Flexible PVC

**txnchris** · 02-01-2012, 02:04 PM

This will be my first display in 2012 so I'm trying to start early. I bought a 10' piece of 3/4" PEX pipe at home depot after seeing some different designs for arches. A search didn't turn up any results so I was wondering if anyone had ever used this or a similar product in any of their displays. It looks like regular PVC and is fairly sturdy but will bend with enough force. I thought this would be a great product for a number of projects I had in mind but wanted to make sure I didn't regret it a couple of weeks into December.

**jrock64** · 02-01-2012, 02:18 PM

Should be fine.

Most use gray conduit or plan PVC
What what ever is least expensive.

Joel

**daytimer** · 02-01-2012, 03:22 PM

Here is what I started working on for pvc arches:
http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...iameter-arches

It is a little dilapidated (I call it a prototype). I used a piece of wire looped through the pipe to bend and hold the shape, then heated the pipe with a heat gun. After, i was able to remove the wire and it holds its shape. I am thinking about building a wooden template to get a more uniform arch next time. I will attach "T" fittings and make some feet for it, but at least this gives it a good shape without having a constant heavy pressure of a bent pipe.

Edit: Here's where I got my pvc forming ideas - http://www.pvcworkshop.com/bendpipe.htm

**rstehle** · 02-01-2012, 03:36 PM

I use 1" grey conduit. I used to use 3/4" but changed to 1" due to the wider spacing on most LED strings vs Incan strings. I double the strings to achieve better coverage. I don't pre-bend it, or do anything to it but put the lights on it. I have no problem bending it out in the yard to create arches and it straightens right out for ease of storage.
just my .02

**kychristmas** · 02-01-2012, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by txnchris

This will be my first display in 2012 so I'm trying to start early. I bought a 10' piece of 3/4" PEX pipe at home depot after seeing some different designs for arches. A search didn't turn up any results so I was wondering if anyone had ever used this or a similar product in any of their displays. It looks like regular PVC and is fairly sturdy but will bend with enough force. I thought this would be a great product for a number of projects I had in mind but wanted to make sure I didn't regret it a couple of weeks into December.

You do not have to do anything special to bend the PVC at install time. I'm still never sure why I see a bunch of people Heat Bending PVC. On my Website in the Arch/Leaper pics you can see my 7 and 5 year olds are able to bend and install the Arches. Also, My my megatree Base Ring is 3 equal lengths of 3/4 PVC that I store straight in the off-season and then form into a 8 ft. ring at setup.

**daytimer** · 02-01-2012, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by kychristmas

You do not have to do anything special to bend the PVC at install time. I'm still never sure why I see a bunch of people Heat Bending PVC. On my Website in the Arch/Leaper pics you can see my 7 and 5 year olds are able to bend and install the Arches. Also, My my megatree Base Ring is 3 equal lengths of 3/4 PVC that I store straight in the off-season and then form into a 8 ft. ring at setup.

I wanted a smaller arch. I just felt that for a 3' diameter arch, that might be too tight of a bend without relieving some of the stress.
Since I haven't built them, I haven't had to store them yet. The only one I will have to contend with for storage space is my 80lb German Shepherd and I don't think he cares what I store in the garage or attic

**djulien** · 02-01-2012, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by kychristmas

I'm still never sure why I see a bunch of people Heat Bending PVC.

I used heat on some props because it wouldn't hold the shape that I wanted when it was just held under tension. For example, it wouldn't bend as much near the ends as it did in the middle.

don

**kychristmas** · 02-01-2012, 08:44 PM

Yeah, I guess I have been more clear. I really meant for Arches and Circles. Maybe I have just have good luck. I certainly use heat on small circles or when I need a shape to be permanent ie. My Minitrees.

Originally Posted by djulien

I used heat on some props because it wouldn't hold the shape that I wanted when it was just held under tension. For example, it wouldn't bend as much near the ends as it did in the middle.

don

**budude** · 02-01-2012, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by kychristmas

Yeah, I guess I have been more clear. I really meant for Arches and Circles. Maybe I have just have good luck. I certainly use heat on small circles or when I need a shape to be permanent ie. My Minitrees.

Then again - maybe your kids have superhuman strength and you just don't know it...

But - yes - I put my 10' arches six feet apart with a 2' piece of rebar pounded in at a 45 angle. Works great...

**rice66** · 02-06-2012, 09:24 PM

The following link ( http://doityourselfchristmas.com/for...=rice66+arches )shows how I constructed my arches which have been in service 3 years.The swag tool I made could easily be made with wood
using a wood lathe to turn the wood down to the proper sizes. Also usethe search feature and put in arches, many articles have been archived
on arches.
Regards'
Rice66