Need to source clear plastic tubes in Chicago

November 29, 2010 10:50 AM

I need to build a short-ish (maybe 15' or so?) pneumatic tube system between two large (12") clear globes powered by a leaf blower. I have the globes, and the blower is being sourced, but now I need the tubes themselves. I'm looking for clear plastic tubing around 3" in diameter (though I'm flexible) that comes in both straight and curved segments. Cheap is good! Also, I'm in the Chicago area, but I can drive to pick up the items as this is somewhat time sensitive. Any suggestions for vendors that might have such odd items would be greatly appreciated TIA!
posted by Imhotep is Invisible to Grab Bag (10 answers total)

I'm mainly asking this from base curiosity, rather than because I even remotely imagine I might be helpful, but what are you sending through the tubing?

In my defense, it might help someone else answer the question better.
posted by amtho at 10:56 AM on November 29, 2010 [1 favorite]

McMaster-Carr, and presumably other distributors, have clear PVC pipe, but it isn't too cheap. The fittings aren't gently curved either. It's a start though!

http://www.mcmaster.com/#clear-pvc-pipe/=9xkb8c
posted by Popular Ethics at 11:01 AM on November 29, 2010

ptcarriers.com has parts for actual pneumatic tube systems. Not local to you, but they may be able to point you to someone local if ordering from CA is out of the question.

(BTW, I don't have any personal experience with them, just passing on information.)
posted by mosk at 11:02 AM on November 29, 2010

Lee Valley Clear Dust Collection Hose?
posted by scruss at 11:06 AM on November 29, 2010

Would you be happy with flexible tubing? You can get flexible clear PVC tubing in 3" ID or OD, but it looks expensive ($9/ft at McMaster-Carr for 3" ID).

McMaster-Carr also has semi-clear white polyethylene tubing in 2" ID for $2/ft. You may be able to source the same material in 3" ID elsewhere.
posted by ssg at 11:10 AM on November 29, 2010

American Science and Surplus has this kind of thing. Last time I was at the Geneva/West Chicago location, there were all kinds of clear tubing, sold by the length.
posted by wayland at 11:11 AM on November 29, 2010

Also at Lee Valley, their Dust Collection Network. But the pipe is only 2 3/8" I.D.
posted by jon1270 at 11:37 AM on November 29, 2010

Response by poster: Well, I'm hoping to send little foam give-away knicknacks like squeezeballs through the system although other suggestions are certainly welcome. From the looks of the American Science & Surplus site, the 1.5" may be how we have to go, given that the Price Is Right at $1.75/foot, although the Dust Collection Network would be PERFECT at 2.5", I can throw bigger items through the pipe.
posted by Imhotep is Invisible at 11:52 AM on November 29, 2010

Maybe with the larger diameter you could send plastic easter eggs.
posted by amtho at 12:38 PM on November 29, 2010

The hoses that run through the walls of homes with central vacuum systems might work.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 3:25 PM on November 29, 2010