My smartstring minitrees how-to

[PJNMCT]

Here are some links to videos of my smartstring minitrees this year.
Thanks to my daughter Naomi!

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They show the use of 1" electrical PVC for the base but I found that using plumbing PVC was actually easier to work with.

Base:
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Legs:
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I would not use steel wire again, it rusted!

Strings:
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Some "Illimi-mation"
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-Paul

[thestig]

I really like the trees, very cool. Thanks for the awesome how-to videos!

where did you get the lexan and how much does a tube of it cost?


Grant

[rrowan]

I really like the trees, very cool. Thanks for the awesome how-to videos!

where did you get the lexan and how much does a tube of it cost?


Grant

Home improvement stores carry them were they sell florescent tubes. Its the protective cover for the tubes.

example would be Lowes, Home Depot, etc

Rick R.

[jnealand]

Most of the big box hardware stores carry the tubes.  Don't know the cost.

[Rod R]

Nice job on the trees Paul, did you try frosting a couple tubes to see what the light output difference might be?

[Steve Gase]

I like what you did.

[Slite]

Thats some nice minitrees there...

Nice to see a "different" solution on them

/Stefan

[PJNMCT]

Here is a place online that I would have used but I needed them fast so just went to Lowes. I got them there for just less than $4 each.

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The T12s are just the right size.

I never tried to frost them as I was going for the individual node look. Didn't want to necessarily blend them

-Paul

[Rod R]

I never tried to frost them as I was going for the individual node look. Didn't want to necessarily blend them

-Paul

OK I got,  Good job anyway looks like you and your daughter had a fun time with the project.  Always fun when the kids are involved.  They can come up with some good ideas as well. 

[J4A4E]

Nice job they look great!

They look sharp and are easy to do

Did you seal the tops of the lexan tubes with anything?

John

[thestig]

It looks like he used the end caps that came on the lexan tubes. At least thats what I think I am seeing in the video.


Maybe I will make an 8 foot or two for this year.

[dmaccole]

I never tried to frost them as I was going for the individual node look. Didn't want to necessarily blend them

Paul:

These are great. Congrats to you and your daughter.

FWIW, I used the same Lexan tubes for my snow-fall tubes this year and I did frost them -- just bought standard window-frosting paint from HD/L, etc., and sprayed on the outside. Worked just fine. Don't try to spray on the inside -- the stuff concentrates too much and eats away at the Lexan.

\dmc

[PJNMCT]

I never tried to frost them as I was going for the individual node look. Didn't want to necessarily blend them

Paul:

These are great. Congrats to you and your daughter.

FWIW, I used the same Lexan tubes for my snow-fall tubes this year and I did frost them -- just bought standard window-frosting paint from HD/L, etc., and sprayed on the outside. Worked just fine. Don't try to spray on the inside -- the stuff concentrates too much and eats away at the Lexan.

\dmc

Good to know because I want to do some of those this year.

Do you think the T12s are overkill for those? Maybe some T8s?

-Paul

[Timon]

If you really want to get into making PVC fixtures then get one of these.

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[dmaccole]

Do you think the T12s are overkill for those? Maybe some T8s?

Yes, if I were doing it again I think I'd go with the T8s ... if you buy the kits from tjetzer he includes a hanger that is for something definitely smaller than a T12.

\dmc