From: WynnLindyB@aol.com Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2000 12:26:21 EDT Subject: Re: Leaning columns To: teraar1@warwick.net, balloondeco@balloonhq.com Hi Teresa, Just a couple comments to maybe help you. Size of the conduit can make all the difference in how it performs. 1/2" is really not very sturdy in lengths over 4 - 5'. But if you go to 3/4", it can still be very sturdy up to about 7 1/2 - 8' tall. When we build our "Illusion Canopy," our name for criss cross as well as arches around, we use a column 7 1/2' tall, 3/4" conduit, and large base plates. At 20 x 15, they will probably pull in at the top about 2". If I have a concern, I drop a piece of 1/2" conduit inside, and that usually adds enough extra strength to not have a problem. At 6 1/2', a 3/4" conduit should have very little flex at all. But here again, if you use 1/2", you will see lots of flex, or bend. What size are your bases ?? Are they 16 x16", or are they 24 x 24" ?? The size of the footprint of the base will make a very large difference in how they handle the pull of the arches. With 6 1/2' columns, if the conduit is stiff, then the bases will have to be a bit heavier, especially if they are small. Taller columns that have a bit of flex will take some of the pressure off the base plates. 40# should be plenty of weight, unless they are very small. I have used 24 x24" base plates made of 3/4" particle board with Illusion Canopies this size with good results. I would rather have more weight, but with that large footprint, they seem to work. We usually use our 50#ers, so we don't have to worry about anything. But they are very difficult to transport from the van to the dance floor. I talk about footprint. I guess the easiest way to explain is to stand in a stiff wind with your feet together, and then with your feet apart. Your weight doesn't change, but your ability to withstand the wind does... I am always trying to go with the simplest and lightest structures possible, while still maintaining strength. Not always easy, but always easier to transport and assemble. And many times more pleasing to the eye. Your concern about the pole moving up the base is really not a problem. As the arches pull inward against the poles, they in turn come in side contact with the bases, resulting in enough friction to keep the pole from moving up. Be sure though, that you have a nice snug fit petween pole and base plate. This will stop some of the "lean" that you may have seen. If need be, tightly wrapped duct tape can help fill any gaps between pole and base plate, or the use of "set srews", as you are suggesting, should solve the problem. E-mail me privately if I can help you further. Wynn Wynn and Lindy Bell, cba's The Final Touch Balloon Decor 503 579 9499 www.finaltouchballoons.com "Save a tree...Buy a balloon"