I'm starting a new thread for HDPE arches rather then keep using the PEX Arches thread. I'll try to keep the first post up to date with the latest information on building arches from HDPE tubing.
First the basics:
Mounting:
Finding a good way to mount them has been a bit of a challenge.
Method #1:
One thing I found is that standard 1.5" EMT you can get at Home Depot will just slide into the tube. When used it makes the section rock solid and in fact you could weld the EMT to a plate and stake the plate into the ground. You need to allow for a waterproof cable exit if you go this route. This was how I had originally planned to do them and in fact I might still go that route however I found another way using plumbing parts.
Method #2:
I found that a Nibco 2" Trap adapter will make a solid connection to the 2" HDPE. There are two version, one that fits the pipe and one that fits into a fi
5801-7.jpg 5801-2-7.jpg
Which one you use depends on how you build the mount but the one that fits into a fitting will normally be the better choice. Only problem is that HD does not carry that part.
How do you use these? There are several different ways. You could use Wyes, directly stake pipe in to the ground or onto a flange. I'm thinking about using double Wyes and single Wyes.
5834.jpg 5810.jpg
Why did I chose one with a top entry? So I can run a straight up pole as a fire stick/north pole. If you use a 3-3-2-2 or 3-3-2 Wye you can use a adapter and use the Tine tubes as a vertical pole. Now you see why I say to use the Trap adapter than fits into a fitting. It makes for a cleaner connection into the Wye.
Now 3" pipe is very large to push into the ground so I'd put an adapter in the bottom of the why to reduce to say a 3/4" or 1" pipe. Another way is to use a closet flange upside down and stake it to the ground.
5853.jpg
Although I've listed the ABS versions, that's what we use on the West coast, you can get the same fittings in PVC for those on the East coast.
Ok, that's the first cut at how to build. We'll add more later.
Have fun.
First the basics:
- The HDPE tubing used for these arches is made by Hudson Extrusions out of Hudson, Ohio.
- You can buy the tubing from McMaster-Carr.
- The recommended size tubing is 2" OD, 1.75" ID.
- The recommended pixel strip, 5m DC12V 60leds/m 20pcs ws2811 ic/meter(20pixels) led digital strip, comes from Ray's Store. They come in two versions, waterproof and non-waterproof. I recommend the non-waterproof as they will sit flatter in the HDPE tube and cast less of a shadow.
Mounting:
Finding a good way to mount them has been a bit of a challenge.
Method #1:
One thing I found is that standard 1.5" EMT you can get at Home Depot will just slide into the tube. When used it makes the section rock solid and in fact you could weld the EMT to a plate and stake the plate into the ground. You need to allow for a waterproof cable exit if you go this route. This was how I had originally planned to do them and in fact I might still go that route however I found another way using plumbing parts.
Method #2:
I found that a Nibco 2" Trap adapter will make a solid connection to the 2" HDPE. There are two version, one that fits the pipe and one that fits into a fi
5801-7.jpg 5801-2-7.jpg
Which one you use depends on how you build the mount but the one that fits into a fitting will normally be the better choice. Only problem is that HD does not carry that part.
How do you use these? There are several different ways. You could use Wyes, directly stake pipe in to the ground or onto a flange. I'm thinking about using double Wyes and single Wyes.
5834.jpg 5810.jpg
Why did I chose one with a top entry? So I can run a straight up pole as a fire stick/north pole. If you use a 3-3-2-2 or 3-3-2 Wye you can use a adapter and use the Tine tubes as a vertical pole. Now you see why I say to use the Trap adapter than fits into a fitting. It makes for a cleaner connection into the Wye.
Now 3" pipe is very large to push into the ground so I'd put an adapter in the bottom of the why to reduce to say a 3/4" or 1" pipe. Another way is to use a closet flange upside down and stake it to the ground.
5853.jpg
Although I've listed the ABS versions, that's what we use on the West coast, you can get the same fittings in PVC for those on the East coast.
Ok, that's the first cut at how to build. We'll add more later.
Have fun.