arches - sleeve method

[winwin]

This is an old post
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
1) and was wondering if anyone came up with a newer design.
2) I am thinking of wrapping 3 different colors on the arch (incandescent or LED) but I wonder if it is going to fit.
3) Is there a recommended radius / shape that looks better?
4) Finally, how many channels would you recommend to get a nice smooth effect? 5, 6. 7, 8?

[DanHouston]

Given that you want colors and flexibility I'd consider smartstrings...I think several folks here have done them with the strips inside and outside of plastic tubing.

[taybrynn]

I would never do a conventional wrap of incandescent or led lights anymore.   Put a smart string flex strip onto some 1/2 emt with zip ties and you have way more capability for way less work.   I have 8 of these this year and they are great, simple and a big wow factor.

[jnealand]

I would never do a conventional wrap of incandescent or led lights anymore.   Put a smart string flex strip onto some 1/2 emt with zip ties and you have way more capability for way less work.   I have 8 of these this year and they are great, simple and a big wow factor.

+1  this is how I am thinking of replacing my current arches

[chrisatpsu]

i did the flex strip inside 1" thinwall pvc, and it lit up the tube pretty well. I was impressed, and I'm keeping them around.

[duane.mosley]

i did the flex strip inside 1" thinwall pvc, and it lit up the tube pretty well. I was impressed, and I'm keeping them around.

the same thin wall used for the ssc enclosure?



duane

[chrisatpsu]

yes
as a matter of fact, if you want to get them brighter, just tape them back to back inside there 

[twooly]

I did smart flex strips in 3/4 pex.  Looked great I think.

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[jnealand]

I did smart flex strips in 3/4 pex.  Looked great I think.

It seems like all the PEX that I have looked at was black and very flexible so I am confused.  Are there are colors for PEX like white or clear and since the PEX is pretty flexible how did you get the arch to stand up.  An unlit daytime picture may help this confused mind of mine.

[taybrynn]

It all depends on the look your going for.  If you want a diffused look, then pex, thin wall pvc all are good options.

If you want to spend as little a possible, just zip tie a strip to some EMT or pvc.  It looks fantastic, even facing down and viewing from 30-40' away ... to me thats cheap low-tech diffusion, because the lights are so bright ... than even downward facing rgb flex strip can more than hold its own with incand. lights.   Right now, my arches shine onto the snowcover and lights up the snow ... can't beat nature for lighting effects.

[urthegman]

yes
as a matter of fact, if you want to get them brighter, just tape them back to back inside there 

Sometimes the simplest ideas, are the most brilliant!!!!

[twooly]

You should see red blue black and white. I got my white from lowes. 

Here is a picture if part if it.  On it you can see a pipe strap I bent and put a bolt through it.  I then have rebar in the ground that I put the strap on it to hold it.  I've already taken it down so best pic I can give to explain it right now.

[mms]

Working on a how-to for thin wall PVC arches.

[pk]

mms - got a pic of yours in action?

[jnealand]

I put a slightly "defective" flexstrip in an old piece of 3/4 pvc I had here and the wife likes it so I think this will be an approved project for 2013.