Technical Specifications:

Mayhems state the tubes are 500mm in length for each size, so we checked just to be sure.

Mayhems Glass LengthWith the lengths verified at 500mm (50cm) in length we measured the outside diameter (OD) of each tube size. This is by far the most critical measurement and was taken at each end as photographed and at 4 other points in between.

First the 12mm:At 12.01mm this was as perfect as we could hope for: Excellent!

The 13.10mm OD measurement was slightly larger at this end than the 13mm specification:
Finally the 16mm which came in just under the spec size:

But we didn’t just measure just one end of a tube, we took numerous readings from from each of the tube sizes:

Mayhems Glass Tube SizesFrom the above measurements we conclude that each size tube is meant to be manufactured with the following sizes.

12mm Tube:   OD 12.00mm        ID 7.50mm         Wall Thickness 2.25mm

13mm Tube:   OD 13.00mm        ID 8.50mm         Wall Thickness 2.25mm

16mm Tube:   OD 16.00mm        ID 11.00mm       Wall Thickness 2.50mm

It seems unusual that 3 of our ID measurements for the 12mm tube appear to be ~0.25mm too big, but that is what the measurements were.

Given that Mayhems state that the tubes are hand blown we think the consistency and tolerances to spec are quite amazing. We would be very surprised if the maximum OD discrepancy of 0.1mm would cause compatibility issues with the appropriate sized fittings.

Each end of the tube is pre-chamfered, which was a pleasant surprise and means only the cut end needs to be chamfered after “cutting” to the required length.

Some of the chamfers were more obvious than others.

As you may notice in the above photographs using the calipers on the glass tube scratched up the tube a little bit, so care must be taken with tools that have sharp edges to avoid this kind of scratching.

Mayhems Glass Pre-chamferMayhems glass tubing will look sensational in a build with bright lighting, but I think might look even better with some more subdued white lighting, especially when run with some colored coolant.

In the following photo we lined up the 3 Mayhems glass tube sizes (on the right hand side) with Mayhems soft tube and a length of acrylic tubing to see the difference.
Mayhems Glass B&W (49)I was surprised to find the acrylic tube (2nd on the left) was clearer than the glass tubes which has an ever so slightly darker tinge.

This slightly darker tinge is more easily seen in the following picture in which the lighting was deliberately set up poorly. Note the acrylic tube is actually quite dirty from having previously chamfered the unseen end.

Mayhems Glass B&W (47)

So we have to say that while the glass tube is clear, the length of acrylic we compared to was very slightly clearer.

Next let’s take a look at fitting compatibility.

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4 COMMENTS

  2. Well, after reading and watching the Dremel Jig Setup vid, I thought of a few things…

    1) I see no difference in using glass over PETG or Acrylic.
    2) PETG or Acrylic is much cheaper and EASIER to cut than glass. (Even if it wasn’t cheaper, it’s glass is STILL much harder to cut)
    3) Bending PETG or Acrylic (obviously) is much easier than trying to bend glass (and that’s if you have the $$$ to buy one and the skills to bend glass using a kiln). PETG or Acrylic is very easy by comparison.
    4) As you can see glass tubing is easily subject to chipping and cracking if it’s not cut right (over PETG or Acrylic)
    5) If you decide to use Glass instead of PETG or Acrylic, you’re going to have to spend $$$ getting a Dremel Jig Setup going. I have the Dremel 4000 and that unit (kit) cost me $98.00 at the time and although it’s a great unit to use for someone doing a one time build (or even continual builds), it’s still way too much $$$ over simply using a hand saw to cut your PETG or Acrylic tubing. Then you have to set up and build that Dremel Jig Setup. That’s too much time to make happen.
    6) In some of the pics, even the reviewer/writer stated that he saw that the Acrylic tubing was even cleaner (at certain angles) to peer through than glass tubing, so right there, what real difference does it make to choose glass tubing over Acrylic (or even PETG for that matter)? – NONE!

    Thank you for this review, but you should have entitled this:

    “Mayhems Glass Tube Review… You Gotta Be On Crack!!!”

    I already knew that I would have to face this expensive and arduous process, when all you have to do is use a basic PETG/Acrylic bender kit, that uses a heat gun and hand saw. It’s much easier to use those items than buying and building a Dremel Jig Setup (which would take hours). Then purchasing and having the skill set to learn how to use a Kiln?!?! Yeah, right!!! I know that I’m not going to waste my time with all of that. Thank you for proving this point with your detailed review (as I already knew this). I’m sticking with PETG to showcase my build(s). Later… 🙂

  3. Very cool article (pun intended).

    FYI, borosilicate glass does not contain crystalline silica which is what causes silicosis. It is amorphous. No problem with being safe though.

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