Seamless or welded 304L stainless tubing

i am looking into purchasing some ss tubing for plumbing my frame.....i found some inexpensive 4ft lengths of 3/8 tubing on ebay...however its welded tube...which according to swagelok's site says it has a pressure rating of 2640 psi.....obviously i wont be running pressures that high...but i wanna know what everyone else thinks....dont think i will have any runs greater than 4 ft without a break anyways

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=350099792049


here is a link to the seller on ebay....lil over $1 a foot is cheap as hell

dunno what your plans are but my question would be can it be flared?

seem like it would split at the weld, but i dunno.

i run all seamless 3/8 line and i get it local for about $1 a foot its the double farrell stainless fitting that get high dollar just a tee is like $25...but mine comes in 20' lengths

i wont have to flare it....i plan on using swagelok fittings and they dont need a flare.....there is only a 20% loss in the pressure rating of seamless vs welded....and its still 2640psi.....i was just wanting everyones opinion.....i think i will be ok though..

Spicy: the closest place i have is west marine.....not sure if they would have it....i would have to run over to the clearwater area for a marina

using swagelock, you'll be ok, You can flare welded tube but I wouldn't for ANY kind of pressure use.

i tried seamed ss tubing once and and it didnt bind vary well..the steel is harder were the weld is...just a thought

i have heard that 1/2" is difficult but that 3/8" is a lot easier to bend....but i guess i will have to see

I used 3/8 seamed stainless on mine with swagelok fittings and it works fine. I bent it myself also. Didnt have a problem with that either. Used a RIGID brand bender I bought for $100

Edited: 10/9/2008 2:28:17 PM by e10pvmt

is it a hand tool size bender? i found one used on ebay for $20.....also found a 3 size ratcheting bender for like $20

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370094928259&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200260576411&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching