just wanted to put this out there for anybody that may want to use it.
I make two types of bases for my play gyms. Soldered 1/2" copper and 3/4 schdl. 40 PVC.
Typically I shoot for a 22" wide floor base. This seems to work real good. Sophie can hit the gyms from across the room and not topple them.
The copper base I cut 12 pieces at 10", and 2 pieces at 14". It also requires 2 more pieces cut to what ever height you want the stand to be. I use 20" to 24".
6 ells are needed.
6 "T"s are needed as well.
The reason I use the copper base is so I can easily pull the gym off of it to store else where when I need to. 3/4" PVC slides right over it.
I connect everything together before I start soldering.
The longer (14") pieces are for the upper support piece (see photo)
with the PVC the lengths change to keep it about 22".
12 pieces at 8 3/4"
2 pieces at 13"
6 ells and 6 "T"s
I connect all the pieces here and just hammer them with a rubber mallet. This holds it together real good. If you want a more secure finish and agree that gluing this would be a nightmare and don't want to use screws because they just don't bite the PVC well...............
try dowels. 1/8" would work fine. Cut into one inch lengths or buy them that way from a craft store. simply drill each joint to size, after hammering them in, them drive in the dowel.
