Sightglass installation

Hi guys,

I'm ordering parts to make up my sight glass and I was just firming up a few things.

If anyone has made their own, how did you attach your acrylic/polycarbonate tubing? Can you force thread the tubing, or do you have to use a lathe?

If it requires a lathe, I'll have to order a SS compression to male fitting that I can attach to the pipe and screw into my SS tee (I'm doing a thermometer/sight glass combo).

I want to avoid doing this if I can, because it will raise the level that the sightglass can measure (compression fitting will raise the tube and hide about a 1/2" or more).

I guess alternatively, I could put the tee sideways, and use a 90 degree elbow SS compression to male fitting, as that would give me allow me to use the sight glass to its full potential. However, this may look lousy and might take up too much space.

Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance for your input!
Jay

I have used 3/8" ID polycarbonate over a 3/8" stainless hosebarb. works well.

I heated the polycarbonate before pressing into the barb and it somewhat melted into shape adhering itself tightly to the "steps" of the barb

aquenne said:

I have used 3/8" ID polycarbonate over a 3/8" stainless hosebarb. works well.

I heated the polycarbonate before pressing into the barb and it somewhat melted into shape adhering itself tightly to the "steps" of the barb

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Interesting! might give that a try. I wish I could find a 'stub' barb, so that I wouldn't lose height for the sight glass (I believe that minimum reading your sight glass can show is that tip of the barb)

Trim the barb down.
If it's a 3-"step" barb, you can cut it down to 2.
Or even 1 if it's a tight enough fit.

Use a food/heat safe silicone sealant if it leaks, although I doubt it will, if you heat shield it.

I made mine with borosilicate glass and all 1/2" fittings. Use o-rings under the compression nuts and it seals up nice. I also place a thin o-ring between the end of the glass tube and the fitting inside.

Golddiggie said:

I made mine with borosilicate glass and all 1/2" fittings. Use o-rings under the compression nuts and it seals up nice. I also place a thin o-ring between the end of the glass tube and the fitting inside.

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I really only have access to 1/2" silicone gaskets.. not even O-rings. I've been trying so hard to find a retailer in Canada who has a decent selection of heat proof o-rings!

If I can't find any, would you say that the compression fitting method won't work(leak)? If so, I might need to try the melting method proposed above

JayMac said:

I really only have access to 1/2" silicone gaskets.. not even O-rings. I've been trying so hard to find a retailer in Canada who has a decent selection of heat proof o-rings!

If I can't find any, would you say that the compression fitting method won't work(leak)? If so, I might need to try the melting method proposed above

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I have some 'spare' 1/2" ID silicone o-rings if you need them. PM me if you need some.

I made mine by ordering from bobbym

Jdk261 said:

I made mine by ordering from bobbym

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I would, but I'm in Canada, so the additional shipping and duty charges would make it more expensive than if I made it myself

JayMac said:

I would, but I'm in Canada, so the additional shipping and duty charges would make it more expensive than if I made it myself

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Planning a trip to New Jersey any time soon. I got one from BobbyM it was easy peasy to install. He has done all the research and development.

His website has an installation video that may be of some help to you.

JayMac said:

I would, but I'm in Canada, so the additional shipping and duty charges would make it more expensive than if I made it myself

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i ended up having to buy a 6ft length of the polycarbonate.. in the end still cheaper as i was able to make 3x sightglasses w/ it