I actually think that asking the question is a good thing and better than not asking and proceeding blindly.
What they meant was "it's better to not ask on an internet forum where too many variables can be missed and too many people can get in trouble for not advising completely based on the specific situation."
I actually think that asking the question is a good thing and better than not asking and proceeding blindly. So, some good advice is:
First. Is the scenery constructed in such a manner as it can support itself suspended in the air. Poorly built flats have no business in the air.
Second. Can you connect the flats together in such a way as they become a solid unit. Use bolts. Structure is important and understanding how the load is distributed across teh unit is important.
Third. You need to use proper hardware, ie. hanging irons top and bottom. Use bolts! The local hardware store does not sell the proper hardware for this.
Fourth and the trickiest. You must understand how to attach the flats to the lifting lines and the batten in a safe manner. This part requires lots of knowledge and experience.
Sources for more information: Stage Rigging, Jay Glerum. Stock Scenery Construction, Bill Raoul. Scene Design and Stage Lighting, Oren Parker. Other good resources are to go by a local university and talk to their TD, go to your local theatre supply house and ask them.
Understand that what you are doing is done all the time, but also know that what you are attempting can cause great harm to other people.
Are you using cloth flats or luan? The process is the same but sometimes the flat construction is different. Attach the walls together and add a brace at each intersection of flats. A 30/60 triangle should be fine.Thank you all for your words of wisdom. I have been safely scared away from this project for now (in a good way). I really appreciate the time all of you took to offer advice. Here's my current plan:
I have 6 10x4 flats that I have secured together with to make one big flat wall. I will attach braces to the back (I'm not sure how many yet- suggestions?) and sandbag them for support. I'm not allowed to drill into the deck, which is where the idea of flying the wall came from- it doesn't actually have to go in and out, but can remain on stage the whole time. It's a backdrop wall for a show next weekend. I am still concerned about their stability even with braces. Maybe I don't need to be- tall braces will be enough?
Again, thank you everyone for your ideas!
-Devon
If flat, Broadway I'd suggest a stage jack at every joint, aka 4' O.C.; if flat, Hollywood then 6' O.C....I will attach braces to the back (I'm not sure how many yet- suggestions?) and sandbag them for support. ...
I thought that's why pig weights had those notches on the ends?Our school uses the weight from the rigging system to hold flats up. [-](and doors open)[/-] They actually fit really well.
I thought that's why pig weight had those notches on the ends?
http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/scenery-props-rigging/23353-cant-screw-into-stage.html#post206430
Using them as doorstops is usually a big firecode no-no, however.
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