Date: 17 May 2001 10:02:56 EDT
From: Don Barrucci <donbarrucci@usa.net>
To: "Lisa Kingsbury" <lisa_kingsbury@hotmail.com>, <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: [PVC #'S]

This is fairly difficult to explain in an email. Also let me add that pvc
would not be the medium of choice to make a 3. But since you asked I'll offer
the following:

Draw several 3's on graph paper using 2 boxes equal 1 foot (or whatever
equivalent you want to use). Make the 3 in a square shape. Then add the
corners and curve for the middle of the 3. Only use straight lines and 
diagonals. Now convert to PVC and use 45 degree fittings where the 3 curves.
Make estimate of what you would need starting at the top left of 3 is:

a straight piece. A 45 degree fitting, a small straight piece, 45 degree
fitting. Now you have the top of the 3 with the first curve. Continue with a
straight piece, 45 degree fitting, small straight piece, 45 degree fitting, a
very small piece, a tee fitting (the middle of the tee will become the middle
horizontal piece of the 3), a very small piece, 45 degree fitting, small
straight piece, 45 degree fitting, straight piece. Now you have the right side
of the 3. Continue with 45 degree fitting, small straight piece, 45 degree
fitting, straight piece. Now go back and add the straight piece in the
middleconnected to the T fitting.

Remember that you need to allow for the size of the fitting where calculating
the lengths.

I hope I got it right. But it would be much simpler to use 1/4 inch aluminum
rod. That being said, I still have stored away somewhere a 3 that I built
about 15 years using the pvc method and I still use it occassionally.

Don Barrucci, CBA
Parties of Woburn
Woburn, MA 

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