leaping arches are falling down falling down

**keebler** · 09-13-2010, 04:23 PM

is there a trick to getting the pvc poles to not break, snap or crack when bending them into the arches?

i have 2x 7.5' sections connected in the middle making 15 feet.
the span should be 9'
yet it ALWAYS breaks right in the middle, not always where the connection is.

any thoughts?

thanks

pvc is 3/4" sch 40

**D4rknessxkilla** · 09-13-2010, 04:34 PM

you could get 20 Foot sections of PVC and cut them down... the connection is a weak spot i'm guessing. Or you may have to make the arches "lesser" arching... if that makes since... Hope this helps

**g2ktcf** · 09-13-2010, 04:44 PM

grey conduit or white PVC? I have grey conduit and have them looking great.

**jnealand** · 09-13-2010, 05:29 PM

You should be using grey electrical conduit and if using the common 3/4" try putting a pice of 1/2" dowel in the joint such that you have 3 or 4 inches into each pipe. Or as stated before lower your arch. I borrowed some last year that were two 10 ft pieces of grey conduit and they held up fine just pushing the male and female ends together, but they were really flimsy and I put a small rope in the middle and guyed it to both sides to make them more stable. This year I built my own and they are just a single pipe 10ft long and only arch about 2.5ft off the center. I think they will look fine and I won't have the stability problems of trying to go higher.

**Matt_Edwards** · 09-13-2010, 05:58 PM

When you say they "it ALWAYS breaks right in the middle, not always where the connection is" is this before you have used them or after 1 or 2 seasons.
Also it would be helpful to describe your arches. ATM we are assuming they are minis wrapped on the conduit. is this correct?
As Chris asked, Grey or white conduit? I am not sure if this is correct or even applicable to your location, but one will be preferred over the other as it will have better UV characteristics (something us Aussies have to consider).

My arches are 4m (13ft), with a join in the middle and span 1.8m (6ft) and I have not had the same issue.

**keebler** · 09-13-2010, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by g2ktcf

grey conduit or white PVC? I have grey conduit and have them looking great.

we talked the other day and i thought i heard you tell me to get 3/4"pvc.
hmmm, is the gray electrical conduit better?
it is cheaper too
i can go get some in the morning, if this is right

**keebler** · 09-13-2010, 11:36 PM

i guess i misunderstood...
i will go get the gray electrical conduit in the morning.
and yes they always broke at the intersection (joint)

dang, hate it when i mess up ..... lol

thank you all
and i will post my results tomorrow.

**CrazyG** · 09-13-2010, 11:54 PM

I've had good luck with feeding a rope through the pipe, using the rope to pull the pipe into an arch and laying this out in the driveway for summer sun to warm. Once its warmed up you can gradually pull the arch tighter with the rope until you reach the arc you want then a bit more and let it cool before taking the rope off. Most of the curve is retained. If you live in a cooler climate, aren't making them in the summer or in a hurry, piping hot air (like from a hair dryer) through the tensioned pipe to warm it works well too.

**keebler** · 09-14-2010, 12:15 AM

that is a great idea...
i will try the gray conduit, and if it doesnt work...
well ill try the hot sun...

define irony: now that i will try it in the sun, it is not hot anymore.. figures

**osgoor** · 09-14-2010, 09:07 AM

I will chime in as I am doing the same thing right now. I picked up 10' lengths of 3/4" grey electrical conduit at HD for about $1.00 each. I wrapped 8 strings of 100 count lights around each and then tied rope to each end and across the middle (kinda like a bow from a archer). I started a bend then pored boiling water into one end. The pipe softens almost instantly and you can create the arch you need. Tie off the arch in the final shape and wait till the water cools.... done!!