Daniel Ungard wrote:
>
> My first concern is the idea that you want to use aluminum to make the
> frames. I would highly suggest against this for two reasons. First,
> aluminum would not be cost efficient. Second, unless you are planning
> to bolt together the aluminum pieces, you will need to find someone
> who can weld aluminum. Ultimately, going the route of aluminum would
> be very difficult, and I wouldn't suggest it.
>
>
OK, time to be the contrarian here. Aluminum (or steel) is a very good
choice for making theatre scenery. I should know, I spend 8-10 hours a
day and 4-5 days a week doing just that! Yes there are issues with
greater initial cost, but the stuff doesn't go bad over time and the
used metal has actual resale value that wood will never have. Yes it
takes a bit of special tooling and skill to use it, but in any
reasonable sized congregation I bet you can find a few welders, and
knowing welders, a little op****tunity to get right with God for their
past behaviors might be welcomed! Metal does not rot, it warps in the
welding, but once straightened out it stays straight, and best of all,
Metal is inherently fire resistant. (yes both steel and Aluminum will
burn, but if you get to those heats, you won't have living people in the
vicinity).
For strong, lightweight stock flats, there is a lot to be said for a
metal frame. And if the cover gets beat up, pry it off, scrape off the
construction glue, and screw or pop-rivet on a new one! I recall Chris
Jahn was experimenting with the steel studs used for industrial framing,
I think it was looking positive. Those can be cut with tin snips and
assembled with screws, they are flimsy and sharp as individuals but with
good design and strong covers they would be an option.
Stuart
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