David PNW

87

Does anyone know how much weight Maker Pipe connectors can support regarding force pulling on the tube ends? For example, in the first image, imagine the blue, vertical pipe having a weight dangling from below the image. Any idea how much weight that can hold before it pulls the blue tube out of the T connector? (Let's just assume the horizontal piece can hold it.)

It seems like in most Maker Pipe applications, the T connectors are designed to support weight from above (e.g.: shelves, table top), which would actually push the blue, vertical pipe and the T connector TOGETHER. I'm wondering about the opposite, the force that would pull the blue, vertical pipe downward OUT OF the T connector.

I was thinking of drilling a hole in the connector to insert a clevis pin or maybe a rivet. I've seen on crutches and adjustable legs that just the little push buttons (second image) can support quite a lot of weight, and maybe that's a solution. I don't think it would be hard to add a LOT of strength to that, but before I reinvent the wheel, I'm wondering if this is even a problem I need to solve. Thanks!

About to upgrade the patio furniture. Thinking about building a rolling structure to keep the stacking chairs dry when not in use. I can figure out the Maker Pipe frame, but I'm weighing a bunch of options for attaching tarps or walls/roof to keep it sealed here in rainy Seattle. Wife wants something similar for a gardening shed (though stationary). Anyone have any design ideas or similar builds?

What do y'all use to cut EMT? I've seen the tube cutter thingies that spin around and that looks tedious... I own a Sawzall, an oscillating tool, and a circular saw, all of which seem easier. Anyhow, just wondering what folks use for rote cutting?

Amazingly, a search for "sawhorse" here didn't turn up anything. I saw the rolling tool cart and table saw out-feed video, but I'm looking for more of a basic sawhorse. Anyone got any Maker Pipe sawhorse pics or ideas to jump start my design process? Challenges:
- Legs swing apart to set up, swing together for storage (like the sawhorse in the picture) or somehow easily collapsible for storage.
- Connect to a sacrificial piece of wood on top that can be replaced whenever it gets too many saw blade knicks.
- Adjustable height would be cool

Any Maker Pipe solutions that involve sliding on EMT like rails? I guess I could use 3/4" EMT as my fixed rail and insert it into 1" EMT for the part that slides. It would probably work, but might be kind of loose and rattle a bit. Wondering if there's a more elegant solution.

I know this is a bit vague, but the basic idea is a pair of vertical EMT rails with another EMT/Maker Pipe "sled" attached to it that moves up and down. This whole thing would be on wheels (a cart), and it doesn't need to be perfect, but I don't want it rattling around too loosely while being moved.