Topic: Is PVC used for anything anymore? (Read 1768 times)

Tiny Tim · « **on:** March 03, 2012, 12:34:49 pm »

Swords/Blue: fails flex unless really short
All Red: fails flex outright
Spear: fails flex and probably will break
Dagger: works
Flail handle: can work but has to be short
Javi: pft
Arrow: pft

Seriously, is there anything that PVC can be used for anymore, other than a coat full of daggers?

Clovis the Not-Waffle · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2012, 12:59:19 pm »

Never had a PVC blue fail due to flex. Have a min Red that doesn't flex a bit. I imagine it will eventually break, but so far so good.

Did a spear and not only started having flex issues after 6 months but eventually warped into a permanent curve. This is now a dagger.

I've got a javvie that is super safe and uses a pvc core. Weight remains within limits. It's about 4' 6" long.

Just make sure you use the better PVC (Sch. 40 works well for me) and pre-compress your first layer of padding and it tends to hold together well.

Stellaria · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2012, 01:40:41 pm »

PVC only fails for flex at lengths longer than 34" total sword length. A 34" sword is not considered "short" - it is a very suitable length for most people.

PVC is a good, inexpensive core for a beginner foamsmith to learn on.

PVC is also what I build our "oh crap, my sword failed and I need a passing weapon" cheapie swords on.

Alric · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2012, 03:10:22 pm »

PVC is the perfect core for beginners, because it is cheap and more importantly because the wider diameter (compared to fiberglass) makes it much easier to put a blade on it if your cuts aren't perfectly straight. There's more margin of error.

You have to use thicker diameters for spears and red weapons, and it does start to get silly and heavy at that point. And no one will argue, I think, that fiberglass isn't better for basically every possible application of pvc.

But I will continue to point new people toward pvc, because I think it's much easier to build a sturdy box on a wider core than it is on thin fiberglass.

Grey Wolfcaller, Grand High Homo of Dagorhir · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2012, 03:16:39 pm »

And, if you're in a situation where you need to have a bunch of ready loaners on hand, PVC is a much better option, cost and time wise, for stuff you don't care about getting destroyed.

Rafiq's Slightly Used Camels · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2012, 03:28:50 pm »

I am going to use PVC to construct a compact (when packed, obv) 5'x6.5'x7.5' tent for events.

Cassin · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2012, 03:34:49 pm »

I have a few curved weapons. It's good for those.

I've said it a few times and I'll say it again. PVC is an entry-level core. Readily available, easy to build on, and cheap. You get a 10' length or three of PVC, build your first weapons on it, and then when you're hooked you order a bundle of fiberglass. Until you really know how to hit, it holds up.

Fòghnan Neònach · « **Reply #7 on:** March 04, 2012, 01:58:08 am »

For red weapons on pvc, you really do have to step up to 2.25 inch diameter pipe.

Kensman Tauron · « **Reply #8 on:** March 04, 2012, 12:09:11 pm »

I use it for installing sewers.

Magnus · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2012, 12:24:03 pm »

Quote from: Fòghnan Neònach on March 04, 2012, 01:58:08 am

For red weapons on pvc, you really do have to step up to 2.25 inch diameter pipe.

This has to be a typo. You mean 1-1.25" diameter, right?

Also, we use PVC for loaner weapons because it helps motivate people to make their own gear faster. Don't want the loaner gear to be TOO nice.

Cailte an Croeb Ruad · « **Reply #10 on:** March 04, 2012, 02:00:27 pm »

About 1/3 of everything dag related I make is pvc - nostalgia does that to the elderly. It helps to condition one's body for lighter builds, shapes beautifully ( oval handles w/out the layering ) and gives me a chuckle every time someone who hasn't seen such fossil tech stares in bewilderment at being overpowered with minimal effort.

Taltosh · « **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2012, 09:58:01 pm »

I religiously use sch80 pvc for my swords. It's tougher than 40, has higher density, and flexes much less. It allows that min-length blue to weigh in closer to 12oz, so only a little extra is needed. And 36-40 inch blues still take their repeated beatings like champs.

NoobieNoob · « **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2012, 10:39:02 pm »

Quote from: Taltosh on March 06, 2012, 09:58:01 pm

I religiously use sch80 pvc for my swords. It's tougher than 40, has higher density, and flexes much less. It allows that min-length blue to weigh in closer to 12oz, so only a little extra is needed. And 36-40 inch blues still take their repeated beatings like champs.

This.

and i fill my pvc with grow foam, it helps a tiny bit.
(tiny)
arrakis is going to flay me with math and other such magic.

Hxctemplar · « **Reply #13 on:** March 07, 2012, 12:16:42 am »

If anything PVC is always used for handles in punch shields.

Vyse Bloodmoon · « **Reply #14 on:** March 07, 2012, 12:39:16 am »

Quote

and i fill my pvc with grow foam, it helps a tiny bit.
(tiny)
arrakis is going to flay me with math and other such magic.

Do you mean "great stuff" expanding insulation foam? I've made several weapons with that, it really doesn't help. If it's something else, enlighten me?

Thrush Svartehjertet · « **Reply #15 on:** March 07, 2012, 11:08:45 am »

Boats.

Thrush
berserk

Malpan · « **Reply #16 on:** March 07, 2012, 11:51:48 am »

Quote from: Kensman Tauron on March 04, 2012, 12:09:11 pm

I use it for installing sewers.

And other plumbing uses. Also, deck chairs.

Syre Jari Kafghan the Dark Knight · « **Reply #17 on:** March 07, 2012, 12:36:47 pm »

They make great makeshift curtain rods...

Falgor Irthune · « **Reply #18 on:** March 07, 2012, 12:42:39 pm »

As Head Weapons checker for Einherjar, I see a decent amount of PVC weapons still in use. I Northeastern OH just a decade behind. I really don't see too much of a problem with the stuff.

Varadin · « **Reply #19 on:** March 07, 2012, 02:38:18 pm »

Quote from: Syr Falgor Irthune on March 07, 2012, 12:42:39 pm

As Head Weapons checker for Einherjar, I see a decent amount of PVC weapons still in use. I Northeastern OH just a decade behind. I really don't see too much of a problem with the stuff.

you cant count your own weapons cheapo...

Skorm · « **Reply #20 on:** March 08, 2012, 01:20:23 pm »

zing

Falgor Irthune · « **Reply #21 on:** March 08, 2012, 01:49:16 pm »

Quote from: Varadin on March 07, 2012, 02:38:18 pm

Quote from: Syr Falgor Irthune on March 07, 2012, 12:42:39 pm
As Head Weapons checker for Einherjar, I see a decent amount of PVC weapons still in use. I Northeastern OH just a decade behind. I really don't see too much of a problem with the stuff.

you cant count your own weapons cheapo...

I only regularly fight with like 1 PVC weapon. Not to say that I am against using PVC. One of my favorite weapons uses that core. What I don't like is how there are some people acting like you would be better of not fighting, than using PVC. PVC is still an OK Core for blue sword under 30".

Also, quite down McButterpants.

Just started a poll in Einherjar. Maybe I'm delusional.

*Edited to add info about the poll.

Sgt Kiff Skitterzz · « **Reply #22 on:** March 08, 2012, 02:17:00 pm »

As good as fiberglass is, all my favorite weapons are pvc, I think. They might break more, but dammit all if they aren't good for fighting.

Currently, all of my swords and my glaive are PVC. ;3

Odran · « **Reply #23 on:** March 10, 2012, 10:06:49 pm »

3/4" sch 40 will work for blues. 1" or 1 1/4" will work for short reds. I wouldn't use PVC for a spear or a long red, and I would use 1/2" PVC only for daggers. Fiberglass is stronger for the same weight, but PVC has the advantage of being readily available at any hardware store. 3/4" sch 40 shouldn't fail for flex at blue length and is generally strong enough.

Alric · « **Reply #24 on:** March 10, 2012, 11:37:49 pm »

1/2" sch40 pvc has always worked fine for blues, for me, as long as you stick to around 30".

Odran · « **Reply #25 on:** March 11, 2012, 12:36:07 pm »

1/2" sch 40 will pass, and will work "good enough" for short-mid length blues. However, some hard-hitting fighters have issues with 1/2" Sch 40 PVC swords breaking.

Stellaria · « **Reply #26 on:** March 11, 2012, 01:50:32 pm »

Cutting a 32" core of 1/2" Sch40 works, too. It's 34 or longer that they flex out right away.

Cinereous of Ashes · « **Reply #27 on:** July 11, 2012, 03:11:04 am »

I'm gonna poke my head in here just to say that I have a pvc spear. I posted it on here when i made it way back. It's still goin strong. Built on 1.25" (SCH80 I think) pvc and is 8.5' long. Its heavy, and bulky, but scarcely flexes and moves people. Weighs in at 7# but I've gotten used to it. Though for anyone able to get a hold of bandshoppe id of course recommend that, but I like my heavy spear.

Spiderling · « **Reply #28 on:** July 11, 2012, 05:52:09 am »

Anyone who saw me fighting at Rag this year saw my low-profile shortspear (I think I used anything else precisely once all week). Roughly 6.5' and built on 1" PVC. I friggin' love that thing, and even though I'll probably make a fiberglass one at some point (definitely if I go any longer), I don't plan on ever being without a PVC shortspear. I LOVE the extra flex and learned to pull off a number of neat tricks a stiffer spear wouldn't be able to accommodate. A bit weighty when armed, but not unmanageably so.

Sadly, PVC being a weaker material, I have to retire the one I brought to Rag; a Roman shield charge on Saturday left it with a permanent curve. Ah, well; dagger cores, I suppose.

Milo Baines · « **Reply #29 on:** July 11, 2012, 10:35:46 am »

Curved swords.

Syre Jari Kafghan the Dark Knight · « **Reply #30 on:** July 11, 2012, 12:02:04 pm »

CURVED! SWORDS!

[/skyrim]

Milo Baines · « **Reply #31 on:** July 11, 2012, 01:44:11 pm »

Yeah I'll admit it...that's still funny.

halostar724 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 11, 2012, 08:07:25 pm »

Quote from: Milo Baines on July 11, 2012, 10:35:46 am

Curved swords.

you say curved swords, first thought to mind is crusades-era middle eastern fighters. if anyone remembers robin hood:prince of thieves, think of azeem's curved sword.

Magnus · « **Reply #33 on:** July 11, 2012, 09:41:20 pm »

I try not to, since it's an ahistorical weapon from a terrible movie.

halostar724 · « **Reply #34 on:** July 11, 2012, 11:06:57 pm »

Terrible movie? yes.....

but that particular sword does not exist in history? childhood = blown away....

Iohn deMar · « **Reply #35 on:** July 12, 2012, 01:09:51 am »

Hey. Robin Hood was badass when I was twelve!

Magnus · « **Reply #36 on:** July 12, 2012, 08:06:32 am »

Quote from: Iohn deMar on July 12, 2012, 01:09:51 am

Hey. ~~Robin Hood~~ Errol Flynn was badass when I was twelve!

Finn Tehviking · « **Reply #37 on:** July 12, 2012, 08:25:27 am »

Forget PVC!

Buy Finn's Fiberglass!

Frost Da Ork · « **Reply #38 on:** July 12, 2012, 02:28:38 pm »

Made a piece into a didgeridoo

Aondor · « **Reply #39 on:** July 13, 2012, 01:41:14 am »

I just made 6 31' Blue swords for new players.

Loaner weapons build chapters.

Long live pvc swords

SROnivera · « **Reply #40 on:** July 13, 2012, 02:25:23 am »

Schedule 40-80 CPVC is a must. It resists heat more than PVC, which allows you to leave it in the car with lesser worry, though that it's not recommended. It's slightly stronger, and I have it in my current minired weapon.

So PVC is all good. You just have to know which kind to get for what build that you wish to go for.

Ryees · « **Reply #41 on:** July 13, 2012, 03:26:16 am »

The only thing I would outright dismiss PVC for is sandwich-with-tabs construction, and then only at high diameters. Once you get to 3/4", it starts to use a lot of layers, and I personally don't like fat-blades. But for newbies, fat blades are good, because you can use easy to acquire materials to make them and they won't sting like narrower profile blades of the same materials.

And, as has been stated already but deserves restating, it is by FAR the cheapest and easiest method of building anything with a curve.

It's good stuff.

Odran · « **Reply #42 on:** August 03, 2012, 08:10:05 pm »

CPVC is NOT stronger/more rigid than PVC at the same nominal diameter.

Sven Kolfinsson · « **Reply #43 on:** August 03, 2012, 08:21:00 pm »

Quote from: SROnivera on July 13, 2012, 02:25:23 am

Schedule 40-80 CPVC is a must. It resists heat more than PVC, which allows you to leave it in the car with lesser worry, though that it's not recommended. It's slightly stronger, and I have it in my current minired weapon.

So PVC is all good. You just have to know which kind to get for what build that you wish to go for.

CPVC flexes like no one's business. It might be alright for very short blues or daggers.

Dagorhir Web Boards

News:

Author Topic: Is PVC used for anything anymore? (Read 1768 times)