May pole point

[richard]

Hello

 

I am looking to find something that will hang on a standard pipe, and be able to have may-pole style ribbons attatched to a ring so that that can rotate while people dance with them on the ground.

 

Anyone have any clever ideas??

 

Richard

[flypig]

Richard. You don't say what size the 'standard size pole' is, or how light your budget is (might help in giving an answer).

 

If it's a standard scaff size (48.4mm diameter) then how about this;

 

Cut an additional short length of scaff pipe (approx 500mm). Fit an internal spigot (round not square - approx 400mm long) into one so that 200mm is sticking out - drill and fix with self tapping screws or rivets.

 

Attach your ribbons to the pipe (approx 150mm above the spigot) with gaffer, then a jubilee clip over the top (you can 'dress' the jubilee clip with ribbon or other decoration to hide it).

 

Grease the exposed part of the spigot and drop it into the top end of your pole (no sniggering please!).

 

A inexpensive ring (or plate) could be made from a piece of MDF cut to the required exterior circumference, with a centre hole cut slightly smaller than the diameter of the scaff pipe (force the pipe through the centre hole to approx 150mm above the spigot and secure with a jubilee clip above and below to prevent it slipping).

 

Just a quick idea.

[Jivemaster]

T58340 from

http://www.doughty-engineering.co.uk/theatre/products.htm

 

will allow you to fasten a 29mm spiggot to a bar with a swivel. there are other options there also.

 

HOWEVER the ring of ribbons shouldn't traditionally rotate! The aim of the maypole dance was to plait and un-plait the ribbons up and down the pole - requiring the top to be fixed.

[richard]

That all sounds great - thanks..

 

I think that the cast may fall over and get tangled if the thing is fixed!!

[DSA]

I think that the cast may get tangled if the thing is fixed!!

But isn't that the point??

 

David

[ampcats]

But isn't that the point??

 

strictly not, the idea being the stiff upright (male) pole was wrapped (enveloped) by the soft ribbons (female) from the top and then uncovered (get the gist...?) - tangling was a bit of a no-no... but just wait till the pretty maidens go into the woods 'a-Maying' to collect hawthorn blossoms to bless the village with and bring their homes good luck, and get deflowered themselves...