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[dukethebeagle]

anyone see the diy sidearm xchanger build on youtube.
wonder if its as good as what u get at anderson
almost looks the same

[aries9245]

Can u post the link?

[dukethebeagle]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKrPT0_vSug

[juddspaintballs]

Sure, it'll work.  The Anderson version might be ribbed so it exchanges the heat a little bit better, but that style will work fine if you make it long enough.  The longer you make it, the better it will exchange heat.

[aries9245]

I made a few just like that the only problem with them if you make to long long you will loose the sifon part of the water flowing and might need a circ pump.. It's what I experienced others may have a different opinion ..

[dukethebeagle]

how long do you suggest.the one on u-tube is 52 inches.
think thats to long

[slimjim]

Make it as long as possible without going above the tank top.

[aries9245]

Is that the trick Slim as long as u don't go above the tank it will keep the sifon going?

[RSI]

I am not sure how the make the groves on the Anderson version but from the pics I have seen, it looks like they just spiral a worn out pipe cutter down the pipe. I doubt this really does much. The slight increase of surface area will probably just accumulate sediment and not do anything. A twisted tube is much better. It increases surface area and changes flow pattern to get much better heat transfer.

It usually costs over $100 for a sidearm with this type pipe. I don't know if you can get just the pipe anywhere to build your own.

[slimjim]

That's the trick, if I want more surface area, I use an old trick from the Solar Thermal guys, back in the 70's they used scrap wire to loosely wrap around the 3/4 inch domestic pipe and solder it at least 2 times every loop.

[Chas]

The total length of mine is 32" and the distance between the boiler inlet and outlet is only 22". I built it myself to fit my water heater. It connects to the drain on the bottom and to the relief valve outlet on the side close to the top. It's 1" copper inside of  2" copper. I built mine like Slimjim suggested....I wrapped a piece of #12 copper wire around the inner 1" pipe and soldered it in place to create some turbulance and/or swirling action of the boiler water. I don't know if it helps but it sure can't hurt. I'm sure longer would be better but it keeps up with 3 adults in the house.