back and side drop

[The Boogie Man]

Hi all, I don't often venture into here, I normally live in sound. :(

 

Just wondering, I was thinking about making a sort of snap together unit/s that would support just thin curtain or cloth back/side drops.

As most venues are different sizes I thought something like Chimney sweep type poles but with corner pieces and angles that could snap together with those indent ball bearing fastenings. That way they could be made up then rested against the walls. Is there such a thing already available in the rigging world?

Cheers

baz

 

Ps, Like what you've done with the place. Shame you'll take it all down tomorrow ;)

[ojc123]

FWIW I made some 6 foot by 6 foot frames out of black 1 1/2 inch plastic waste pipe for draping backcloths for a touring show some of our kids in the school did. Right angle bends and straight joins are available from anywhere. Cheap and cheerful also very light and assembled easily by 12 year olds. It could be made a bit higher but it starts to wilt in the middle if you make it any wider. Take it or leave it.

[The Boogie Man]

Hmm, you might be on to something there.

[Roderick]

FWIW I made some 6 foot by 6 foot frames out of black 1 1/2 inch plastic waste pipe SNIP

 

Hmmm, PVC pipe is not well known for it's flame retardant qualities, could get you into trouble.....

This is probably what you are looking for Pipe and drape thread

[Jivemaster]

A travelling stage set, drapes etc should be fire retardant. Wool serge tends to be inherently fire retardant but NOT light weight. Many lightweight fabrics can be made fire retardant with proprietry treatments at risk of staining and at need of retreatment after cleaning.

[ojc123]

Fabrics were sprayed with fire retardant stuff according to the manufacturers recommendations. It was a fairly light cotton.

 

Part of my risk assessment:

 

Fire behaviour

 

The chlorine content of PVC means that it is difficult to ignite and will self-extinguish when the flame is removed. The material will conform to Class 1 (most resistant) of BS 476: Part 7: 1987 for surface spread of flame. PVC raw material is flame resistant. Rigid PVC is flammable with difficultly. The flammability of plasticised PVC is determined by the plasticiser type and content.

 

 

I felt comfortable with it.

[Roderick]

Part of my risk assessment:

But did you get a specific datasheet from the pipe manufacturer?

The description on this website is very generic and there are many different types of PVC, some less fire retardant than others.

With things like this it is extremely important to get the information from the manufacturer if you want to make sure you are covered.

[ojc123]

But did you get a specific datasheet from the pipe manufacturer?

The description on this website is very generic and there are many different types of PVC, some less fire retardant than others.

With things like this it is extremely important to get the information from the manufacturer if you want to make sure you are covered.

 

Fair point. I'll have a look at the maker. I'll review the risk assessment before using it again. Thanks for the suggestion. I may also have a go with a bit of pipe, a bunsen and a fume cupboard on Monday (Not exactly a scientific test but out of interest).

 

With reference to the OP I'd also say that I used it in school halls under very controlled conditions with no sources of ignition anywhere near it and continuous supervision. It was at least 2m from any lights or electrical equipment. We were only using natural daylight or normal school hall lighting. So, while the hazard was there the risk was very small.

 

Rather diferent from pub/club gigs with lots of gear, drunk punters, smoking etc.