tips and tricks for building a frame using PVC?

[Timo]

I'm trying to build a bike rack from SCH40 PVC 1" tubes and would appreciate learning any tips and tricks on how to work with this material. I've mastered how to make a clean cut with the tube cutting tool but am having a very difficult time putting the frame together. I've started to do a "dry run" without glue and am discovering that the tube pieces often don't go into the t-connectors or elbows as far as they need to go in order to square the frame; it's also very difficult to get some of the shortest pieces of tube ( 1.75") out of the connectors after they've been inserted during the dry run. What are the best techniques for assembling a frame made from PVC? Is there some sort of lubricant that is compatible with the PVC cement? Should I be sandpapering the tube-ends? Heating the connectors and elbows with a hair dryer to make them expand? Suggestions appreciated! Thanks Timo

[DanG]

On the off chance that this is not a troll. . . .

You will not be able to dry fit the assembly. The solvent glue acts as the lubricant, the pieces will go together quite easily. Read the directions. Prime/glue/1/4 twist/ hold - done.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Keep the whole world singing . . . . DanG (remove the sevens) [e-mail]

[Greg O]

Dry fitting lasrge PVC is near impossible. Final assembly with cleaner and solvent the pieces will slip right togather. Greg

[Greg]

You can use silicone spray if you want them to come apart but be sure to get it all off before you start the glue process. Use the primer. I wouldn't use that can of primer later for plumbing since I am not sure what silicone does to it. In your application you don't care if they would leak, just that they stay together.

[Greg]

These guys have some handy stuff

[SQLit]

Depending on where you live the sun will bake the plastic making it unusable as intended in a few years. Painting it will prolong the problem. Plastic is not an good material for use exposed to the sun. Besides the rack will probably weight less than the bike.