Spandex Squares

This set is our first custom built set.  Everything before this was fabrics and light placement.  Its a pretty simple set to build and decently cheap.  We used this set first for the 2010 Battle of the Bands.

Essentially it each panel is comprised of 4 outdoor deck spindles, a 2.5' square piece of spandex, 40 or so staples, and 4 eye hooks.  The angle cuts on the deck spindles make it easy.  We built this set in stages, frames, then fabric, then rigging.  This set should only require a screw gun, drill bits, a square, and a heavy duty stapler (Stapler link)

First align all of the deck spindles in a square.  All of the angle cuts should be touching another angle cut.  Once they are laid out, secure them into each other with drywall screws.  We found it was easier to pre-drill a pilot hole, so that the spindles didn't break.  Once you get to the 4th corner, you will want to check square and make sure you are somewhat close.  Once this is done fasten your 4th corner and move on to the next frame.

The fabric is the easiest part.  You should cut a piece of Poly stretch to about 30" x 30".  You then need to staple it to on side of the frame.  I made sure to staple mine behind the frame to keep the staples from reflecting light.  Then stretch the material to the opposite side and staple it.  You then stretch the top and bottom stapling the fabric to keep in nice and tight.  There may be some extra spandex on the edges of the frame.  It can easily be cut off with a razor knife.

Next is rigging.  To start we made a mark on the top and bottoms of the frame.  They were 6" in from each corner. (should have 8 marks per frame 2 at each corner)  These are the marks for the eye bolts.  Once all the frames are marked, the marks should be drilled out with a drill gun.  I think we used an 1/8" bit.  This will make putting the eye hooks in possible.  Next, put 2 eye hooks in the top and 2 eye hooks in the bottom of the frame.  The holes on the side will allow you to hang the set on an angle if you every want to in the future.  Lastly, connect the frames together ,at the desired distance apart, with silver chain and quick links.

We found that front lighting it worked best.  As always, any questions let me know.

,Steven


Materials (for 30 pieces):

120-3ft long Deck Spindles (Spindle link)  {$106.80}
8 - Yards of Poly Stretch 120" wide (Spandex Link) {$204.96}
2 - boxes of eye hooks (Eye hook link) {$15.00}
100 - feet of silver chain
30 - quick links (Quick link link)
1 - Box of staples
1 - Box of 2" drywall screws