MPowers
Well-Known Member
A couple of points here. Box truss ( or triangle) = GOOD. 1 1/2" Sch. 40 Pipe = Good. They both do the job they are intended to do quite well, but they both suck at other jobs. Truss hung from chain the way you describe would be unstable. Pipe hung the way a good competent rigger should hang it would be rigid and not flex between attachment points. The points to consider are planned use, cost of materials, cost of labor for install, return on investment in usage. Am I saying pipe is as good as truss? No, of course not. What I am saying is the stiffness and sway issue is the result of the installation method, not the product.
Truss will always be stiffer than pipe of any reasonable size. Yes, a 12" diameter sch 80 pipe will be pretty stiff, but not a reasonable size for entertainment industry use. That means truss can be hung with fewer support points spaced further apart.
Truss also has the advantage of additional members in the hanging axis so power cable and DMX or control cable can be lain on top, run through the middle or hung on a different tube than the lighting units. Pipe on the other hand, has a small cross section and can fit in places truss can not. Pipe is also far less expensive, very robust and and you can attach a standard lighting "C" clamp to it without a PVC truss protector.
Truss to the ceiling: "C" clamp is at least 12" below the ceiling. Pipe on a rigid bracket, "C" clamp can be 2" - 3" below the ceiling.
Bottom line here is both truss and pipe might be a very good choice but you need to weigh all the factors to get the best answer.
The OP asked how to hang pipe, the real first Q should be: Is Pipe the best solution here. Some possible choices, pipe, pipe flat ladder truss, aluminum truss - box or triangle, strut-flush to ceiling or drop down...... Pick the product, then decide the attachment method, then compare budget with cost, then decide if those match and proceed or they don't match and look for a compromise solution.
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