After installing a new wall mounted 5 hp Cyclone DC I have spent much of the past 5 days trying to run down duct work sources. Initially I approached several firms about galvanized steel clamp together duct. Real sticker shock !!! So I started rethinking by reading on this subject both here and other places which talk about using 2729 S&M as a good economical alternative to steel. Several reports indicated that it was difficult but not impossible to find a sources for 6 " pipe and fittings in 2729 or 3034 S&D. I'm personally beginning to doubt the possibility.
Possible sources mentioned included Lowes for fittings; local John Deere Landscape shops; Menard's (closest store is in Ohio); and whatever ag. irrigation or plumbing supply houses that could be found in one's local area. Well, after visiting two big box stores; talking to three local plumbing supply houses; an Ace Hardware; and hours of scouring the internet for alternative sources I still have not been able to find what I need. I'm waiting for an email response from Menard's.
Two things I now understand: One, vendors were are not very familiar with the terms Schedule 2729/3034. They call what I asked for ""thin wall S&D". So I had to learn the correct lingo. Two, most suppliers have stopped carrying 2729 because it takes up too much space in inventory and does not make enough profit as it sells too cheap. They have moved in large measure to Schedule 40 and 80 "foam core" pipe and fittings. A thicker, heavier, and vastly more expensive product as has been reported here by others. In fact, in some cases the cost of PVC fittings rival their galvanized steel counterparts.
So my question(s) are (1) Have any of you discovered any recent sources for 2729/3034 in the Greensboro to Raleigh to Fayetteville corridor; and (2) Has anyone come across alternative ducting materials with the utility and economy similar to 2729/3034 .
I realize I may just have to bite the bullet and use what's available but didn't think it would hurt to check in here first.
Thanks
Possible sources mentioned included Lowes for fittings; local John Deere Landscape shops; Menard's (closest store is in Ohio); and whatever ag. irrigation or plumbing supply houses that could be found in one's local area. Well, after visiting two big box stores; talking to three local plumbing supply houses; an Ace Hardware; and hours of scouring the internet for alternative sources I still have not been able to find what I need. I'm waiting for an email response from Menard's.
Two things I now understand: One, vendors were are not very familiar with the terms Schedule 2729/3034. They call what I asked for ""thin wall S&D". So I had to learn the correct lingo. Two, most suppliers have stopped carrying 2729 because it takes up too much space in inventory and does not make enough profit as it sells too cheap. They have moved in large measure to Schedule 40 and 80 "foam core" pipe and fittings. A thicker, heavier, and vastly more expensive product as has been reported here by others. In fact, in some cases the cost of PVC fittings rival their galvanized steel counterparts.
So my question(s) are (1) Have any of you discovered any recent sources for 2729/3034 in the Greensboro to Raleigh to Fayetteville corridor; and (2) Has anyone come across alternative ducting materials with the utility and economy similar to 2729/3034 .
I realize I may just have to bite the bullet and use what's available but didn't think it would hurt to check in here first.
Thanks
