I’ve constructed a Cross to be used at church during Lenten Easter services and I was wondering if any of you might have a formula to figure out what the diminsions should be for a supporting base so the cross will stand upright in a support stand. I suspect that the weight of the cross, height , and width are all part of the equation. If any of you have any ideas or means of determing the size of the pad, I’d sure appreciate hearing from you.
Thank you
Frank
Replies
Frank,
It seems to me that the base has to be either wide or heavy or a combination of both. Would one third the height seem right? Experiment : Make a "socket" that is just big enough for your cross to easily slide in. Use 2x6 or 2x8. Attach socket securely to 24"x24" 3/4 plywood. Insert cross and try to knock it over, add weight to edges of base until satisfied.
Knowing the dimensions wouldn't help me because I'm just winging it. I don't know the formulas, but I can picture the forces that need to be overcome. In this case: rotation or "falling down".
I've seen 16 foot light stands with heavy lights on a 18"x18" base, but there were approx. 250# of weights on the base.
peace
mark
Mark:
Thanks for your suggestion. I'm going out to the garage and build a square tube to slip over the bottom of the cross. I did just find a working example of what I need at the church. It looks a little bit overbuilt but I'll use it as a working guide so to speak. I can experiment with scrap pieces on the base until I find something that will hold the cross upright with out fear of it falling over. Not good during Lenten services. Thanks again for your input.
Happy Easter!
Frank
My thought would be that the support stand would need to be more than half the height of the cross, and perhaps twice as wide (to prevent tipping over sideways). If the cross is to be displayed plumb, some sort of restraint would also be needed to keep it from falling forward.
My initial design thought would be an equilateral triangle with a strut extending from the center of the base to hold the bottom end of the cross. In display position, the tip of the support triangle would be tipped forward (or, the base positioned to the rear). The pieces could be held together with loose-pin hinges for easy transport. I might also sandbag the corners of the support triangle for greater stability.
Ralph:
Thanks for your suggestion. Please see the other replys as I think I've found a working example. I appreciate your willingness to help.
Happy Easter!
Frank
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