Every existing method of bending PVC pipe is really an improvisation. PVC just happens to be the most studied, most documented building material on the planet. Unless you're working on funky pieces of art, you should have a very clear idea of what you're trying to do. The better the plan, the better the product, no matter what you're doing.
With any major project, research is required. The build team, Leigh Cunningham from StageviewLV LLC and Stan Judd, Resident Technical Director for Signature Productions, took to the internet and looked at how street lights were fashioned in the 80’s. From that research, a design was created and a list of equipment and materials needed for the project was sourced. The curve of the street light arm was sketched out on the surface of a long table and then work commenced.
Materials & Equipment
2 x 3’ long, 2” wide PVC pipe
2 x sawhorses
1 x propane tank
1 x connecting propane torch
Fire Extinguishers
1 x large bucket of water
1 x small container of water
Cloths
Gloves
It matters how you're making your bends, if you don't move the heat source around the pipe, you're going to have some problems. The PVC pipe has to be constantly rotated, so no “one area” is being overheated, because if that happens you’re going to have a drooping, dripping hot mess to clean up and that would suck.! This is the method the build team used, in a nutshell: shorts burst of heat across the length of the pipe, rotate pipe, repeat. As you continue to heat and turn the pipe you’ll feel and see it becoming more flexible, you’ll also see the PVC material start to smoke and take on a slight burnt hue. If that’s happening, it’s cooked..!!
Once you’ve switched off the torch and closed the valve on the propane tank, move the PVC pipe onto the table and begin curving the pipe. To see the whole process and the end product, head over to the Scene by Scene LV YouTube channel and enjoy. Feel free to leave questions and comments, we appreciate your support by subscribing.