Thanks for the great project & pics. I love to DIY & customize, especially if it can be done for less than buying. Extra kudos to posts by knightshift (OP & #26) & bbarr21 (#57 & #58) for the details (& pic showing it doesn't take up much more floorspace than a carboy).
My 2 hypothetical additions/changes:
- Rotation. I have a plastic 45 bottle tree & really appreciate that it rotates for ease of loading/unloading. Has anyone tried to add casters, or a lazy susan bearing underneath their build? Maybe just some little furniture sliders would be enough, depending on what your tree is standing on.
It would add a few bucks to part list, but worth it IMO. Just search for 'lazy susan' on ebay (& sort by price), amazon (in Tools & Home Improvement), etc.. Just be careful with the build to avoid making it wobbly.
- PVC cement: I am also weary of broken or sheared drywall screws. I'm sure this is low enough a risk if you're careful loading & unloading (to not bend/flex a branch too hard). I'd also like to reduce the risk of rust eventually making its way to the lip of some bottles.
I'd cut the 1/2" pipes at 45' angle on one end, liberally apply PVC cement to that end, & sliding it down over the screws. The top & bottom of the junction should form a strong bond. Using purple primer on both sides before the cement is worth it. Any remaining gap (on the sides of the junction) would be sealed with a bit of silicone sealant. Using a larger diameter center pipe will minimize gapping on the sides of the joints.
On second thought, PVC bonds are pretty strong so I'd test this out on one branch 1st without the screw. It would probably be plenty strong enough & let me skip the sealant (since no rust). Not having to drill all those holes would be nice. Would definitely use a large diameter center pipe to maximize surface contact of the pipes.
Since I still have other things I need more, I'll probably never get to this. But, I'll put it on my list as relatively 'kid friendly' project. (Get 'em started young!) If it works out, I an always sell or give away my current tree.
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