DIY PVC Base Fittings for Iron Pole Megatree

[kidcole]

I am starting my megatree and have been eyeing the fancy PVC Snap fittings (DUra and Spears) at ChristmasLightShow.com. Has anyone tried simply dry-fitting regular PVC, pre-drilling some pilot holes, and driving in a quick set-screw for each fitting location ? The snap fittings look nice but there must be some simpler ways to build the mega-tree bases and still allow tear-down. Since I don't have any experience with putting set-screws in PVC .. can any of you tell me if this will work or might the fittings crack ?

I want my megatree to have the lights tuck under the lower ring and then have about 2 or 3 feet of "trunk" down to the ground. I like the construction of the DIY megatree at ChristmasLightShow.com, and I am about ready to order their crank-up meagtree components (I like them a lot) .. But for the base, I would like to just use parts I can buy from Lowes and Home Depot.

[Wayne J]

You might be able to adapt some of my ideas to work. I use a mixture of regular PVC, electrical PVC, and Drinking water grade PVC in mine. I drive steel rods into the ground where the base ring supports go, then then slip the support posts/Tee's over them. I then drill a small hole through both the Tee and steel rod, and slip a small piece of coat hanger wire though to hold the base ring down.

[kidcole]

I appreciate the reply Wayne. Nice tree. And I like the simplicity. Your first picture still shows the slip-on kind of PVC fittings and I am trying to figure out why those are needed, compared with just using regular PVC fittings ?

[Wayne J]

I appreciate the reply Wayne. Nice tree. And I like the simplicity. Your first picture still shows the slip-on kind of PVC fittings and I am trying to figure out why those are needed, compared with just using regular PVC fittings ?

They are to reduce the size of the tubing so the tubing fits the steel rods a bit better. Makes things a bit more sturdy. The Tee's were cut in a bandsaw to make them snap on the elctrical PVC.

[mschell]

I have Darryl's 10 foot tree from 4-5 years ago, that use these fittings and it's held up very well.

He does sell (or used to) just sell the "base" kit that did the 2 foot trunk and ring to go on a flagpole based tree.

My only thought about the drawback of using screws thru normal PVC fittings is that they will tend to crack, especially when it's cold. Also, the tree will tend to sway a little bit, and eventually I think the normal fittings will wear or crack.

Wayne's approach looks good, and if I do another tree, I may have to try the base on the ground.

[kidcole]

Ah ! Now I get it. I will just cut mine on a bandsaw. I was thinking they were something special, such as a more flexible material. I assume I can use tie-wraps (zip ties) to make sure they don't let the ring slip off.

[Al in Raleigh]

Denny, why are you using PVC?. A black iron pipe with adequate anchors will outlast and withstand more punishment. We recently finished Walter's and it identical to mine. My megatree withstood 55 mph winds the first day it was up without a hitch.
Al

[kidcole]

I wasn't as clear with the title of this thread as I could have been. I edited all the titles of my posts in this thread to see if the site would change the name of the thread .. Nope, it didn't change ...

I am going to make the main pole 18 feet tall out of 1 1/4" black pipe or may go galvanized - I don't like looking at rust. I was tempted to dig a post hole and sink a pipe but decided it's less work to use the 1 1/4" 5-way bottom flange with four 5' long legs. The bottom will be PCV for the two main circles - one on the ground and one about 2 feet above. Then a couple small inside PVC circles for the trunk look at the bottom. I am going to make a free-standing wood platform with a sloped top to hold the two controllers. I may also make room for more controllers in case I add more channels to the tree for next year.

[Al in Raleigh]

Oh, that explains a lot. Walter and I are planning a shuttle that will slide up the pole and make matters simple. Due to our unexpected complications (new motorhome) we have put some design considerations on the back burner till next year. Walter has been helping me and I have dominated his free time. We will share to the group how to make the shuttle. I promise. The Walter Star is near completion and will be magnificent too.

If you are coming to our next meeting we can discuss this in depth.
Al

[Wayne J]

I wasn't as clear with the title of this thread as I could have been. I edited all the titles of my posts in this thread to see if the site would change the name of the thread .. Nope, it didn't change ...

It is changed.

[kidcole]

Yes, I will make the Oct 8th meeting. I look forward to it !

I have ordered the Megatree Hook Head, the Mega Tree Pully Head and the 5 way cross from ChristmasLightShow.com. I am all for the DIY stuff but since this is my first year, I need some short cuts. I will build a lot more of my own gear as I expand. I think next year I would like to build a cheap DC controller and add some strobes. Then by next year I might be in position to help others (like you guys are helping us newbees) .. !

[Jack Stevens]

Oh, that explains a lot. Walter and I are planning a shuttle that will slide up the pole and make matters simple. Due to our unexpected complications (new motorhome) we have put some design considerations on the back burner till next year. Walter has been helping me and I have dominated his free time. We will share to the group how to make the shuttle. I promise. The Walter Star is near completion and will be magnificent too.

If you are coming to our next meeting we can discuss this in depth.
Al

Al -

I have a problem with your statement. Free time? No such thing.

So when is the next meeting?