I learned how to soften and bend PVC pipe recently. The first step was observing how to build an inexpensive home made oven to soften it, which I wrote about over at the D&B Supply blog. There is a helpful video at the bottom of the blog there.
For teaching me, we decided to make a PVC pipe towel rack for my swimming pool area, thinking it would be simple. It was not as simple as anticipated because my engineer is always coming up with fun things to try. Plus, making the rack meant multiple bends in the PVC pipe close together. However, it was all accomplished in a couple of hours and we are pleased with it. I may even get another one for the other side of the pool.
Meanwhile, I am thinking of other “simple” things to make out of bent PVC pipe. One thing I’ve thought of is a set of wheels to get my heavy desktop computer into the apple store for my one-to-one appointments. Another thought was a lap desk for writing while sitting on the couch. I was also thinking about my future strawberry bed and the need to protect it from the birds. The bent PVC could make a good frame over those plants. Of course, I would need direction from my engineer to do these things, but since he finds it entertaining to see me try things in his shop, I think he will help me.
(follow the link in the photo caption directly above to see a summary video of the indoor/outdoor swimming pool project.)
(Click on “Fun Fitness After 50” in the menu bar above to get the drop down to see “swimming“, OR go to the tag cloud below and click on “Swimming Pool Project” to see how we built our pool.)
