Anyone use 1-1/2" Shc 40 for arches - Lights, Lights, Lights! Read Only. No more posting. - PlanetChristmas! Forums. Read Only. We've moved to http://talk.planetchristmas.com - The Forums of PlanetChristmas have moved to http://talk.PlanetChristmas.com
got (8) 10 foot 1-1/2" shc 40 pvc (did not have shc 40 in the 1-1/4 size) for 4 20' arches but think i'm going to have a hard time bending them to get the arch look... has anyone else used this size pipe for their arches
I think you will be fine with them being 20', for bending, the issue with PVC is the coupling joint. I think that is the weak link. I used electrical conduit myself because the mating is more solid IMHO. Having 1 1/2" pipe allows you to run your wiring inside, which cleans it up a lot, but that too depends on how many channels you will be running.
I'm only using 3/4" PVC sch 40. The question I would have is why 1 1/2"? I'm not sure having the bigger pipe would change the visual effect much and it would take a lot more lights to wrap - like probably twice as many. Everything I recall reading indicated that 1" is the max needed to span a driveway and maintain its shape and rigidity. I'm sure others will correct me if I'm wrong, but that is my 2cents.
gymnasium wrote: I'm only using 3/4" PVC sch 40. The question I would have is why 1 1/2"? I'm not sure having the bigger pipe would change the visual effect much and it would take a lot more lights to wrap - like probably twice as many. Everything I recall reading indicated that 1" is the max needed to span a driveway and maintain its shape and rigidity. I'm sure others will correct me if I'm wrong, but that is my 2cents.
Exactly. Thicker = more awesome (but more lights and more work.)
If you are worried about the structural integrity of the piping at the connections, there are some things you can do to enhance the strength of the bond.
I have, in the past when working with PVC (sch 40), used high pressure joints to make connections (where you thread them together) in instances where I was bending or forcing pipe to go in directions not naturally taken.
I would think though, that two pieces glued together with a good high pressure coupling would withstand the pressures generated by an arch.
The stuff is pretty darn sturdy!
However, if you want to circumvent problems with piping, go to a piping supply store (here, it is Southern Pipe) and purchase the piping in 20 ft joints. If you can not strap it over your pick up truck, then pay them to deliver it to you in uncut pieces. The connections where you glue the piping is deeper and that makes for great joints.
If you do not want to have them deliver it, or if you need to cut the piping, simply use the deep well as the joint of the two pieces as the middle of your arch.
(I realize that you already have piping, but I write this for those that may still be researching and considering what piping to use.)
If you use 20 foot sticks it will make it a lot easier to bend and you do not have to worry about the joint. You can use a good heat gun to heat the pipe so that you can bend it. If you heat the pipe you want to put a little more heat on the top of the arch as that side you are actually stretching. There are a few other helpful hints I can give on bending pipe if you want to send me a pm.
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Thanks to me finding this place I think my wife is going nuts. Oh she says it is me who is going nuts with lights!!!!!!!!!
A little trick I learned, at the hardware store where I used to work, for hauling long stuff. Put it under the vehicle and tie it to the bumpers/trailer hitch. This way it dosn't scratch the paint.! I don't know if 1 1/2 PVC is to flexible or not but it's worth a try. You'd be suprised how many vehicles are 20' long.
keith75 wrote: got (8) 10 foot 1-1/2" shc 40 pvc (did not have shc 40 in the 1-1/4 size) for 4 20' arches but think i'm going to have a hard time bending them to get the arch look... has anyone else used this size pipe for their arches
thanks for any help...
Keith,
If you go with the thicker stuff, consider electrical gray pvc conduit. It is more flexible then the white and you won't have to worry about the white peeking out. Plus then have built in couplings. If you want 20' lengths, you will probably find them at a local electric supply store.
If you decide to use white in 20 lengths and can't find them at your Lowes or Home Depot, then try a local Plumbing store. [code][/code]
____________________ Darryl Brown http://www.Christmaslightshow.com
**New** Complete Mega Tree Kit. Home of Virtual Santa, Strobe Lights and PVC Christmas Tree
I used 1 1/2 inch PVC this past year for my arches. They are not a 100% curve, but it worked. A couple of things you might want to do.
Get the longer couplingd. At HD there are two types, one are very short, they will snap or not hold. Get the ones that are about twice the as long.
blearning had me do this and it worked. Inside the joint take a shrt piece of pipe and wrap duct ape around it so it will fit inside the 1 1/2 inch pipe snug. Slide it in, then attach the coupling. It takes some of the pressure off your joint.
