Shires, Edwards leadpipe threads

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Bassbonetyler
Posts: 87
Joined: Mar 01, 2023

by Bassbonetyler »

Hello!

I wasn’t sure which section to post this to, but I figured this was a good place to start.

I’m in the process of making some PVC leadpipe holders for my (mostly bass) pipes and wanted to see if anyone has the measurements for both Shires and Edwards threads so I know what size taps to buy. I am under the assumption that the collars for both are the same for their respective bore sizes (.485-.578 for alto to big bass slides for shires and .500-.562 for edwards), but I could be wrong :D

Thanks in advance,

Tyler
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bitbckt
Posts: 298
Joined: Aug 19, 2020

by bitbckt »

Edwards is 11/16”-32 (21/32” drill, if you don’t have a lathe).
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muschem
Posts: 372
Joined: Jan 17, 2021

by muschem »

11/16" 32 for fine (Edwards/Getzen), and 11/16" 18 for coarse (Shires). Edwards collars share the same OD across bore sizes, while Shires have different ODs for small bore and alto than for their larger bore tenor and bass pipes. For Shires small bore and alto pipes, I've done a few holders out of 15mm ID acrylic, and stepping down to a 5/8" 18 tap. I've had better luck with spiral point taps (also called "gun" taps) in PVC and acrylic, since they break the chips forward.
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Bassbonetyler
Posts: 87
Joined: Mar 01, 2023

by Bassbonetyler »

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

Off to the hardware store I go…
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TomInME
Posts: 315
Joined: Jan 03, 2024

by TomInME »

3/4" PEX is perfect for Shires bass pipes - soft enough to self-tap.