration results in an 11-inch length.  This does not compute.  adding the 5¾ to 5, the length should have been 10¾ inches.  Where did the other ¼ inch come from?  Because I want the two T openings facing the same direction, I do not use up the entire thread length on either side of the 6-inch pipe.  In computation, then, how the connectors face will change the total length.  This will make it kind of hard to gauge some pipe lengths.

Based on the above measurements, a sideways T-6 assemblage should come in at 7⅞ inches, and it actually does.  The T ate up ½ inch of the 6-inch pipe.  However, a sideways T-6-sideways T resulted in 9⅞ inches, slightly longer than the mathematically calculated 9¾ inches but not as long as the ¼-inch discrepancy of the T-6-T configuration.  Hence, the difference will change depending on how the connector is facing.

The hardest item to measure is the flange-6.  Dropping a ruler down the inside of the pipe, the measurement comes in at 6¼ inches, meaning a flange will add ¼ inch to the length of a pipe.

From this list of measurements above, I should be able to assemble the feet of the industrial/plumbing pipe desk and calculate the lengths of pipe needed for the cross bars and leg risers.

The pictures on the page appear smaller than they are.  To see them larger, simply double click on the picture.  Also, I always welcome your constructive criticism.  Click on the Comment link below next to the icon of a pencil; it may say “No” or have a number in front of it.