Furniture Grade PVC is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of DIY and Maker projects. Whether you're building a table, a shelving unit, or even a cat or dog bed, PVC can be easily adapted to suit your needs. It can be cut, drilled, and connected using various types of Furniture Grade or Plumbing fittings, allowing you to create custom designs that fit your space perfectly.
When it comes to DIY projects, structural integrity is vital. Thankfully, Furniture Grade PVC is known for its exceptional strength and durability. It can support heavy loads and withstand the test of time, ensuring that your creations will last for years to come. Whether you're building a sturdy bookshelf or a robust workbench, Furniture Grade PVC has got you covered.
One major advantage of Furniture Grade PVC is its excellent weather resistance. Unlike plumbibng-grade or imported fittings that will degrade when exposed to moisture or sunlight, Furniture Grade PVC remains solid and reliable. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor projects like greenhouses, patio furniture, or plant stands. You can rest easy knowing that your PVC creations will withstand the elements without losing their structural integrity.
DIY projects can quickly become expensive, especially when using high-end materials. However, Furniture Grade PVC offers a cost-effective alternative that doesn't compromise on quality. It is significantly more affordable compared to other structural materials like wood or metal. This means that you can save money while still achieving professional-looking results.
Only some people have access to a fully equipped workshop, but that shouldn't prevent you from pursuing your DIY ideas. Furniture-Grade PVC is straightforward to work with, even for beginners. It can be cut with basic hand tools and connected using PVC glue or simple slip-on fittings. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels.
While functionality is essential, your DIY projects should also look visually appealing. Furniture-Grade PVC comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to create pieces that match your personal style and decor. From sleek black to vibrant red, there's a PVC option for every design aesthetic.
Transporting and maneuvering large pieces of furniture or structural components can be a hassle. Fortunately, Furniture Grade PVC is lightweight compared to other materials like wood or steel. This makes it easier to handle, especially if you're working on your own. Say goodbye to backbreaking labor and hello to a more enjoyable DIY experience.
Once your DIY project is complete, the last thing you want is to spend hours maintaining it. With Furniture Grade PVC, maintenance is a breeze. It is resistant to rot, mold, and pests, eliminating the need for frequent repairs or treatments. Wipe it down with a damp cloth, and your PVC designs will continue to look as good as new. If used in a school or hospital setting, simply use a spray disinfectant to sterilize.
Obtaining materials for your DIY projects should be convenient, straightforward, and, if time requires it, locally sourced. Furniture Grade PVC is completely compatible with off-the-shelf Schedule 40 PVC plumbing pipe and fittings, so you can source some elements of your project locally, or if budget restrictions require it, you can use Furniture Grade PVC fittings with off-the-shelf plumbing-grade PVC pipe.
By incorporating Furniture Grade PVC into your DIY projects, you can inspire others in the maker community. Share your creations on social media, write about your experiences, and encourage others to explore the versatility and benefits of using PVC in their own projects. Your enthusiasm and creativity may spark new ideas and collaborations, driving the DIY movement forward.
Start your next DIY project with furniture grade PVC and experience the numerous benefits it offers. From versatility and durability to cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness, PVC is the dream material for makers and DIY enthusiasts. Embrace the endless possibilities, and let your imagination run wild.
]]>We've extended our incredible Black Friday $5 shipping offer! From today through Cyber Monday, shop to your heart's content and enjoy flat-rate $5 shipping on all domestic orders. It's the perfect time to grab those PVC products you need for your holiday gifts.
We'll also have special Cyber Monday discounts on select products up to 50% off, on Monday only! Hurry, this deal ends at midnight, Monday, November 27th, so be sure to check back!
Cutting PVC pipe is an essential step in any PVC project and often represents the most time-consuming phase. The age-old adage "measure twice, cut once" remains ever pertinent. Proper measurement can save you from waste and potential mistakes. However, once you've got the measurements right, how should you cut the pipe to ensure ease, accuracy, and efficiency? Below, we delve into the seven top methods for cutting PVC pipes, based on their ease of use (effort), precision (clean cut), and efficiency (cost).
You can learn more about these methods and other ways to cut PVC pipe by viewing our FORMUFIT PVC Cutting Guide, which is freely available along with all of our other guides at formufit.com/guides.
Other names: Wood Saw, Rip saw, Crosscut saw
Rating: ⭐
Recommendation: It works. If you want rough cut with a lot of cleanup.
A handsaw is a versatile cutting tool usually used to cut wood, but in a pinch, can be used to cut PVC pipes. However, this type of saw will not provide the cleanest or most accurate cuts and can be frustrating as they are not very rigid and tend to wobble as you get deeper into the pipe. This lack of a clean cut is because a typical handsaw has teeth farther apart and tears at the walls of the PVC pipe. It’s also harder to or change the direction you’re going down the pipe and therefore far less accurate to create good 90-degree cuts. Like using a hacksaw, secure the pipe in a vise or clamp and saw through the material with a back-and-forth motion.
Pros:
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Other names: PVC Cable Saw, Wire Saw, Plumbers Wire Saw, Rope Saw
Rating: ⭐⭐
Recommendation: Great for tight spaces, but that's about it.
Using a string or wire to cut PVC pipe is a simple, low-tech method that can be surprisingly effective, especially in tight spaces, or in cases where your project is already built and you need to make adjustments like adding another fitting or two to add support. To cut a pipe with a string or wire, wrap the string or wire around the line, cross the ends, and then pull the string back and forth in a sawing motion to cut through the pipe. It takes some time, but it can be far more accessible than positioning everything just right to get a hacksaw in the right spot.
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Other names: Tubing cutter, Flexible Tube Cutter, pipe cutter
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: Works well for small pipe diameters, but takes a lot of effort.
A Plastic Tube pipe cutter is a clamp-style cutter with a straight, sharp blade that functions similarly to a ratcheting pipe cutter, but the cutting action is done in a rotational method rather than directly through the pipe. This method only works well for small-diameter pipes, such as 1/2" or 3/4", as larger diameters can be cumbersome. Once your measurement is marked, open the jaws of the tube cutter and place the PVC pipe between them, aligning the cutting blade with the mark on the pipe. Squeeze the cutter's handles together on the mark, then rotate the cutter around the pipe, making sure to stay in a straight line. Continue to apply pressure by squeezing the handles and turning more, gradually cutting through the pipe walls until the segment is separated.
Pros:
Other Names: Chop Saw, Compound Miter Saw, Drop Saw
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: The best solution for large quantities of pipe cuts
A power miter saw is an excellent choice for making many clean, straight cuts in PVC pipes. These power tools have a circular saw blade that can easily cut through PVC pipes. For this power miter saw PVC pipe-cutting method, mark your cutting line on the pipe, line up the saw blade with the mark, and secure it using clamps against the miter saw fence. Next, turn on the saw and lower the blade to cut through the pipe. Be sure to allow the blade to stop spinning before lifting the blade back up. While there should be no burrs on the pipe edge, it will leave behind pipe residue that can be messy, and the edge of the pipe will not be completely smooth.
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Other Names: Ratchet pipe cutter; ratchet cutter, PVC shears
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: Perfect clean cuts, but tough on your hands.
A ratcheting PVC pipe cutter is the top choice for most users due to its ease of use and clean cuts. A ratcheting pipe cutter is a specialized handheld tool with a sharp blade and a ratcheting mechanism that applies controlled pressure to cut the pipe gradually. To use a ratchet pipe cutter, position the pipe in the cutting groove and squeeze the handles repeatedly to use this cutter. The ratchet mechanism will incrementally tighten the blade, separating the plastic and resulting in a clean, burr-free cut. The only downside to this tool is that you must cut perfectly straight with a nicely sharpened blade to avoid an angled cut that may not allow for a perfect 90-degree cut. Also, the larger the pipe diameter, the harder it can be to use a ratcheting pipe cutter. Finally, repeated use of this tool will cause strain in the hands to exhaustion. Take frequent breaks when cutting via this method, or choose another way if doing a large volume of cuts.
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Other names: Cordless PVC Cutter; Cordless PVC Shear
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: Perfect clean cuts without the hand strain.
While it has a significant upfront investment, a set of Cordless PVC Shears is a super efficient and quick way to cut PVC pipe and has become more commonplace. These electric shears work just like most PVC pipe cutters; a curved groove to place your pipe into and a single blade that physically cuts the plastic pipe, guillotine style. To cut with these shears, ensure the battery is charged and inserted, then mark your pipe where you want the cut, and finally, set the pipe into the cutter at the mark and push the button until it cuts completely. This solution is as effective as a power miter saw but far safer and less intimidating. The only drawback is getting perfectly straight cuts that are 90 degrees vertical; like other handheld PVC cutters, the blade tends to drift during the process, creating a cut that could be a better right angle.
Pros:
Cons:
Other names: Hack Saw, PVC Saw; Japanese saw
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: The Tried and True Solution.
The hacksaw is the most popular manual cutting tool for PVC pipe, especially for those who want to avoid investing in specialized tools. Most people already have one in their basement or garage. A hacksaw consists of a metal frame that holds a fine-toothed blade. To cut a PVC pipe with a hacksaw, secure the pipe in a vise or clamp, then use a back-and-forth motion to cut through the material. This method of cutting PVC pipe can be messy. It will create burrs on the pipe's inner diameter edge that the person cutting the pipe should remove with a dull edge, such as a kitchen knife or a burr remover, but overall it's the cheapest and most effective method to cut pipe.
Pros:
Cons:
In conclusion, the best method largely depends on the specific requirements of your project. While a ratcheting PVC cutter is an excellent all-rounder for many, a simple hacksaw might be sufficient for smaller tasks. Weigh the pros and cons of each based on your project size, budget, and the tools you already have at your disposal. Always prioritize safety, regardless of the method chosen.
There are more ways than just the methods listed above to cut PVC pipe down to size. For more information regarding cutting and the other methods of cutting PVC pipe, please see our PVC Pipe and Fittings Guides, available in our PVC Guides section of our site.
]]>3D Printing has given us the ability to create and build pretty cool things, from small custom components to larger prototype elements. One critical element many makers getting into 3D-printing sometimes overlook is how to effectively store and manage all the tools and accessories that come with the printer. That's where building a 3D Printer Stand out of FORMUFIT PVC pipe and fittings comes into play.
We've released a new PVC plan showing you how to build your custom 3D printer stand out of FORMUFIT Furniture Grade PVC pipe and fittings. Composed entirely of 1-1/4" Size pipe and fittings (with some 1" pieces to add some neat features), it's an excellent way to maximize efficiency and ease of use and customize your 3D printing setup to where you want it to be. Here are a few of the perks of the FORMUFIT 3D Printing Stand design:
We designed the 3D Printer Stand with a top-bar section that is easy to remove and allows convenient access to your printer filament spools. By creating the stand with a large bar across the top, you can place the spools precisely where needed, ensuring that the filament feeds smoothly into the printer. The bar is 1" Size PVC which will accept any spool in the standard 34-53mm range and easily slips into the 1-1/4" uprights for a tool-less changeout. This characteristic improves the quality of your prints and makes changing material types or colors a breeze. If needed, there is also a second, easily removable 1" Size PVC bar in front of the printer for front-loading filament spools.
Raising the stand to chest height facilitates better airflow around the printer. This elevated position ensures good airflow near the printer components, which is essential for long printing sessions. Additionally, the raised height provides a more accessible entry to your prints, enabling you to monitor the printing process more closely and easily remove completed prints. It's not too tall to make things unsteady, but still the perfect height to access your projects.
Adding integrated shelves designed to hold filament boxes perfectly in place adds another level of convenience to the stand. Proper storage protects the filament from dust and moisture, enhancing its lifespan when put back into their boxes. These shelves also enable you to organize different filament types and colors efficiently, so you can quickly find and access suitable material for your project. Since there are two shelves, you can use one for filament boxes and build a second wood platform to store tools or additional heating element pads, pliers, or snips.
Check out our FORMUFIT PVC Plans Library to download the 3D Printer Stand project for free. You can then customize it using the available SketchUp file for download on the page. Add elements such as tool holders and a vacuum mount to make it your own. You can customize the PVC colors to your theme for a maker space location or your school colors. Want to make it a cart to move where you need it? Easy. Just replace the four bottom End Caps with 1-1/4" Caster Pipe Caps and four FORMUFIT Swivel Casters.
A 3D Printer Stand made from PVC pipe and fittings is a highly functional, customizable, and affordable solution for any 3D printing specialist. Any 3-D printer devotee must customize a stand such as this entirely to their own 'making'. Still, as a start, this stand offers a tailored experience that will enhance any 3D printing workflow.
You can download the entire 3-D Printer Stand PVC plan in step-by-step PDF format from the FORMUFIT PVC Plans Library or click here to go directly to the 3D Printing Stand plan page. A full list of required PVC parts is provided on the page and the plan goes into details about the wooden shelf dimensions and cutting. A Trimble SketchUp file is also available for download.
]]>As summer days grow longer and warmer, it's the perfect time to kickstart those outdoor projects you've been dreaming about. To help you bring your visions to life, FORMUFIT is thrilled to announce our Free Shipping offer on any order over $149.00 USD!
Whether you're planning to build an extravagant greenhouse, a sleek garden trellis, or simply need to stock up your business on our vibrant, weather-resistant PVC pipes and fittings, this offer is a fantastic opportunity to get everything you need delivered right to your doorstep, without expensive freight.
How to Get the Free Shipping Offer
And voilà! Your summer project essentials are on their way to you, with no shipping charges. It's that easy.
Important Information about the Free Shipping Offer
While we'd love to extend this offer to all our customers, there are some restrictions you need to be aware of:
Please note that the offer is subject to restrictions and may change without notice. Void where prohibited.
We at FORMUFIT believe in making your DIY dreams a reality, and we hope our Free Shipping offer helps you achieve just that. So why wait? Plan your build or design and start building today!
Happy Building!
*Offer subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited.
Matt Hawkins from Cleveland, OH, was looking to make an accessible and more secure solution to haul his fat tire e-bikes in his Ford Maverick. Surprisingly, he couldn't find a bike rack that you didn't have to connect to the trailer hitch or one that didn't require the removal of the front wheels.
Matt started working on plans to make a metal rack that would bolt to existing tie-down locations, but it would be far too heavy, need too many specialized tools to make, and would be a pain to remove when he needed to haul something else. He had seen some lightweight PVC bike racks others had built but needed his to be more durable, as e-bikes come in at nearly 75 lb. each and have much wider tires than any existing in-bed PVC pipe bike racks he could find.
Matt saw the specs on FORMUFIT PVC pipe and fittings; being 5x more robust than plumbing-grade PVC, as well as being UV and impact-resistant, it was a no-brainer. And to Matt's surprise, FORMUFIT PVC was available in bright colors, so he wouldn't have to paint his project when completed.
Rather than using the FORMUFIT SketchUp components, Matt used the FORMUFIT specifications sheets and imported the pipe and fitting data into Fusion 360, a CAD program. Then, building his project digitally, he could measure and ensure that everything would fit perfectly in the bed of his Maverick and that the rack would support up to two bikes with the requisite 4" x 28.75" tires or be able to mount a single bicycle in the center.
For general stability in the truck bed, Matt opted to use 1" Size PVC as his base size. He used a combination of 1" Internal Dome Caps and 1" External End Caps to fit everything snugly into the back of the truck bed. As he describes it:
"The open ends of the PVC pipe that touch the walls of the beds use internal dome caps and external caps. Since the inner dome caps go inside the tube, I used this for the horizontal ends near the cab. The flat back section uses external-style end caps that provide more surface area to hold it into place."
Regarding ordering the parts needed, Matt selected the following items for his project, which was primarily 1" PVC pipe and base fittings:
"I ordered three two-packs of 1" Size PVC pipe @ 60", 22 standard tees, two 90-degree elbows, two internal dome caps, and two external end caps, which cost about $150.00 with free shipping. It showed up really fast! If you make no cutting mistakes (I made a couple), you should have one 60" piece left."
Assembly was straightforward. After he cut his pipe to size, he applied clear PVC glue to the tubes, and used a rubber mallet to drive the pipe into the correct insertion depth. He completed the three sections that held the tire first, then made the connections between those sections next. Matt left the ends that touched the bed last so it would have an exact fit and could adjust for spacing. Finally, he finished it with the internal and external caps and used velcro to secure it to the factory tie-downs in the front of the bed.
Matt sums up the project and the end result with the following:
]]>"It works great! It doesn't weigh that much and has just enough flex to accept the front tires firmly until I strap the bikes down. I never imagined it would work so well or look so good. So let's see what you can make with FORMUFIT!"
Suppose you are an avid kayaker who spends a lot of time going to and from the water and need a little assistance moving your 'yak around as you're finding that getting everything down to the water has become a bit more challenging. If this is the case, our newest addition to our PVC Plans Library might be the best solution to keep you in the hobby.
If you combine the kayak, maybe a fish finder, battery, some fishing gear, the oars, and other personal accouterments, some may find themselves hauling in excess of 100 lb. of equipment. Having something that makes it easy to load all those items into the kayak itself and roll it around on a smooth set of heavy-duty wheels, might just be the back and knee saver you've been looking for.
There are several plans out there for a DIY Kayak Cart, and while many elements of this cart may look familiar, we've taken the best bits of each one and combined them into a single, durable cart that should last for years. The kayak dolly has jumbo foam pool noodles to keep the yak bottom from scratching and heavy-duty, pneumatic tires for quickly getting over small rocks and other things in the path to the water. It makes carting a heavy kayak a manageable process.
This particular PVC project is relatively easy to build once you have all of the components in-hand of the axle and wheels. It goes together in less than an hour as just a handful of PVC fittings are required to put this cart together, and the construction is incredibly straightforward.
Two support beams take the brunt of the kayak's weight, and there is a front handle/beam can act as a kickstand, which can also be used as a handle of sorts to position everything in place. This kickstand/handle combo also has a foam noodle mounted on it, letting you put the kayak weight towards the front as you load it. We saw many comments in kayaking forums that the boat doesn't always go on straight on other kayak carts and can scratch the bottom of some longer and heavier kayaks in the loading process, so kayakers should welcome this particular addition.
Breakdown capability is one thing we don't identify in the plan and leave up to the end user. Many kayakers like to make the cart easy to break down, which may work to store the cart inside the kayak in the off-season. You can create breakdown points below the main supports and off of the kickstand section by using FORMUFIT Quick Release pins at these points. You can then use the ratcheting tie-down to bind everything together and stow the whole thing in the kayak's cockpit.
This plan can be viewed from the direct link to the PVC Kayak Cart plan here, of you can locate it by browsing out PVC plans library. An entire SketchUp file has also been provided on the PVC plan page, so you can modify the plan and make personalized adjustments to suit this kayak dolly to your needs.
]]>Given that dilemma, we're introducing the FORMUFIT Skateboard Storage Rack plan, which stores up to five skateboards, nice and neat and out of the way, so no one (especially parents) twists an ankle or falls on their backside.
The Skateboard Rack is comprised entirely of 1" Size PVC pipe combined with FORMUFIT 1" PVC fittings to create a low-profile rack that easily allows skateboards to slip inside. Just insert a skateboard, which can be easily stored upside down, with the deck sitting upon one of the levels, and presto, no injured family members.
While we designed the initial base Skateboard Rack to be a floor model that sits on a garage floor, the rack can be easily mounted to a wall. Wall mounting can be accomplished using 1" PVC Table Caps integrated into the backside of the unit. This is accomplished by replacing the four (4) 1" 3-Way Elbows with 1" 4-Way Tees and a small segment of 1" pipe. Wall mounting will put it up even higher, out of the way, and make it easier for our skateboarding friends to slip the boards in and out.
The base Skateboard PVC Storage Rack measures 22" H x 15" D x 9" W and can always be customized by quickly changing the design to accept more or fewer boards.
Download the free PVC plan for the Skateboard Rack from the FORMUFIT PVC Plans Library, or click here to go directly to the project. As always, check out our other free plans, and you can edit the SketchUp file to design your own.
]]>Stimulate a child’s creativity with the FORMUFIT PVC Folding Art Easel for Kids PVC plan. This downsized artist’s easel is ideal for smaller work areas and can transform any playroom or child’s bedroom into an art studio.
The easel itself folds flat allowing your child to take it on a road trip, to Grandma’s house, or leave it open in their room at home for sudden creativity. Just clip a board, a piece of paper or coloring sheet onto the easel, and let their creativity soar. It’s also an ideal solution for art teachers as they can fold it up and stow it away into a small 4-inch thick space.
The pipe and fittings can be swapped for your desired colors to fit your child's bedroom or playroom.
Download this PVC project online and modify the plan to fit you or your child and their future artistic endeavors. While your there, be sure to check out our other PVC plans in our library to inspire future builds.
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There are tons of ways to glue PVC pipe and fittings together, but only a few are genuinely well-bonded solutions, pun intended. Therefore, we will outline six ways customers have used to connect PVC pipe with glues and rank them from the worst to the best.
You can learn other ways to join PVC pipes and fittings without cement or adhesives by downloading or viewing our FORMUFIT PVC Assembly Guide, freely available on formufit.com.
Rating: ⭐
Recommendation: Not Recommended
The first thought that comes to anyone that wants to build with plastics is to open the junk drawer at home and pull out the Super Glue. Super Glue has been used for years and trusted by many to fix broken items at home. Crazy Glue/Super Glue works great on porous things, like wood ceramics and some light plastics, but won't work on many smooth plastics. Like Gorilla Glue, it has a reputation that it will connect any two things together, but in reality, it doesn't work for PVC. Roughing up the surfaces of PVC may get you some bonding, but in the long run, it won't last.
Rating: ⭐⭐
Recommendation: Best to Avoid It
Toluene & Xylene are typically used for polystyrene in model building, ABS, Acetate & Plexiglas but will not work for PVC. In some cases, they may work, but only temporarily. The bonds will quickly give up, and you will have disconnected pipes and joints that now have a chalky substance everywhere from the dried-up cement. Keep this in the model kit drawer.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: Works, But Not Like You Think It Does.
Many customers insist that rubber cement does an ideal job of connecting PVC pipes and fittings. First, brush some rubber cement on the outside of the pipe. Next, brush some on the inside of the fitting, wait about 3 minutes, then press them together. While this glue will stick to plastics, and PVC being one of them, it's not actually the 'glue' part that keeps things in place; it's actually tension. With rubber cement, you fill gaps between the pipe and fitting and not actually bond anything together, just making an uber tight fit. So while it will work in case of necessity, it's a temporary solution that will not last long (which may have its benefits as a temporary hold). Also, the chemicals used to keep the rubber cement in a liquid state can damage PVC pipes, so it may not be the best idea.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: Can Be Used In a Pinch.
Everyone sees Gorilla Glue as the quintessence of glues or cement, but it's hit or miss when it comes to PVC. Now, we're talking about the Original Gorilla Glue, not their other variants, which may fall under one of the other options above. Simply put, The surface of PVC is so smooth that Gorilla Glue doesn't have anything to grip or bind to. So it may work in a pinch but will come apart later down the road when you need it to work the best. Additionally, this type of glue has a very long setup time, so you may be waiting hours for it to cure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: Almost Perfect.
This is the best option for PVC pipe project builders and makers. While the one below is the 'ultimate' solution, this one is just as good. While PVC cement is best, it must be noted that it is permanent. This is because the cement actually melts the walls of the pipe/fitting and then, when pressed together, melts the two pieces. Another bad thing is that you have to work FAST. PVC cement evaporates quickly, and once it starts, you have to ensure your fittings are lined up, all the way in, and in the correct position. This is why we recommend a dry fit before building. Also, most PVC cement instructions recommend applying cement to both pipe and fittings before connecting. However, you can choose a less-strong bond by only using it inside the fittings and then pushing it over the tube. This may allow you to split things and try again, but not always. It is a fusion-welded connection, after all.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: The Best Solution.
This is the ultimate, most permanent, and secure solution to glue PVC pipe to a fitting connection using PVC glue/cement with primer. It's the same solution above (PVC Cement) but with an added step of spreading primer to the pipe before applying your PVC cement. Primer is used to clean the pipe and expose the surface of the pipe, which the cement will chemically weld together. We typically don't recommend using primer, as most brands are only available in a purple color, which will stain the pipe (unless you are using purple pipe). There are clear versions, but they are not always easy to find. However, as mentioned, this is the best solution and will physically join the pipe and fitting, making them one permanent and strong PVC connection.
There are more ways than just cements to connect PVC pipe and fittings. For more information regarding assembly and the other methods of connecting PVC projects, please see our PVC Field Manuals, available in our PVC Guides section of our site.
]]>We've helped many of our aquarium consumers trick out their unique aquatic formations with custom colors that fit the theme of their reef or pond. While much of the construction is behind-the-scenes plumbing in the form of routes through their filtration equipment, most aquarium enthusiasts still strive to make their reef tank beautiful, even though many will never really see it.
Since we offer all our products in multiple colors and clear, you can easily create a combination or color system for your build. For example, you can color the pipes to meet your desired theme, use our clear PVC pipe segments as a sight tube or use colors to identify the in-and-out elements in the filtration path to act as a quick reference for troubleshooting.
You'll see that we don't recommend using Furniture Grade PVC for commercial or residential plumbing. We state this because plumbing installations typically require permits, and permits require inspections.
Since aquariums are not commercial or residential plumbing, they don't apply to this classification. And since aquatic builds typically don't have high-pressure flow rates, there is no area of concern for aquarium, irrigation, or hydroponics users. Regardless, FORMUFIT pipe and fittings meet or exceed the exact regulatory burst requirements for pressurized systems but are not NSF rated or marked as such, so they'll still work without a hitch.
Furniture Grade PVC pipe and fittings are entirely safe for aquarium use; they do not contain heavy metals, phthalates, or other harmful substances found in off-brand PVC fittings and pipes. In addition, the colorant of the PVC is impregnated into the resin and will not leach color or other chemicals into the water. Finally, since our products have close tolerance levels, you won't need primer to prep the pipe and fittings, only cement. These tight tolerances lower the number of chemicals used in construction.
FORMUFIT Furniture Grade PVC pipe and fittings are resistant to UV light, which black lamps and fluorescent lights used throughout the aquarium community produce in large quantities. This UV resistance adds a level of security that protects much better than standard plumbing PVC, which has very little to no UV protection. Additionally, ultraviolet resistance adds a sustainability and durability factor. Thanks to this extra level of UV security, the likelihood of FORMUFIT products breaking down, cracking, or becoming brittle is next to zero.
All FORMUFIT external fittings are flow-through, and the inside cavities of the fittings are fully open to allow the maximum fluid transfer, which helps keep flow GPH at its peak.
All FORMUFIT pipe products meet ASTM D1785 size requirements, the exact interconnection measurements that all Schedule 40 plumbing-grade PVC products must meet. Following this standard means that you can mix our products with standard off-the-shelf PVC pipe and fittings as well as reefing and tank manufacturer equipment, and there will be no compatibility issues.
Since most filtration equipment follows the Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 outside diameters, our products will work with practically all filtration manufacturer's equipment labeled as such. Need to connect to a Schedule 80s spec manifold or ball valve? Since the outer diameter of our Schedule 40 pipe and fittings is the same as schedule 80, you can connect to FORMUFIT external-fit products without a problem.
]]>When it comes to PVC Pipe, length when shipping has always been an issue.For our long, 5-foot (60’) lengths, customers have always had to pay an additional handling fee, handed down from the carrier on each box that was over 48” long. This is because the carriers have to pull longer boxes off of the conveyors and manually handle them and the additional length adds to the dimensional weight, increasing cost.
With ShipSaver PVC pipe lengths that additional oversize charge is a thing of the past. No additional handling charges should be incurred as long as all pipe in your cart are using our ShipSaver lengths.
We’re still offering our existing 5-foot (60”) lengths of furniture pipe for those customers who need the extra spans and additional length or have built their businesses and products around our 5-foot product, which does incur the additional handling fee.
ShipSaver lengths appear on the same product pages as our regular 60” pipe. Just select the 40” 3-Packs from the dropdown box and add to your cart.
Important: Carrier additional handling charges will still apply to any shipment that contains 5-foot (60”) pipe that are purchased alongside our ShipSaver pipe lengths.
]]>Floor quilt frames are a great way to be creative and create your own quilt designs. Older adults that have been quilting for years rely on a floor quilt frames as it's easier on the hands and holds their project steady so they can be more precise in their stitching. Given the size of the frame, more than one adult can even stitch at the same time, so they are great for retirement homes and quilting groups.
The frame consists of a relatively simple PVC pipe structure, which the material is laid across. FORMUFIT PipeClamps are then snapped over the material, locking the fabric into place and keeping the material rigid. If the position of the quilt has to be changed, simply pull off the PipeClamps, reposition and snap the clamps back into place.
When you’re done with the quilting frame, it can be easily broken down and placed into a corner or a closet for storage.
In addition to our free plan available for the Floor Quilting Frame PVC Plan, we've also provided an additional plan for for a Handheld Stitching Frame which is a perfect idea to accompany the Floor Quilting Frame project. You can also download that separate plan and view a list of all the parts needed from the PVC Plans Library, here.
]]>With its simple construction and a common pipe length, its incredibly easy to built and quick to put together. It uses poly sheeting as a barrier, with PipeClamps in place to keep the material connected firmly to the pipe structure.
The structure itself is simply a full set of two walls, built from 1-1/4 in. Size PVC Pipe, set at a 90 degree angle to each other using 1-1/4" 3-Way Elbows and 4-Way Tees. This give the Mobile Safety Partition its 'pocket' style barrier to cover two separate directions at once.
You can download this plan in our PVC Plans Library, or it can be downloaded directly here. As always, feel free to modify it to the dimensions you may need for your application, and choose the colors to accommodate your preference.
We still have one more blog entry in this Safety Partition series, with Part 3 on the way, which wil feature a counter-top style partition for retail businesses and a desk solution for schools and libraries.
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PVC is ideal for constructing safety partitions because it’s easy to clean and sanitize using off-the-shelf spray disinfectants. The cost to build with PVC and standard poly plastic is hundreds of dollars less than steel or plexiglass solutions that are available from larger suppliers.
As with all of our plans and PVC ideas, they don’t have to be followed to the Tee. Your workspace, office or school may require a specifically shaped solution or particular configuration. Again, the beauty of PVC pipe structures is that you can easily make those adjustments with minimal change in design and minimal impact in cost.
This plan and the others that will follow over the following week are based around polyethylene sheeting as a barrier. Poly sheeting is inexpensive, widely available and incredibly easy to work with. Alternatively you can use any type of material that suits your purpose. Cloth material will function as well, but keep in mind that It may require disassembly for washing. Pair these structures with our PipeClamp and connecting the preferred material to any 1” or 1-1/4” PVC structure is a snap and an easy solution for connecting and disconnecting.
Our first PVC plan is a solution to the aforementioned problem, and shows you how to build a Standard PVC Safety Partition easily and inexpensively from 1" Size PVC Pipe and fittings. This partition is very basic and is designed to separate areas of close contact between people and provide your customers, students or employees a safe and comfortable space to sit or work. It's light enough to move from space to space and can be modified in size and shape to fit your environment (more below).
The design provides visibility through the partition when using clear poly sheeting. It provides a safe and separate section for employees or students without impeding on your workspace, office layout or lighting.
To go right to the plan, click here to see this plan in our PVC Plans Library. Otherwise, take a look at our tips and modification ideas below.
This particular plan can be adjusted to be wider to cover a larger area. Since it does use 1” PVC pipe, which has more horizontal deflection, it is not recommended that any changes be made where one segment of pipe is longer than 48” (4 ft) to avoid bowing.
For wider solutions, we recommend swapping out one side of the top 90s with Tees, the Tees with Crosses and the 4-Ways with 5-Ways, as shown in the diagram below. This will let you create wider solutions that can essentially be a longer ‘wall type’ unit.
You can also built multiple versions of this structure and link them together using Bungee Ball Ties or nylon zip ties to keep them together, creating a chain of partitions to cover a larger area or to separate entire rooms.
Finally, the footing options, while not outlined in the plan, can be modified as well. This may be preferred as some may find the basic footing solution in the plan may cause the structure to be somewhat ‘underfoot’. You can create a simple leg structure by adding some basic parts is outlined below:
The plan to build this will be followed by additional plans later this week for a mobile partition, desk-mounted option, as well as a counter partition solution. All will be made available free in our PVC Plans Library, with a parts list and step by step instructions.
]]>This doesn’t mean that you can’t keep busy or fit on your own. We’ve compiled four (4) PVC projects that you can build at home to exercise, practice fitness and have a little fun. Each of these projects have a downloadable plan available in our PVC Plans Library and most are fairly simple to build.
Parallettes are smaller versions of the the parallel bars used in gymnastics. They simulate the use of full-size parallel bars for gymnasts, but can be beneficial to those outside gymnastics too. While they are like push-up bars or dips bars that you see in the gym, parallettes are normally lower to the ground and are larger in size.
Parallette exercises get you support your body weight on your hands and maintain these positions over a period of time. They’re excellent for building up core muscle and leg strength too. These exercises are ideal for gaining muscle mass, whether you’re starting out using the techniques or are ready to progress to a higher parallette skill set.
Parallette training has grown in popularity as fitness fans look for ways to achieve their aims and the sculpt their body. The physique of gymnasts, simple beginner exercises, and low cost have all contributed to the rise of parallette exercises. Even the CrossFit fitness world, incorporates aspects of parallettes.
Title: Parrallette Journey Pt 1
Description: Watch Stephen Tongue start his Parrallette Journey.
Link to PVC Plan: PVC Parallettes Plan
When you’re talking about exercise and mention “push-ups,” there’s a good chance you’ll get eye rolls or a comment such “I HATE PUSH UPS!” Let’s face it, they aren’t the most exciting or easiest exercise in the world. But they can be with the right equipment and technique.
The traditional push-up position has you put your hands flat on the floor and focuses your weight on the joints and tendons in your wrists. To reduce strain, some people do push-ups on closed fists, which allows them to keep their wrists straight. This is fine on carpet or lawn, but is uncomfortable on a hard surface. Using push-up bars is like the exercise on your fists without beating up your knuckles.
Without push-up bars, the majority of your upper-body weight moves the muscles in your upper arms. Gripping push-up bars with your hands incorporates your forearms' muscles. As a result, push-ups become easier because you are involving more muscles to lift and lower your body weight through the range of motion.
Title: Push Up Bar Exercises
Description: A concise list of push-up bar exercises to do at home.
Link to PVC Plan: PVC Push-Up Bar Handles
Golf is a game enjoyed by any age and any different levels of experience. Whether you just want to drive some balls or you’ve been playing for decades, having a golf cage is a great way to improve your game and get some exercise. A golf cage is simply a net and frame that you can set up anywhere and hit golf balls into. To use it, you’ll need a golf mat, golf clubs and balls and you’re ready to do some practice drills.
Golf cages are great to practice your swing when you can’t make it out to the driving range due to quarantine or course closures. A good golf cage is also a great way to practice in your backyard without worrying about anyone else watching you or critiquing your swing.
Title: Driving Range Tips and Drills for Beginners
Description: Perfect for beginners to learn how to hit a golf ball.
Link to PVC Plan: PVC Golf Cage Plan
It may look like ballet, but it’s not. Barre fitness classes are ballet inspired, incorporating a mix of ballet barre and pilates work with plies and kicks in the workout. A Barre class is a targeted workout in which you’ll use the bar with exercise equipment such as small hand weights and balls. These techniques will help to to slim and stretch your entire body.
You don’t need any ballet dance experience to be comfortable doing barre exercises. The ballet moves tone the entire body, improve posture and increase flexibility.
Title: Ballet barre workout techniques with Sharrell Brown, M.S., ACSM-HFS
Description: Demonstration proper techniques for ballet barre workouts.
Link to PVC Plan: PVC Ballet Barre Plans
This assembly can be used by doctors and nurses during intubation for respirator prep and other procedures to protect both patient and health professional. It can also be used by EMTs in the transport of patients in and out of buildings, as well as in-transit within an ambulance.
The use of this Respiratory Protection Chamber eases the already high risk of sterilization loss and the overtaxing of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) that hospitals are forced to ration or reuse due to shortages.Furthermore, we are providing a comparative list of lower-cost items from our Closeout section that can be used in place of our standard product, to keep the cost of building this equipment extremely low. This will get more of these important life-saving tools in the hands of our medical professionals. The following list of items can be substituted for the items listed in the plan. Please note that all Closeout items are limited in quantity.
FORMUFIT SKU | Closeout SKU | Replacement Description |
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F0123WE | TF0123WE-GY-N | 1/2" Size 3-Way PVC - Gray |
TF0123WE-IV-N | 1/2" Size 3-Way PVC - Ivory | |
TF0123WE-WH-N | 1/2" Size 3-Way PVC - Utility Grade White | |
F012TEE | TF012TEE-GY-N | 1/2" Size Tee PVC - Gray |
TF012TEE-IV-N | 1/2" Size Tee PVC - Ivory | |
F01290E | TF01290E-GY-N | 1/2" Size 90 Deg PVC - Gray |
TF01290E-IV-N | 1/2" Size 90 Deg PVC - Ivory |
FORMUFIT SKU | Closeout SKU | Replacement Description |
---|---|---|
F0343WE | TF0343WE-IV-N | 3/4" Size 3-Way PVC - Ivory |
F034TEE | TF034TEE-IV-N | 3/4" Size Tee PVC - Ivory |
F03490E | TF03490E-IV-N | 3/4" Size 90 Deg PVC - Ivory |
This particular tent can be built with off-the-shelf PVC Pipe and a few FORMUFIT fittings. We have also included the use our closeout Material Snap Clamp (which is a limited availability product) at a very low cost, allowing one PVC Respiratory Protection Tent to be built for just a few dollars. The Material Snap Clamp also allows for the positioning and replacement of the plastic sheeting as needed to keep the environment sterile.
This is not our final plan and ask for input from the medical community. We will continue to provide additional plans to help our neighbors contribute and support the front-line medical staff across the country, and around the world, during this crisis.
]]>A chicken tractor is a portable chicken coop that gives your birds constant access to fresh food. It allows them to fertilize the soil and helps control yard or garden pests. Chicken tractors are moved across the garden or yard to change the position of the chickens and their access to resources.
The principle is you can drag the chicken tractor across your backyard every day, or every few days, so your flock has fresh vegetation to forage in. Chickens love to eat the ends of grass and weeds. They also like bugs, slugs, and snails – which will help reduce the pest population on your property. As you move the tractor around, they leave their nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich droppings behind them.
It’s called a chicken “tractor” because the scratching and pecking action of the birds clears the ground and loosens the top inch or so of earth. It’s one way to get rid of a lawn or a weed patch in preparation for planting a garden.
It’s best to move the tractor on a daily basis if you want the birds to fertilize and perform pest control. This will keep your lawn or pasture from turning into a patch of dirt.
You can easily and inexpensively build a chicken tractor from PVC.
This particular plan has a hinged door, which allows you access to the chickens as needed. You can use readily available bird netting from your home center in place of chicken wire, which can be difficult to work with.
Our plan is available in the FORMUFIT PVC Plan Library, or can be accessed here, which has a full list of parts needed.
]]>Furniture Grade PVC is a non-porous plastic. Therefore it is easily cleaned and disinfected as biological material cannot enter the plastic itself. Furniture Grade PVC has been widely used in the medical furniture industry for well over 20 years and is interchangeable with the terms 'Medical Grade PVC' or 'Healthcare Grade PVC'.
During the SARS outbreak in 2011, The National Institutes of Health (NIH) performed a non-peer reviewed study that indicated the SARS coronavirus infection can survive on most plastics surfaces for up to two (2) days. This applies to ABS, PLA, PET and other plastics but does not have the same guidance for PVC plastics.
Furniture Grade PVC products are exceptionally easy to be made safe for everyday use to minimize any risk of cross-infection. With little effort, you can follow these few steps on cleaning and disinfecting your PVC products:
To clean Furniture Grade PVC plastics, use a soft cloth and wash with soap and warm water or use a non-abrasive cleaner on all parts of the PVC Pipe and fitting elements. If exposed or considered a 'high-touch' surface, the interior of the pipe and fitting elements can also be cleaned in the same manner.
Following CDC guidelines, disinfection of Furniture Grade PVC plastics should be performed after an initial cleaning to maximize effectiveness. Apply spray disinfectant (Lysol™, Pine-Sol™ or other brand) to the same surfaces that have been cleaned, or use disinfecting wipes on the PVC surfaces.
K. H. Chan, The Effects of Temperature and Relative Humidity on the Viability of the SARS Coronavirus, Published online 2011 Oct 1
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations, Published online 2020 Mar 1
]]>When one is challenged by their co-workers to make an electric, drivable unicorn, it often gets waved away as a sillyidea, but if you are a coder and devotee to the maker movement, you accept it as a challenge.
Charlyn (@chardane), brought a stuffed unicorn rocking horse (Rocky) into the office one day simply because she thought it was too cute not to share. Since this amused her coworkers, they suggested that she add wheels to it and make it electric. Charlyn, who loves to make stuff including projects that involve circuitry, 3D printing, crafts and microcontrollers took the challenge and turned Rocky the Rocking Horse into Electro Rocky: the Electric Unicorn Vehicle.
At first Charlyn tried to build the motorized fella using the simplest items available, such as a hardwood dolly zip tied to a hoverboard, but didn't have the desired results. She quickly headed back to the drawing board and drew up plans for something a bit more extensive. Drawing out her design let Charlyn determine what items she needed, how much and to also document her build for future use.
Charlyn stumbled upon FORMUFIT and found that Furniture Grade PVC was perfect for her build and was able to get all of the parts her design needed, and then some. Her design still uses a hoverboard as the mobility engine, but now the PVC frame acts as a sort tilting access point that lets you sit on the unicorn and use the PVC frame as handles and main supports. The front support wheels are standard casters sitting inside of Caster Pipe Caps.
Cutting pipes with her hacksaw, she was able to create a chassis for Rocky to sit upon, and modified the pipes to accept brass flanges and pass-through bolts. Using some off-the shelf T-plate connectors, she was able to build a ‘rocking’ mechanism for the hoverboard.
To connect everything together, her design uses brass screws that have had their heads countersunk into the pipe to keep everything flush. The brass and black colors add a level of sophistication, suitable only for a majestic unicorn.
Once built everything, she reattached her unicorn friend, added a phone holder (of course), garnished the chassis with flowers and set off on a magical, mobile adventure.
This is the type of maker-movement creativity we here at FORMUFIT absolutely love, and is why we started the company. We’ve got Charlyn in our FORMUFIT Twitter feed so we can see more of her creations in the future.
Check out Charlyn’s Twitter feed @chardane for some cool stuff. You can view her instructions on how she built Electro Rocky on her blog here and you can see some of her image highlights and built notes on her Intsagram feed here.
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You can download this plan in our PVC Plans Library here.
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Linn, a maker and the proprietor of the YouTube Channel Darbin Orvar provides amazing tips and tricks on how to work on a varying number of projects from electronics to woodworking, using step-by-step videos made in her shop.
In one video Linn recently posted, she shows us how to bend PVC pipe easily using only heated sand and a little duct tape. This video was a second place award winner for the Instructables 2017 PVC Contest.
In order to heat the pipe without kinking, she’ll need to add sand to the inside of the pipe. This fills the pipe and provides resistance so that the pipe does not kink. She places duct tape over the end of the pipe to block the sand from leaking out. She then measures the amount of sand needed for the particular pipe segment she wants to bend.
This sand is put into a (sacrificial) pan and heated on a burner until hot, then put back into the pipe. After a short period of time, the pipe heats up and Linn then bends the pipe using a shaping jig she created. The shaping jig allows her to get the curve she needs.
This method can be a bit more challenging for larger diameter pipe, such as 1-1/4” and up, but is still a great solution for smaller diameter pipe such as 1/2” and 3/4”.
You can see Linn’s YouTube video directly here: https://youtu.be/AYTFDkX7s24
Also, check out her prize-winning Instructable here, as well as her website with more information on Linn and her projects.
]]>More than once, you’ve tried using everything to prop your device up, from a tape measure you had lying around to that tissue box on your desk. They only work so long and eventually get moved or slide out of the way, causing your device to fall over. And because of that, we’re introducing a new PVC plan that shows you how to build a tablet stand with PVC pipe and fittings.
Simple to make, with just a few PVC parts, this stand is inexpensive and economical to make. And unlike the cheap eBay and Amazon alternatives, it will last much longer and take abuse from kids that use them every day like ours do.
Made from a single 5-Way Cross, with a couple of 90-Degree Elbows. this stand uses 1/2” PVC pipe and dome caps to make a nice, clean and easy to store phone/tablet stand for your home.
If you choose to make it from Furniture Grade PVC, you can select from any of our bright PVC colors to make yours; be it one solid color, or by mixing it up with your favorite sports team or school colors.
By default, it will hold any phone in landscape mode, and any tablet in either portrait or landscape mode. Of course, you can always modify it by adding your own custom lengths of PVC pipe to each section, but that is entirely up to you.
You can download this PVC plan from the FORMUFIT PVC Library in PDF format, and also download the accompanying SketchUp file, if you wish to make customizations before you build. A full set of required items is available from our plans page as well.
To complete the gingerbread house, they used white caulk for icing around the windows and creases, which also did double duty to cover up any mistakes. Most notably, they used actual graham crackers for the roof, glued on one by one, just like an actual gingerbread house. With the power of hot glue, they were able to complete their project on time for the birthday party.
And as you can see in the pictures, they did an amazing job! And voila, the birthday party was a success! Trista also noted that FORMUFIT’s products provided such a sturdy and durable frame that they could have modified the building materials to make it more of an outdoor playhouse.
We here at FORMUFIT thanks the McSwain family for sharing their story with everyone, and we are continuously pleased and surprised with how our customers take our existing plans further than even we could have imagined! Be sure to check out not only the Large Kid’s PVC Playhouse plans they used, but also take advantage of the many free PVC plans and projects that we have to offer!
Right now you can only telescpope or nest four sizes currently: 1” into 1-1/4” Sch 40 and 1-1/2” into 2” Sch 40. Thats not much of an option.
To remedy this, FORMUFIT is now offering Thinwall PVC Pipe in three different sizes: 3/4” Thinwall PVC Pipe, which will accept 1/2” PVC pipe. 1” Thinwall PVC Pipe, which will accept 3/4” PVC pipe. 1-1/2” Thinwall PVC Pipe, which will accept 1-1/4” PVC Pipe.
Thinwall pipe maintains the same outside diameter of the same PVC pipe size, but has a larger bore, or opening inside of the pipe. This larger bore is big enough to accept other PVC pipe sizes inside of it. And since it's from FORMUFIT it's extruded from the same Furniture Grade PVC formula as all of our other PVC products, with the UV protection and increased strength that has is critical to your project needs.
Using our Schedule 40 PVC pipe in concert with the unique thin wall PVC pipe segments, you can create telescoping pipe segments from our 1/2” Size up to our 2” Size. See more information on our Telescoping Pipe Sizes Guide and view all of our Thinwall PVC Pipe here.
]]>What better way to cool down that with a cool mist of water?
Enter our PVC Misting Station, it’s a fairly simple structure built from 3/4” PVC pipe, along with several PVC fittings and few items from the hardware store. It shoots a fine mist of water out of landscaping jets, which is absolutely perfect for hot summer days.
Misting is a much better way to stay cool outdoors, especially if you don't want to get wet. It provides just enough cooling moisture to keep your temperature down, but not too much to soak you. This mister can also be used to make a 'kid wash' with one placed on either side of the sidewalk that kids can right their bikes, big-wheels and toys cars through
Here is how it’s built:
The base of the unit is a 3/4” 4-Way PVC Tee, with three, 12" segments , two of them capped with external end caps, and the third capped with a 3/4” PVC pipe hose adapter, which is available from most hardware stores. These connect inside of 3/4" PVC pipe directly and can be used to attach a standard garden hose to your PVC structure.
The riser, the long ‘neck’ of the unit, is a 28” segment of PVC pipe that is inserted into the top of the base and is attached to another 12” segment by a 45 degree elbow.
The top of the unit is two 12" pieces of PVC pipe attached together with a PVC Tee, and capped with end caps. 1/4” holes were drilled into the top of the pipes, and then landscape-misting jets were screwed into each hole. Landscaping jets are also found at your local home-improvement center, usually in the sprinkler and irrigation section of the store.
Everything must be assembled using PVC cement. This is critical, as the pressure from garden hoses will cause to pieces to pop apart once the water is turned on.
The whole unit can be placed behind the seat of an outdoor patio couch or sofa, to cool of guests or loungers, or can be set into the yard for the kids to run through to cool them off.
It uses an extremely small amount of water, and since there is no regulator built into the unit, it is recommended to keep the amount of water pressure on the Misting Station to a low level, almost a trickle.
This is the first PVC project to use our new 'exploded plans' design. Simply gather the parts you need from our Plans page, and use the one-page, simple exploded plan to assemble.
Check out the exploded diagram available below, or from our PVC plans page. A SketchUp file is also available for download.
]]>This is the second PVC project that Ray of the Joyful Turtle blog has created using our FORMUFIT furniture grade PVC products. Ray built a PVC desk which we wrote a previous article on on blog, located here. Ray’s blog features recipes and he needed a setup to be able to photograph the finished dishes. After the success of his PVC desk efforts he went through a bit of trial and error before coming up with a final design. Ray developed an cheap 13” x 13” professional quality light box, sturdy and easy enough to travel with.
Ray ordered all the FORMUFIT parts he needed from Amazon as well as some other accessories like a pipe cutter and PVC cement. As he details in his blog post, Ray used his pipe cutter to provide quick and straight cuts to the 3/4” Schedule 40 PVC Pipe. This allowed him to have a snug fitting connection on the rotating pipe sections.
He had to get creative with a way to store the lights without detaching them. Ray was able to fasten the lights to the rotating PVC arms by removing the wire clip that the lights used. He then mounted a clip pin into the PVC cap of the light arms he added to the frame, and voila, as self storing light box!
To finish off his setup and provide much needed storage, he attached a large plastic storage unit and a small board to the bottom of the light box. This allowed the light box to sit atop the storage unit, providing for a good shooting height. It also allows Ray to store his supplies for the light box and other accessories.
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Enter Skip Spoerke, a senior at Southern New Hampshire University. He needed a DJ booth that would allow for easy portability, and had to be sturdy and expandable. On top of that, it needed to look good and be affordable. Skip chose FORMUFIT Furniture Grade PVC products due to their superior quality and the black gloss finish he desired
Skip purchased several FORMUFIT parts to complete the task including the following:
Skip provides instructions on his Beyond Volume blog, including some ideas for extra accessories. The accessories include a large duffel bag for easy transport for the PVC pipe and fittings, a PVC pipe cutter, and some custom banners. The instructions detail how many parts you’ll need as well as the steps to complete the work.
In all, it cost Skip about $165 for the PVC pipe and fittings shipped from FORMUFIT. It was an another $60-$70 for accessories to complete the DJ booth. Given that he now has a sturdy, professional DJ booth at a fraction of a the normal cost, Skip designed himself a bargain.
Click here for Skip’s blog post and to get more information or download the instructions yourself
Hula hoops and jump ropes are a staple found in many PE departments across the country. Using them is a great way to have fun and keep fit at the same time, but the issue of how to store them arises. This also happens with smaller gyms and fitness instructors. But is a bigger problem with public schools where class after class has to use these items.
We found some FORMUFIT customers that saw fit to make their own solution using our PVC furniture grade products. One such customer spotted a PVC jump rope/hoop rack online that was not only of sub-par quality, but was very expensive. They desperately needed a solution to keep all of these items organized, as both the hula hoops and jump ropes are commonly used together. They are also both extremely difficult to store without creating a jumbled mess.
They took the dimensions of the completed version to build their final product, but were able to incorporate FORMUFIT colored PVC fittings to spruce up the final design
To get started, they purchased the following parts directly from FORMUFIT:
They then purchased from other vendors the following extra materials:
After all the materials were purchased, the next step was to measure and cut the following sizes below using a chop saw.
Once all the pieces were cut and fittings arranged, they then put the pieces together (you can reference the image above which is their finished product). They made sure all of the fittings were in place correctly before doing a final fit, then used PVC cement to secure the pipe and fittings together. They initially ran into some difficulty with inserting the casters, but once they found this tutorial on our FORMUFIT website they completed this last step easily.
End result: a safe, portable and tidy way to store all of your hoop and jump rope equipment, and done at the fraction of a cost for what other vendors offer.
For additional sports storage solutions, be sure to check out our PVC Athletic Ball Storage Cart and our PVC Storage Bin Organizer, both with free plans you can download.
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