Some tips and alternative approaches: *Ratcheting pipe cutters. These will work for PEX and PVC. The smallest set will do all the way up to 1.25" PVC. (I've used them for a lot of other things as well, btw. For example, they cut pipe insulation much more cleanly than scissors.) There are larger ones that do 2" (and probably more; that's just what I own). The biggest advantage is that you don't end up with plastic "sawdust" everywhere. *Shorter screws. There's no reason why the points should be sticking out the other side of the pipe. Also, drill a pilot hole first, and you'll be able to use any screw with a coarse enough thread, not just the self-tapping ones. *Mark pipe before inserting. This lets you know when you've gone far enough. It also helps when you have to replicate steps so all the props match. That's standard practice with PEX on Sharkbite fittings (bc it might leak if you don't insert it far enough), but might have helped with the PVC/tees too. Like another commenter said, your diameter ended up being too long to match the circumference. Note: PVC never inserts all the way, so it's easy to end up with something longer than expected.
Thanks for the video. Here is what I did to measure my 3/4" PEX ... I got a piece of 1" thin-wall PVC and cut it down to the size I needed. Then I pushed the PEX into the PVC until it was at the end of the PVC, marked it and cut it. I used a Husky ratcheting PVC cutter from HD, to cut my PEX; it makes for a clean cut. And instead of using a heat gun, I used a Dremel to enlarge the inside of the PVC joint (this was much faster and less frustrating for me).
Thanks David! I've been wanting to use arches in my display for several years but could never find a tutorial that helped. This one was excellent and was very easy to follow. My arches turned out great and were a nice addition this year. I appreciate it!
It should line up... If you would measure PVC string. It is simple circle, you have three parts which must line up one of parts - coro, can't be modified, but PVC and PEX - easy. So please measure before placing T's.
Great video. i would like some suggestions on the large arch. I last year i tried building it following the boscoyo instruction and i couldn't get done.
Some tips and alternative approaches:
*Ratcheting pipe cutters. These will work for PEX and PVC. The smallest set will do all the way up to 1.25" PVC. (I've used them for a lot of other things as well, btw. For example, they cut pipe insulation much more cleanly than scissors.) There are larger ones that do 2" (and probably more; that's just what I own). The biggest advantage is that you don't end up with plastic "sawdust" everywhere.
*Shorter screws. There's no reason why the points should be sticking out the other side of the pipe. Also, drill a pilot hole first, and you'll be able to use any screw with a coarse enough thread, not just the self-tapping ones.
*Mark pipe before inserting. This lets you know when you've gone far enough. It also helps when you have to replicate steps so all the props match. That's standard practice with PEX on Sharkbite fittings (bc it might leak if you don't insert it far enough), but might have helped with the PVC/tees too. Like another commenter said, your diameter ended up being too long to match the circumference. Note: PVC never inserts all the way, so it's easy to end up with something longer than expected.
Thanks for the video. Here is what I did to measure my 3/4" PEX ... I got a piece of 1" thin-wall PVC and cut it down to the size I needed. Then I pushed the PEX into the PVC until it was at the end of the PVC, marked it and cut it. I used a Husky ratcheting PVC cutter from HD, to cut my PEX; it makes for a clean cut. And instead of using a heat gun, I used a Dremel to enlarge the inside of the PVC joint (this was much faster and less frustrating for me).
That does sound easier!
Thanks David! I've been wanting to use arches in my display for several years but could never find a tutorial that helped. This one was excellent and was very easy to follow. My arches turned out great and were a nice addition this year. I appreciate it!
Great to hear!
Great video, David. Good timing too! I just received 13 medium arches that I am about to build up.
Great show thanks for sharing
Nicely done, David. Good call on the availability of prop supplies nowadays!
The horizontal pipe at the bottom is about an inch too long. That's why the arch curves don't match.
I'm 100% sure my yard is NOT 100% level.... And this would be good for storage, especially if you have to put them in a basement. Nice work.
It should line up... If you would measure PVC string. It is simple circle, you have three parts which must line up one of parts - coro, can't be modified, but PVC and PEX - easy. So please measure before placing T's.
Great video. i would like some suggestions on the large arch. I last year i tried building it following the boscoyo instruction and i couldn't get done.
Where did you get the pex?