My boss uses PVC pipe as Tinkertoys. His latest project is a clever paint spray booth. The basic structure is five-foot-square frames (pipe comes in ten-foot lengths) with corners that fasten together in any combination. He describes it:
"Here are the pictures. 334 has an overview of it set up in one config where you can see the overall concept. There are four identical frames plus the two different end feet. The idea is that I can set it up in any config I need...
344 shows the corner detail. Everything on the square frame is glued. The only pieces not glued are the items labeled "pivot pipes" and "slip joints". The upper frames remove if you don't need them or for storage. So this huge frame should collapse to 5.5' x 5.5' X 6" for storage. (note 3 of the four pipes in each frame are exactly 5' so the dimension is 5' plus the fittings. The top pipe was shorter due to the fitting arrangement. I used the cut-off to make a number of 1.75 inch "pivot pipes" that I just slip in where needed. All pipe is 1" Schedule 40 PVC.
For use I have the inside covered in plastic with tape on the upper frames and ends and the rags stuffed into the notches created where the frames join. I can easily put plastic over the top for a roof and if need just lay a 10' x 1" pipe across the front to support it. For smaller jobs it can be more wrapped around into a circle.
It seems to be a pretty slick solution and is plenty robust. With heavier plastic you could use it as a wind shield outdoors or just drape some canvas over it. Hummm. I have a huge canvas drop cloth - why didn't I think of that earlier?"
Steve