3/4" Conduit for frame?

[tonybrown32]

Hi all,

I'm building my frame that will be used to hang my 120x106" raw screen material. I plan to place it 12" from the wall, and will simply be an upside down U, or more like an H with the center crossbar maybe only 6 inches from the ceiling. The side bars will have feet on top and bottom both bolted to ceiling and floor.

Since this is not a free standing box, and will be secured to floor and ceiling, will 3/4" conduit work instead of 1" conduit? Not trying to penny pinch, I just happen to have enough 3/4 inch conduit I could repurpose for this instead of tossing it.. but if 1" will be beneficial, I'll just re purchase as I only need three 10 foot pieces.

Thoughts?

[frackh]

Just be aware of the frame sag around the top middle section (horizontal bar), assuming you’ll be securing the screen with bungees. My freestanding frame is 1” conduit, about 14’ wide, and that had about 2”-3” of sag I had to correct.

Since you’ll be attaching directly to the ceiling, you might get away with having the middle area attached to the ceiling with a t-connector and flange.

[tonybrown32]

Just be aware of the frame sag around the top middle section (horizontal bar), assuming you’ll be securing the screen with bungees. My freestanding frame is 1” conduit, about 14’ wide, and that had about 2”-3” of sag I had to correct.

Since you’ll be attaching directly to the ceiling, you might get away with having the middle area attached to the ceiling with a t-connector and flange.

Thanks for that. I'll only be spanning 10' so not quite as long but anticipate more sagging with the 3/4". I do plan to support the crossbar in the middle by securing the middle to the ceiling with either strapping or an open T connector and flange.. so I feel like I can probably manage the sag easily that way.. unless others have poor experience with that.

How about the sides? Think I would get much pull inwards from the screen tension on the sides?

I have raw material, and am securing to the conduit using tarp clips and bungie cord on top and sides, leaving bottom open.

[frackh]

My sides are 8’ tall and don’t have any issues with bowing. Keep in mind that I do have another horizontal bar at the bottom.

[wbond]

I used a closet rod holder to support my 1" frame in the middle. Works great and it worked out to be exact distance I needed. You could probably do the same for th 3/4 if you notice it sagging. I have the same setup, an upside down U shape for my frame with the footpads on the floor.

[tonybrown32]

I used a closet rod holder to support my 1" frame in the middle. Works great and it worked out to be exact distance I needed. You could probably do the same for th 3/4 if you notice it sagging. I have the same setup, an upside down U shape for my frame with the footpads on the floor.

Yeah, I do think I can control the sag easily enough with support somewhere at the cross bar... I have a month or 2 before I can start building so can think it over... the other advantage to the 1" is more surface area for some velcro to attach a bit of marine carpet along the edges to hide the clips and bungees...

Also plan on using these near the top of the side posts... horizontal top bar will attach to these between 2 posts secured ceiling and floor with foot pads. Then I can slide these fittings and the horizontal bar up or down to the desired height.. https://www.canopiesandtarps.com/ffolbcc.html

[Godfather]

If you decide to do an EMT frame, use 1”.