Best design for Arches?

[Greg in Canby]

My sections are 15" and using 8 fit onto a 10' piece of PVC (smaller than the standard size arch).

I'm making a forth and will plan on using one 30" section with two channels (4 & 5) to go on the top and keep the apex of the arch a little smoother. Didn't really need it, just trying new things.

Greg

[Skunberg]

The Holden single pipe has no joints to worry about and if I have a bad string I need to unwrap it either way sleeve or not. A sleeve could be changed mid show but I would not change a string till it comes down anyway, most problems could be fixed right in place.

[dnesci]

I am wanting to add 4 arches to my display for 2011 and have noticed a few different designs. What is everyone's favorite or best design for arches?

Arches are really a personal preference. There are many varriations. I went the starndard 3/4" schedule 40 single pipe with 7 sections as I like a section at the top of the arch. This requires an odd number. After leaving 6" on each end, it makes the segments about 15" each. This was perfect for the length of the 100 count strings I used. Wrapping tight the covered the 15". They are self standing using rebar. No additions tie downs. For storage, the pipe lies flat on brackets above my garage doors (a space that was not used). After three years, my experience with failures is that a 50 count section will go out and not a whole 100 count string, I just fixed it in the field if prior years. This year, I had a space and just removed the failed arch and replaced it. It is quick and easy to unplug and lift the pipe off the rebar. And yes each year there has been at least one 50 count failure. The high winds an d driving rain has worked a bulb out.

Good luck with your build

Don

[kychristmas]

Arches are really a personal preference.

Don

Probably the most important part of the responses here. Like much of this light stuff, all of the methods are good and proven. There is not "one size fits all" type of arch.

You are just going to have to take all the point made and weight what works best for you. Although not necessarily in this order, once you determine the arches you would like to build, you will need to consider:

1. Expense
2. Doability (can you do it)
3. Expandability
4. Storage (where you going to keep it for 10.5 months)

I happen to love the Wiki method. I came across it at the 11th hour in 2009 and it truly enabled me to get arches up my first year when I though I would have to give up on them. But others feel the same way about what they did.

If I can locate enough Clear minis, I will be using the same mehtod to build many more 36" sections to do a Bellagio style fountain setup.

[budude]

The light strings you use will dictate aspects of the design as well. I used 70-count CDI M5 LED strings on 3/4" PVC and to fill out the 10' section, I had to use 9 strings/channels. The odd number worked out OK though - I drive them with a 12-channel SSR and use the other channels for nearby items.

[Fad2blk]

I am wanting to try arches for my first year in 2011 of doing these. Thanks for the links and ideas

[brad2157]

Thanks for all the responses! I think I will try the one mentioned in the DIY WIKI with individual sections that all snap together. I like the idea of not having several long pipes to try to store during the year (our garage is pretty small and already overly packed). Thanks for everyone's input. I like the different approaches.

[Henedce]

My idea for this year as I want RGB arches is to use 4 metre 25mm clear conduit with a 5050 RGB strip running though it . Split to 6 channels per arch .
Using reo bar spaced at 2- 3 metres gives me an awesome size arch , down side its 18 channels an arch x 3 = 54 channels ...

Hmm might have to think about another 2 or 3 64xc boards and anothe serial add on card

PS picked up 10 4 metre lengths of clear conduit for $30 today

[Skunberg]

PS picked up 10 4 metre lengths of clear conduit for $30 today

Where was a deal like this found?

[DaveJZ]

When I go to build my arches I think I will use one section of pipe. This being my first year doing this I want to go as easy as possible and as "low" cost ha ha ha.... Theres going to be alot to do in 12 months...