DIY polytunnel - fixing 32mm MDPE pipe to scaffolding tubes?

[mariohi]

Hi all,

I'm about to start DIY polytunnel project. Managed to get scaffolding tubes today and 32mm MDPE pipe for very reasonable price. I was looking for 50 or 63mm but prices are over £150 which is over my budget. Polytunnel will be 20x10ft, scaffolding tubes every 5ft buried 2ft and 3ft above the ground. Scaffolding tubes will be fixed to the board using builders band. These are the materials I have to work with and the question is how would you securely attach 32mm MDPE to scaffold? I was thinking about another board above scaffold and fixing scaffold with builders band again and screwing MDPE to the board. On top of that some wedge will be used to keep pipe inside scaffold.

Any other ideas to make it strong enough to last on the allotment?

[Bigmallly]

I would assume that because the MDPE pipe is to become your hoop, it will hold itself inside the scaffold pole. You could play safe & drill through them & attach a nut & bolt or two.

PS..........Welcome to the vine.

[Bigmallly]

May I ask why it has taken 3 years to post your first post...................just being nosey..........

[mariohi]

I was told it is pain to drill through scaffold tube. Is it true? Will I need to drill 20 holes or 1 per scaffold would be fine?

[mariohi]

First serious question to ask

[Potstubsdustbins]

Drilling through a scaffold pole can be a bu99er if you don't have good kit. A pedestal drill along with a pipe vice is perfect for drilling away from site. On site the minimum would be a decent 18 volt drill, a good centre punch, and a selection of quality HSS bits at least two of each size you intent to use as you will surely break some, finally a can of cutting oil.

I like the extra batten idea along with some 32mm steel saddle clips.

Potty

[veggiechicken]

First serious question to ask

I waited 5 years before I could think of a serious question
Glad to see you found one - its a bit too serious for me to answer though but I can say Welcome to the Grapevine

[Bigmallly]

First serious question to ask

I'm still waiting to ask my first...............

[Bigmallly]

If the scaffold pole is a pain to drill, what I did was put a jubilee clip about a foot from each end of the plastic to stop it going further into the tubes.............hope that makes sense.

[Olorin2001]

Centre punch where you want the hole - use a small pilot drill first, 3mm or 1/8" in old money, make sure it's a sharp one (if you can't sharpen a drill throw it away rather than struggle) - go for HSS drills and use cutting oil, any oil is better than nothing (even butter) - having something holding what your drilling into is a good idea, hammered into the ground is better than standing on it flat on the ground - Try a slow speed and moderate, even pressure, high speed and all your body weight is not going to help.
Once you have the pilot hole go on to drill size of the hole you desire, for a bolt clearance hole select a drill bit 0.5mm larger than the bolt.

[mariohi]

Thanks a lot for all replays, will try no drill method (wood + builders band) for now and see how will that work.