custom background stand

[TheFlyingCamera]

I've got this idea for a background stand, somewhat like what Ruth Bernhard had in her studio, that would enable curtains to be hung as a backdrop in a semicircle. Anyone have any ideas how to make a curtain rod that would yield a 10-12' diameter semicircle? I'm thinking of getting electrical conduit pipe and bending it, but I'm not sure how that would work. All thoughts are appreciated!

 

[MattKing]

Would these work?:

http://www.hotelstoyou.com/product/1251/shower-curtains-shower-rods

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Thanks for the suggestion, but they're too short. I need something about twice that size to make a hemi-circle.

 

[John Koehrer]

Rather than a one piece rod, make it from straight conduit with angled fittings like 22 1/2 degree. It could be a hexagon, octagon or any other gon you want. Any corners would not be very noticeable. Could do the same thing with 1/2" pvc pipe. 3' sections of pipe would give about an 8' diameter, 4' ~ 11'. Cheap too.
Couple of bucks for 12' pipe3-4 22 1/2 degree fittings. Shouldn't break a ten dollar bill. If you need a circle it might get close to a twenty though.

 

[bdial]

There are benders for forming greenhouses from electrical conduit which may work for you.
Here are two sources we're familiar with for ordering seeds and other garden stuff;

http://www.johnnyseeds.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=hoop
http://www.territorialseed.com/product/12571/s

Barry

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Barry- I think that's just the ticket for what I want to do. Either that or John's solution with the angled fittings and PVC pipe.

 

[Jim Jones]

I used 3/8" solid curtain rod to make a smaller curved backdrop support in an alcove. The rod can easily be bent by hand.

 

[stillsilver]

A conduit bender will set you back about $30-40 depending on the size. But you will gain control of your angles and achieve a 'professional look'

Mike