Sorry!! But another arch base question

[badger4543]

sorry guys its probably been done 100 times over but I'm just trying to source the peices to make my arch bases and being in lock down I can't get to bunnings in person. im trying to find the pieces on the bunnings website and im kinda struggling finding the peices I need to make a base (probably using incorrect words in the search). would this inspection t be correct to make a base out of?

 

[Julian De Jong]

I’m looking to build arches this year as well and I’ll probably use the same inspection tees for the base for mine so they look right to me. There are a number of posts on this site on arches but I found this one particularly useful

Lawrence Drive Lights - Arch Build (Air Seeder Tubing with Square Pixel Nodes)

I was looking at the various ways everyone was doing arches from bending conduit into a arch and using cable ties to attach strip or pixel nodes, using PEX tubing (or air seeder tubing) with strip inside or even using coro cut into arch shapes and attached to conduit etc. I decided I wanted the...

auschristmaslighting.com

 

[badger4543]

Thank you.. I did browse though that post but I didn't spot a size or the name of the T in there, I didn't wanna do an online order and have to mess about if they are the wrong ones. Was also thinking about doing some similar to the vertical things with the stars

 

[djgra79]

yes i used those inspection tees

 

[Puddsa]

I used those for my arches, and got the tubing from Esdan plastics on ebay.

 

[Andrew Lee]

Yep those are the ones..

 

[badger4543]

I used those for my arches, and got the tubing from Esdan plastics on ebay.

Yeah already have the air seeder hose

 

[bpratt]

I used 40mm SWV fittings (t-piece and 3 x 100mm or so lengths of the pipe), although it didn't have an inspection hole on the side, I just ran the cabling out through the pipe fitting.

 

[Andrew Lee]

Also check out the Ally tube, great for the bottom spreader bar, Just squash the end in the vise.

Metal Mate 10 x 1mm 3m Aluminium Round Tube

Find Metal Mate 10 x 1mm 3m Aluminium Round Tube at Bunnings Warehouse. Visit your local store for the widest range of building & hardware products.

www.bunnings.com.au

 

[Domestos]

Here are some additional ideas, you may want to look at...

I've taken the general build as highlighted on these forums, and kinda incorporated a different look and feel.
I've used the same 32mm electrical Conduit inspection Tee as the base for my arch like most others. (Picture 1)
I've then used a Corrugated conduit gland 20mm as an attachment for the "stabilisation"/ connecting pipe. Drilled holes into the Tee Piece's solid side. (Picture 1 and 2)
Try to get one of those stepper drill-bits, as they make a massive difference in amount of plastic shavings in comparison to normal drill bits . (Picture 3)
I've then attached to the bottom of the Tee some Wire Rope Galvanised U-Bolts in order to attach the strip lights and keep them under "tension". Once I've attached the bolts and nuts, I've hot glued the nuts in place. (Picture 4)
Finally, I've then used the 20mm electrical conduit to attach the Arches and provide "stabilisation" and rigidity. (Picture 5)

I've built 8 of these arches, and have enough seeder pipe left for another 4 if needed.

If I could do it over, I would probably not be using the extra strength electrical conduit. That orange is "LOUD"

 

[bpratt]

if you're going to paint that orange conduit, use the priming fluid you get to solvent cement them up with, as they takes the 'shine' off the surface, and should allow the paint to stick better.

 

[Danielr]

That's great Domestos, I got some of the 20mm glands last week to also put on the solid side of the tee as well. I hadn't thought about using something to hold tension on the strip though. Will you drill a hole in the inspection tee to run the pigtails out or will you run them out of the legs?

 

[badger4543]

Is there a reason people are using conduit across the base?

I was planning on using some 2-3mm stainless wire and crimp it at my desired width for abit more of a hidden look

 

[djgra79]

Conduit is cheap and fits the air seeder tube snugly.
As for a cross brace, it may not be entirely necessary. I use tent pegs in the feet and mine stay put all season, no need for a cross brace at all.

 

[BBQNinja]

Great ideas Domestos.
I am about to build some arches and think your ideas a great. I will turn my feet 90deg so they attach to each other as mine will run along a fence
Can you share any more on the "tension" part? I think the U-bolts are a great idea. Did you then attach bungee to them?
I see in other forums having too much tension may cause issues mid-long term with the factory solder joints, so was thinking of using something with less spring.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. My first post and first year trying a show.
Going for house outline, a mini tree and arches using D1 mini's with x-lights for the first year.