How To Build 8 Channel Light Arches

**kychristmas** · 01-12-2012, 06:55 PM

Eventhough I used the Arch method, I have received many questions about my arches. I actually call them leapers. If you are considering adding arches to your display, check these out. Its not the only good way, but they certainly work for me. I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. After 3 seasons of setup and take down, I still love them and am very satisfied. There are also some pictures of the mini lathe I built to wrap the Arch sections.

Kentucky Christmas Light Arches

PM me or use my Guestbook if you have questions.

**LightUp** · 01-13-2012, 08:56 AM

The next phase is to use a sewing machine peddle to control the rotation speed of your "lathe".

I also see you're taking advantage of "low paid" labourers?

**michaelc** · 01-13-2012, 09:06 AM

I used your method this year for 2 arches. My only suggestion to anyone using them is to be careful when dis-assembling them. As you try to disconnect the sections, the tie-wrap can slip off the edge. It's a PITA to put back on and if you are not careful the wires can un-ravel.

**duramadmax** · 01-13-2012, 09:17 AM

hot glue ziptie to pipe.

**jrock64** · 01-13-2012, 09:23 AM

One thing I did when I built my poles(vertical arches) since I was turning the pipe by hand.
Was to fold the string of 100 in half into two strands of 50.
This way you are wrapping two strands at once that are only half as long.
The other major benefit is that by having a double strand you have some built in insurance
that if half the strand goes out that section may be less bright, but it will not be dark.

Joel

**plasmata** · 01-13-2012, 09:53 AM

Moved to more appropriate thread...

**dirknerkle** · 01-13-2012, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by jrock64

One thing I did when I built my poles(vertical arches) since I was turning the pipe by hand.
Was to fold the string of 100 in half into two strands of 50.
This way you are wrapping two strands at once that are only half as long.
The other major benefit is that by having a double strand you have some built in insurance
that if half the strand goes out that section may be less bright, but it will not be dark.

Joel

Joel, you are without a doubt one of the most clever guys I've ever met. Great tip!

**kychristmas** · 01-13-2012, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by LightUp

The next phase is to use a sewing machine peddle to control the rotation speed of your "lathe".

I also see you're taking advantage of "low paid" labourers?

Just didn't give all the details, but I actually ended up switching to a Router Speed Control that I had laying around and used a foot switch extension cord. I didn't get to my vertical poles this year, but they will be built the same way (larger PVC). Before I do most of them, I'm going to change to a permanent motor setup using a Grill Rotisserie motor.

The girl is 5 now, but whe was only 3 in this picture. Of course, I loved having her there, but I remember she knocked the stool over on the lights and broke a brand new strand. Also, before the session was over she fell of the stool and hit her head on the Bench. No stiches, but certainly did not make the project easier? The free Labor always cost in the longrun somewhere. It really has been great with the kids. Since its my hobby, I don't force them to help. When they do, I know they are there because they want to be and it makes it more fun. This goes for the 16,13,7 and the 5 year old.

**kychristmas** · 01-13-2012, 01:03 PM

Thanks Joel. Although I struggled with it, The WIKI method actual show attached one end and the the other end at the 18" mark. So essentially wrapping as a "V" I really like your idea. Then I could be a little lazy on those cold days and not worry when a Half a channel is out

May use that when I finish my Vertical Poles this year.

You have to love this place. I think I'm doing Noobs a favor by posting the details and pictures and I end up getting good advice. It would appear I'm not just paying it forward, byt I'm still getting paid.

Originally Posted by jrock64

One thing I did when I built my poles(vertical arches) since I was turning the pipe by hand.
Was to fold the string of 100 in half into two strands of 50.
This way you are wrapping two strands at once that are only half as long.
The other major benefit is that by having a double strand you have some built in insurance
that if half the strand goes out that section may be less bright, but it will not be dark.

Joel

**Xenia** · 01-13-2012, 01:24 PM

Well us "noobs" really appreciate the help. I was going to make the Carney Arches but like this better. My lights are from Sams and are 200 strand 55 ft. leds. I am going to use 1 " gray PVC in four foot lengths with 2 foot segments. The arch will be sixteen feet long and should be 12 foot or so wide as I want to leave them relatvely flat only 3-4 foot high. I like the idea that these can be used as part of my twelve foot vertical and double as spares for the arches.