PVC stand reinforcement?

[Miss Annamarie]

I was planning on making a PVC stand for Michael the foster bg mac while he's here. I remember when I made a pretty large and intricate one for Basil and everyone, it was pretty shaky for anyone except the littles. Basil didn't mind but Mel definitely did. Especially since he can't fly and I've been told hes such a climber, is there any way to reinforce them? I will say mine was pretty large in width and height. Would gluing the pvc into the fittings help with stability? Making some sort of wooden base?

 

[Mizzely]

If you build a stronger base that will help with stability overall. Shorter sections tend to be stronger than longer sections. I remember needing to use a lot of corner and T connectors when I made mine a long time ago!

 

[Miss Annamarie]

If you build a stronger base that will help with stability overall. Shorter sections tend to be stronger than longer sections. I remember needing to use a lot of corner and T connectors when I made mine a long time ago!

Thank you!! The base was definitely made of pretty long sections when I made one so that makes sense!

 

[Shezbug]

Screw the parts together

 

[Rebel]

If it were me i would put a dowel rod inside of any long pieces of pvc.

 

[Shezbug]

If it were me i would put a dowel rod inside of any long pieces of pvc.

Can I ask why?

 

[Linwood]

PVC comes in different thicknesses, is it the middle grade stuff (which most use) or something thin? I think in the US there are three sizes, one for drain pipe (no pressure), one schedule 40, one schedule 80 which is much thicker. Not sure what sizes come in each schedule though.

So long as it is the bird making it move/shake, and so long as it's not actually going to collapse, I suspect this is a non-event though; bear in mind most parrots don't seem to mind hanging on rope, climbing ladders, etc. which are hardy stable.

But if you really want stiff using larger diameter for the longer pieces is the best option (the dowel inside sounds like an attempt at the same, but big/thick is probably more effective).

Screwing the parts together is no stronger (and arguably less) than gluing, but may be better than leaving them friction fit.

 

[Rebel]

Can I ask why?

I envisioned her bird stand being tall and swaying back and forth from the weight if her bird/s. Putting a dowel rod in any long pieces of pvc will make it ridged.
Maybe what i envisioned is incorrect. If so, no harm no foul.
Im assuming they are using 1/2 or 3/4 inch pvc. I could be wrong there too.
You know what they say about assuming.

I kinda asked myself what screwing them together would do.

 

[Shezbug]

The little stand I made for Burt from PVC had to be screwed together so the tubes stayed together as I didn’t want to use the glue. Without the screws a macaw will very easily pop the tubes out of the connectors.

 

[Rebel]

The little stand I made for Burt from PVC had to be screwed together so the tubes stayed together as I didn’t want to use the glue. Without the screws a macaw will very easily pop the tubes out of the connectors.

What diameter pvc did you use?

 

[Shezbug]

What diameter pvc did you use?

I don’t recall. I used the stuff that is used for drinking water here as it has to be strong enough to withstand pressure.
The furniture pvc I had Burt busted

 

[Rebel]

I don’t recall. I used the stuff that is used for drinking water here as it has to be strong enough to withstand pressure.
The furniture pvc I had Burt busted

Furniture pvc is pretty big. No wonder you were wondering about the dowel rod idea i was talking about. Most bird stands made out of pvc that i see are made out of 3/4 inch. Yours was probably inch and a half or so.