Why not PVC?

griz · 06-02-05, 01:17 PM

I have access to a 10 foot long piece of 30 inch diameter PVC pipe with a thickness of 1 inch. It's a massive piece to say the least however it's really not that heavy which is suprising. So, being naturally curious I thought about what possibilities this piece could have. My thoughts are this:

1) Lay the piece horizontally and place a sheet of thick coated plywood inside of it providing a flat service area of approximately 24 inches. The natural curvature of the pipe would hold the plywood so no real supports would be needed other than the occasiional block underneath. Just visualizing this, it would appear that I would have about 6 inches of "space" underneath the flooring which I can easily route uth along the length of the pipe. I would also easily install drains along the bottom to facilitate cleaning. Vent holes would not be an issue either since that can be installed along the top. A simple flat cut along one side would give me a flat service in which to install hinged plexiglass doors. With 1 inch thickness the enclosures should be very heat efficient as well as hold humidity very well. The only real question is what would be my final use for this piece so that I can decide how many spacers to install thus creating X number of enclosures out of this one piece.

So, any other thoughts or something that I have missed here? I realize it won't be nearly as pretty as a custom oak piece but I am more for efficiency and uniqueness then cookie cutter enclosures. Thoughts?

Griz

Invictus · 06-03-05, 09:19 AM

If I had access to a 30" pipe, I'd just cut it into sections, then cut it in half and use it for hide boxes, personally. I think an entire PVC cage would look... I dunno... kinda ugly actually.

Just my $0.02

griz · 06-03-05, 10:59 AM

I agree on not knowing what it would look like. I am thinking with some recessed lighting it might actually be.....well, unique.

brtecson · 06-19-05, 08:36 PM

PVC emits toxic gasses that are activated by heat. I'd reccomend against it.

griz · 06-19-05, 10:09 PM

That might be correct if I was heating it to 200 degree's. Given that PVC is used in numerous hot water applications in which the water is in excess of 140 degree's, I highly doubt that generating a hot spot of 95 degree' s will be causing any harm.

Griz