[quote author=billythekid  link=1110212496/15#29 date=1110660903]


Shakes head....

I only do domestic, but i'd challenge any spark to any pipebending in MI/mild steel. I'll even use a hand bender and let y'all use ther hydraulic machine, and hand cut the threads and let you guys use the electric die.

btk
[/quote]

btk you would challenge em to what exactly  

you would get caned if it was a race!

we have to bend mild, stainless, galvanized ect and by hand   and thread it

dont need electric or hydrolic cccic cccccc

ss

4 inch lol, not talkin about stuff that big!

2 inch max

and MI to me means mineral insulated;)

ss

Who gives a toss what pipes look like under the floor, I use copper where exposed for a neat finish where it does matter, I dont care if plastic droops under floors or looks crap, as long as I get finished it works doesn't leak and I get my money.

[quote author=JohnD  link=1110212496/0#2 date=1110239072]

Oh yes, knew there was something else -  how long can a straight run of CH or hot water pipe be be before I have to put an 'omega loop' in to allow for expansion?  

[/quote]

The length of copper pipe will expand by 1mm per meter for a 55 deg C temperature change. That will cause the pipe to creak over joists unless you lag or stick a bit of felt under the pipe.

In a long run you don't need an omega expansion configuration, but you do need to allow the bends/elbows to take up the expansion. E.G. if you have a 5m run, allow for 5mm expansion.