Make PVC stronger?

K

kevinottawa

Well-known member
I've been playing around with some pvc for a shoulder rig, but it just feels flimsy.
I was thinking about putting some AB foam and metal rods down the pvc arms.
Anyone think that will work, or will it bust the pvc?
 
Have you tried using the PVC adhesive that is used by plumbers to keep the pipes together?
Gary
 
I kinda like the idea of using metal rod down the middle with AB foam. If you wanted less weight maybe just use a wooden dowel in the middle if you want it to be a lighter rig overall. I think if you were absolutely sure if your configration glue put your substructure inside (wood or metal whatever you choose) and then seal it all up except for one or two end caps and then pour in your AB foam and let it fill up and get nice and rigid.



Now why are you just using PVC? i know that its a lot easier to throw it together and prototype with but if your doing to go to the trouble of filling with AB foam and all that why not look at using copper pipe or the thinner alumium pipe that is used for conduits?
 
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kevinottawa, I was actually serious. Have you used the pvc adhesive to strengthen the joints?
Gary
 
teddybear said:
Gary,

I dont think the OP's problem was the joints. But the flimsyness, meaning the flex in the PVC.
Click to expand...

Right on the nose. I'm gona play around with it some more, and then eventually take the plunge and try foam and a rod, if I dont give up and just buy a rig that is.
 
FWIW,

I have some 1.25 sch80 PVC rails for my K-Pod and it actually works just fine even with the flexy factor added in. Since tthe ends are capped with elbows, I add a couple of wood wedge shims in the middle to help level. Note that 1.25" sch40 is actually 1.625" OD, as pipe is more or less measured by the ID.

You might also try electrical emt conduit which is quite rigid, but lighter gauge than sch40 pipe. It follows the same OD sizing scheme as pipe.. Std EMT is zinc plated which is fairly rust resistant. You can also get it galvanized.

Grant
 
The only reason that I mention it, and kevinottawa has not mentioned whether he used adhesive, is that I made adaptions to my Spider brace and used the adhesive and it's solid as a rock.
Gary
 
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