Topic: Make sure you have your imagination when you enter here...

[duh]

I want to build a PVC pipe quilt frame.  I'm pretty secure with what I need to do except for this one thing.

To hold the quilt in place pipe is cut slightly shorter than the frame width and then is cut lengthwise to make a cuff that will hold the quilt over the pipe. 

This appears like it would require cutting the pipe lengthwise twice to remove about 1/3 of the circumfrence of the pipe.

Now I have a jig saw but I can't figure out how I would clamp the pipe down in order to make the cut.  I'll be wanting both of my hands on the saw because I've only ever made a couple of cuts with it.

Do any of you have any suggestions on how to do this safely?

[Tina]

Hire it out?
Really I know what you mean. I have looked at them for greenhouse frames type things and the different type of clamps. A greenhouse here would require clamps to hold plastic on that would have to survive hurricane force winds. I have never figured it out. But I'm thinking that you could just go with larger hardware clamps.
What size pvc are you planning on using? I think I would go into my Lowe's, Home Depot and any local hardware stores and keep on asking for ideas.
And doing shorter clamps like the ones you have in mind. Instead of sawing down a 4 foot length do a series of six inchers?

[duh]

i'm thinking of the 4 inch pipe but maybe 2 inch would work.  I'd have to get my hands on it and feel it to know how sturdy the different diameters are.  Shorter cuffs might be a way to make it more workable.  That's a cool idea, thank you.

[barleychown]

You are aiming for something like this?

http://www.territorialseed.com/product/1657/171

[Tina]

Yes, those were what I was thinking of.
Tammy. I don't think you want 4 inch pipe for this. Please go look and feel but 3/4 would probably hold up well for a decent sized frame. How big are you going to make your frame?

[duh]

25 inches by 36 inches by 30 inches tall.  I want to be able to store it away when I'm not using it.  3/4 would be great if it is sturdy enough.  I'll definitely check it out.

[Sunflower]

You just need to buy the snap clamps at the hardware store instead of cutting pipe. I found a link with the exact directions...

http://www.ehow.com/how_4928734_make-home-quilting-frame.html

[Tina]

That is a wonderful tutorial, Tamara!

[duh]

I printed out the tutorial and I'm taking it to the hardward store on Monday.  I tried to do it today but he was closed.  I always forget about sunday.

[duh]

The tutorial is misleading.  once I finally get one made up and in use I'll let you know what I actually had to do.

[bestofour]

You just need to buy the snap clamps at the hardware store instead of cutting pipe. I found a link with the exact directions...

http://www.ehow.com/how_4928734_make-home-quilting-frame.html

that is a nice looking frame.  It's amazing what can be done with PVC pipe and I've got a barn and dog pen full of it.  Porter gets the small pieces out of Johnny's supply and drags it all over the yard and into his pen.

[duh]

Well this project isn't going to happen. 

I can't get the 3 wayconnector and I can't get a snap clamp wide enough.  Or a "U" channel wide enough either.

Until further notice I'll just use my 14" hoop and say naughty words under my breath.

[Jessica]

Tammy, a 3 way connector is called a tee and they should be readily available.  What size are you looking at?

[duh]

No the "T" is different.  Those are common.  This is called a Side Inlet "L" that is 1 inch x 1 inch x 1 inch.   It's the part that makes the corner of the cube.

[Jessica]

Okay.  Now I get what you are saying.

[Dianna]

When Jim and I go shopping this weekend, Tammy, we will look and see if we can find them here for you...

[duh]

It's ok.  I'm going to go in another direction.   Thank you so much for the offer.  It is really really sweet of you. 

The more I think about it I don't want to use clamps that will flatten the outside border of my quilts.  I like fluffy quilts not flat quilts.