Egon Spengler
Master Member
Is PVC pipe strong enough to make raised platform digigrade stilt feet?
Advice on PVC pipe and weight support.
- Thread starter Egon Spengler
- Start date
TazMan2000
Master Member
Egon Spengler
Master Member
I'm thinking im just going to have to go with metal or wood. Preferably metal. I'm scared that pvc or wood will break. I'm trying to make digigrade stilts.
TazMan2000
Master Member
Metal would probably be better depending on what weight it will support. Even hardwoods have their limits on what they can support. It may work for a while, but if one of the stilts breaks during use, it could wreck the rest of the costume.
TazMan2000
smithjohnj
Sr Member
The strength of the materials, PVC vs. wood vs metal is only one consideration. With "normal" stilts your weight is directed almost directly downward. Even when you step forward on one stilt the opposite stilt stays grounded and the forces can be used to help keep your balance. The force follows in a straight line through the length of the stilts' legs and the angle the stilt makes with the ground is usually small with long stilts and/or short steps. With a diigigrade toe/leg you have to take the strength of the joint(s) into consideration. For example with a cat the femur and the tibia join at an angle and the tibia and the tarsas join at another angle somewhat like the letter Z. In effect the body weight is still mostly centered directly over the paw and directed straight downward. However the greatest stress comes at the joints - Especially if these are hingled or allowed to rotate as the legs are raised and lowered. Also any rotating "legs" will require a limiting stop block so the joint cannot go too far in either direction amd thus fold together and collaspe turning your Z into a ___. These "stops" will then be resisting the entire load or weight of you and the costume.
Egon Spengler
Master Member
I made a pvc pip version of the base of the Digigrade stilts I want to make. I'm thinking of adding a wood platform on top and one underneath it to support the pvc frame of the base. I'd also be gluing the parts together with pvc glue and screwing the wood onto the pvc. From there I'd build up off the base. I was thinking, if I did go with pvc to keep the weight down, I might fiberglass around the wood and pvc once it's assembled to increase the strength and stability of it. If I don't go with the pvc pipe, I may just pay someone to weld aluminum square tubing into the same shape and size.
Here is a photo of the pvc.
Here is a photo of the pvc.
TazMan2000
Master Member
I thought you wanted to make something like this... Digileg Stilts - Digilegs
If you're just making a set lifts you should be good with wood, pvc or abs.
Have you considered drywall stilts? Amazon.com
TazMan2000
If you're just making a set lifts you should be good with wood, pvc or abs.
Have you considered drywall stilts? Amazon.com
TazMan2000
Egon Spengler
Master Member
These will be the feet of the digigrade stilts.
