kmk Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Hello! I am designing a set for a small venue and am not allowed to screw anything into the walls, floors or ceilings (or hang anything from the grid)! I want to use adjustable height posts, wedged in from floor to ceiling, but the ones that I have are not spring-loaded and I am concerned about their stability. Any ideas on how I could make them super-secure without fixing them with screws? Any ideas much appreciated! Thanks ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikienorth Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 I'd suggest looking at acro props, as used in construction. These are designed to support walls while doorways are cut into them, and as such can take a heck of a load. They are secured by a screw and pin mechanism in the centre of them. Similarly, screw adjustable scaffold feet will be a good way of doing this, just place one at the bottom of each pole, and a non-adjustable foot at the top. Bear in mind that to securely wedge something against a ceiling, you are liable to damage the ceiling. Even if you place some sacrificial wood (scaffold planks) between poles and ceiling. Make sure where you do place a pole is directly under a ceiling support (joist), or you may pierce the ceiling. I wouldn't use a telescopic pole, as such, unless you can lock it very securely against the structure, as, as soon as you begin to wedge it, it could well collapse... Why are you not allowed to fix into the building? Or hang from a grid? In this situation, a wholly ground supported structure may be called for, which isn't wedged, thus creating your own space within which you can do as you please.This isn't my area of knowledge, I just have a construction background where wedging acro props and similar things is common. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomLyall Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 How big is the space you're working with? What is it you're trying to support? Whatever it is that you are trying to achieve, I'd agree with Mikienorth, and suggest strongly that you don't try and wedge anything between the floor and ceiling, it very rarely works well. Anything you build will have to support itself from the ground, that's the easiest and safest way of doing things. If its just drapes you are trying to support, can I suggest using this kind of system: http://www.innovative-sys.com/product_page...e_supports.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david.elsbury Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 Have a look at the Manfrotto AutoPole system. I see it used a bit in shops over here.http://www.manfrotto.com/fileindexednew/module2/item/file0003779.gif http://www.manfrotto.com/fileindexednew/module2/item/file0000772.gif David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Evans Posted June 25, 2005 Share Posted June 25, 2005 I think the things above are what are known as Barracuda poles by the film and TV lot. Developed for the purpose described. I don't like them because I am that sort of guy who likes proper fixings but they have their purpose. Not to be used with anyone below them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilf dLampy Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 Another option, depending on space and funding, would be a standard ground support truss rig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul the paranoid lampy Posted July 22, 2005 Share Posted July 22, 2005 I will second the auto pole. but you do need to use the superclamp to avoid damaging the pole as they are very thin walled.email me if you want more info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jivemaster Posted July 22, 2005 Share Posted July 22, 2005 Autopoles are good but the SWL of a superclamp is 15Kg and they need a real cieling they lift tiles out!! They do have a tripod base so theu will freestand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Dave Posted July 23, 2005 Share Posted July 23, 2005 I've seen Fisher use the autopoles (or something very similar) in loads of places. Might be worth a call. HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jivemaster Posted July 23, 2005 Share Posted July 23, 2005 The auto-pole system is established in photo and movie studios as a support that clamps into spaces, doorways, windows rooms etc, Long and short ones are available, as are extension tubes. Look on AC lighting inc their bargain page esp under Grip stuff, also look at Leeds Photo in Brunswick Sq London and Teamwork in London by Telecom Tower. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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