Use 3/4" or 1" EMT for Impact Screen Frame

[4chenit]

My sense is that most use 1" EMT to build their impact screen frames. I know some use 3/4" EMT quite successfully. Do any of you have an opinion, experience, or rationale for using one versus the other?

I plan to build a 12' x 9' x 10-14" frame that will swing up when not in use to attach to the underside of my garage door tracks. The actual frame attachment points will be to the ceiling outside the plane of the garage door and tracks so no weight will be added to the actual door tracks. At any rate, I am weighing the value of the very nominal weight savings and very nominal structural rigidity loss of going with 3/4" EMT over 1" EMT. I know, probably amounts to counting the number of angels that can be balanced on the head of pin. But, your opinions, experience, and rationale might indicate otherwise...

[Boerdoc]

To span 12 feet with 3/4" emt you will have some sag in the middle that will make the impact screen wrinkle. If you are using a net, no big deal. I have a support in the middle and no sag on my 15 feet span with 3 points of support. That being said, I never tried to use 1". I would go to home depot and have both ends supported and pull the middle gently. Any more that an inch of sag will drive you crazy trying to get a good screen image.

[Stonebattle]

I used 1" EMT with my setup. Mine has a span of 12' 8" and there is little to no sag from my measurements.

I thought about 3/4" EMT, but the 10' span I tried seemed to bend far more easily than the 1" EMT did, so I did not use it. I found it more easy to find the connectors for 1" EMT as well.

[4chenit]

Thank you gentlemen for sharing your experience and insight. I think 1" EMT is probably the way I will go then.

I am really appreciating this forum and the assistance that a number of you readily offer.

[Shifty]

Thank you gentlemen for sharing your experience and insight. I think 1" EMT is probably the way I will go then.

I am really appreciating this forum and the assistance that a number of you readily offer.

What do you guys think about using hanging angle to build my enclosure? The stuff they use to hang overhead doors. Only bolts would be required and I do plan on having padding around edge of screen so it shouldn't get hit by balls.

[Hooli]

Using slotted angle will be very expensive. That said, it will create a very solid frame that you can bungee your screen and netting to.