Material to mount screen and build enclosure

[Shifty]

Is there a reason why people always build out of EMT conduit? I was thinking it would be a lot easier in my situation to use 2x4's. Any idea why nobody just uses dimensional lumber?
Attached a picture of what I'm planning.

[Kent]

Most people attach their screens with bungees or zip ties. Those both attach easily to EMT conduit and slotted angle iron which is why both are commonly used. They are also much more rigid and a lower profile than 2x4's. That means you are less likely to get a rocket shot back at you.

[Shifty]

Most people attach their screens with bungees or zip ties. Those both attach easily to EMT conduit and slotted angle iron which is why both are commonly used. They are also much more rigid and a lower profile than 2x4's. That means you are less likely to get a rocket shot back at you.

Figured it was something like that. I will just use eye-lags I think to attach bungees. I plan on having the side curtains and top baffles to be quite big so bad shots should be collected. May give it a try for my simulator build 1.0.

[triplebogeysrbetter]

Perhaps map out the two options. I would be willing to bet the EMT would be cheaper. I've moved my screen 3 or 4 times now. A foot or two at a time. Using eyes that would be a lot of work. Bungee balls and EMT makes it easy. Just my 2 cents. :-)

[Shifty]

Good idea. will do.

[kalcormier]

Have you worked out the projection stuff? With the placement there it seems like shadows could possibly be an issue.

[Shifty]

Have you worked out the projection stuff? With the placement there it seems like shadows could possibly be an issue.

do you mean from the railing or me golfing? I have an optomahd28se and at 18' back it will have an image of 11'8" x 6'6". I will start the image about 12" off ground so center of lens of projector s/b at 6'5" high. So I will for sure have a shadow from me, but I think it should (hopefully as haven't tried it yet) miss the railing which is approx 3' high where the projector would shine over it. I'm not sure how to solve that problem of me in the way. I got such a good deal on the projector I had to buy it. Maybe in the future I will get a short throw one.
Any advise would be appreciated.

[kalcormier]

Seems like you have already thought through it. Short throw would be the way to go if the one you have doesn't work out.

[mikejuly]

You could use 2x4s to build the frame, but I'd suggest you take a closer look at the 1" conduit for a couple reasons:

It's easier/faster to set up and take down and easier to conceal than bulky 2x4s. Also, across the top you'll probably have to anchor them somehow so the weight of the screen doesn't sag the boards.

But the biggest thing is that the 'lag bolt' method you described will make it rather difficult to adjust the screen tension. If you get it up and you can't get enough tension on the bungees to take all the wrinkles out, you will be in a bind.

I set mine up with j-hooks through conduit that when tightened all the way, closes the hooks against the conduit securing the bungee. As such, adding tension to the bungees is as easy as twisting the conduit.

I detailed my build here if you care to check it out: https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum...imulator-build

[TugBoat762]

I just got done building one for my company, and we used 2x4's. I wanted to use EMT conduit but I was overruled, I wasn't paying for it either. I can tell you getting the tension right on the screen has been a pain. Making sure we are far enough away from the wall but it is still stable is also a pain. I know when it comes time for my own build I will not be using 2x4s.

[PUNTE]

I am using 2x4s for my build and while I have had some issues, the cost was enough of a factor for me to go that direction.

I built it just like a 12' x 9' soccer goal (My ceiling is 9.5 ft tall). The back is weighted and provides enough distance from the back wall. Even with GC PT boards and premium screws, the enclosure itself cost less than $100.

My screen is actually a 12' x 10' tarp that's really closer to 11' x 9' but with ball bungees, the tension is a little on the tight side but satisfactory. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.