PVC Pipe Octagon Shelter/Frame

PVC Pipe Octagon Shelter/Frame for protecting small trees/plants for the winter.
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updated November 28, 2024

Description

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I have a fig tree that I've been putting up fence posts and a fence around to fill with leaves to protect it for the winter.  The problem is I put a tarp over it to keep the snow/rain off of it, but it always fills up.  I decided to make a frame out of PVC pipe that has a roof.  

I used 1" schedule 40 PVC pipe, cut to length and threaded the ends with an old pipe die I had.  I've seen them on Amazon for really cheap as well, but it seems like the guide is too sloppy and it's best to print a new, tighter one to get decent threads.

There's a center piece for the top, 4 way corner piece, foot and a reverse end.  The reverse end is screwed onto one of the side pieces so that you can screw the assembly into the two adjacent corners.  Without it you could only screw it into one end because the other end would unscrew.  I printed them vertically at first but found that they weren't strong enough because of the “grain”, so I tilted them to make them stronger.  The foot has holes in it to stake it down.  I made everything out of ASA since they are going to be outside.  Hint: I finally figured out how to print this stuff well without cracking/splitting.  I added a heater, without a fan, to my Lack enclosure and heated it to about 50C.  Once I did that it prints beautifully!  I did however, find out that the PETG my MK4 is assembled from softens at that temperature when my X axis belt slipped out!  I jerry rigged it for now and will be printing all new pieces out of PA-CF ASAP.

Model origin

The author marked this model as their own original creation.

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