The Better PVC Stand Design?

[Kafin Noe’man]

Good morning!

My Vector 40 is almost finished, and I think I need to have a stand to hold the plane either for starting the engine or doing some adjustments on the field.

I was thinking of building it with PVC pipes and I have found two common designs out there.
The “X” style and the “H” style.

The X:


The H:


Which one is the better option?

[John Rist]

If you could make the X style where it folds flat that would be cool.

[Paul Taylor]

I always like to keep it simple. But with that said the X style I could see the plane flopping over banging a wing tip. The H style looks more like it will lock the fuse in place. With them being made of PVC if you don’t glue all the joints you can take it apart for storage.
I just use a piece of foam and lay the plane on it if it needs some maintenance. It keep foam in the truck to transport the planes.
Good luck with your Vector. Let us know if the motor mounts needed to be redrilled.

[Dennis Toth]

John,
I did a portable stand from an adjustable keyboard stand that I got used from a local music store for $15. It can open wider if one likes but folds to fit in the car easily. Just added the foam pipe cover with a couple zip ties to protect the wings. If you build a PVC rake I would do one that supports the wings so it doesn't flop around.

Best,   DennisT

[Howard Rush]

I like Dennis's idea.  I'll look for a keyboard stand.

If you use the H option, rather than using caps, have the foam cylinders extend a little above the tube tops.  Also, ensure that foam on cross pieces or any cable ties holding it can't rotate and dent your fuselage.

Here's mine. 

[Jim Hoffman]

I use something like Howard’s.  Working while standing is easier on the back and the tool tray is indispensable.  I also use a few Velcro straps to prevent an unexpected gust from lifting the airplane off the cradle

[Paul Taylor]

Hey Howard
Will my camper be in the way if I park it here?

[Howard Rush]

Park it on the helipad. Plenty of room.

[Kafin Noe’man]

Thank you guys!

I guess I’m gonna go with Howard’s design.

[Kafin Noe’man]

I like Dennis's idea.  I'll look for a keyboard stand.

If you use the H option, rather than using caps, have the foam cylinders extend a little above the tube tops.  Also, ensure that foam on cross pieces or any cable ties holding it can't rotate and dent your fuselage.

Here's mine.

What pipe size do you use? 3/4” or 1”?

[Jim Hoffman]

I used 1" OD PVC pipe.  The 3/4" would be fine also.  Consider the fit up of the insulation/padding that you are using when choosing the PVC size.

[Dave Hull]

Hmmm.

The local R/C car hooligans set up a track on our flying circle a while back. Lots of 1-1/2" PVC pipe, some EMT tubing, a ton of 3/32x3/4 steel strap, and some honkin' steel blocks to anchor the hairpin turns. (A couple of 40 pounders, and one that was too heavy for two of us to lift, so it's still out in the weeds off to the side of the circle.)

So after we unscrewed all the pipe from the pavement and loaded it into a couple of trucks, I find that there is somehow about 300' of PVC and some fittings in my back yard. If I make a stand out of 1-1/2" Schedule 40, am I in danger of qualifying for "Heavy Stunt" status?

And is anyone using these as transporters for the back of their "stunt wagon?"

Thanks for bringing up this topic, Kafin!

The Divot McSlow

[Igor Burger]

Here is my minimalistic solution to fit in european cars 

[Howard Rush]

What pipe size do you use? 3/4” or 1”?

I use 1”, but you should follow Jim’s advice.