This is my tree for 2011

Scoobrs

New elf
Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
40
Location
Coffs Harbour
Some of the guys that were on the chat have seen this, but thought I would post it up for all to see.

I have made a small tree from some pvc pipe and some old heating element from my work, yes you read right heating element! I make heating elements at my work so grabbed some dud ones annealed them, formed them on an 800mm form and soldered it round, then soldered 2 cross pieces for bracing in and gave it a nice sandblast ready for painting.

Then I cross drilled and slotted my 40mm pvc pipe to accept the cross bracing of the elements. I needed a bung to go into the centre of the pipe so I could put a hose clamp on it to lock the elements into position, so I got an old garden hose tap fitting cut the nipple end off and pushed it into the pipe nicely to lock it on with the hose clamp.

I then used some speaker wire to emulate a couple of strings for height test/looks.

tree.jpg



Looked pretty good and here is the base a bit closer up.

treebase.jpg



I was happy with the height/diameter so I drilled 8 holes into the top of the pipe for the strings to attach to, I then decided to also use the screws to attach plastic coated metal wire for the stabilisation. Originally I had planned to cut 2 slots at the top and run the wire from side to side through the slots, but this seemed to work out alot better!

topper.jpg


As seen in the above pic I have a string attached and have just taped it on to test fit.

Here is the string powered up

bluestring.jpg


bluestringlightoff.jpg



Tomorrow I will get some paint and paint it all black, then re-attach a few strings with cable ties and power it up and see how it looks. Will post pics once I do that!


Cheers,
Eric.
 

Scoobrs

New elf
Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
40
Location
Coffs Harbour
Thanks Mike!

Need opinions on whether people think I should just go from the top to bottom, or go into the centre pole like I have done in the above pic, Not quite sure whats gonna look better. The base will be flat on the ground.
 

AAH

I love blinky lights :)
Community project designer
Joined
Dec 27, 2010
Messages
4,190
Location
Eaglehawk
I kinda like the look of trees that have the leds extending into the middle. Maybe fix the centre end of the leds a few inches up the pole to get the leds outta the grass.
 

fasteddy

I have C.L.A.P
Global moderator
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
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6,648
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Albion Park NSW
It will look very nice, I personally reakon it will look better just going down to the bottom only, but the best way is to just try the 2 different ways and then decide which one you like most
 

Scoobrs

New elf
Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
40
Location
Coffs Harbour
I ended up doing a full wedge and going up the pole as well.

I have finished it! Here are some pics and a video.


Strings done

stringsdone.jpg




Red Strings

redstrings.jpg



Blue Strings

bluestrings.jpg






Both on together!

redbluestrings.jpg






And a video (excuse my lack of sequencing skill :D )


testingtree.mov
 
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