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Permalink Reply by Mad Maxine on April 20, 2009 at 9:03pm

I noticed that as well. I presume you're using the 1/2 inch tubing. I was thinking about using my pvc pipe cutters for cutting down the connectors so that they only have one or two barbs on each end. You could also use a hack saw or a coping saw.

Or, you could go buy some dowels that fit inside the tubing, cut them to length, and use a staple gun or screws to hold them in place.

Or there's another option:A fellow named Joe on the forum (see my friends) posted some photos here: http://safiredance.ning.com/photo/squeezing-so-the-cut-piece-is?con...
of a trick he came up with. He cut a short piece of the tubing that the hoop is made of. Then he cut the tubing down the length. Then squeeze the tubing along that long-ways cut and stuff one of those edges toward the center of the tubing piece so that it rolls in on itself. Then stuff this shortened, rolled piece into the ends of the tube you're making, and use it as a connector. You could staple it in place, or tape as usual.

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StudentPermalink Reply by Salali on April 20, 2009 at 9:17pm

MadMaxine....I never cease to be amazed by your brain. (I am using the 1/2 inch for these btw) I had forgotten all about Joes trick...I think I'll try that first....I'll bet it is hardly noticeable ( the weight I mean)
Thank You.

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Permalink Reply by Mad Maxine on April 21, 2009 at 6:01pm

Well, my brain amazes me too, but probably not the same way it amazes you. LOL. Glad to be of service.
:)

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StudentPermalink Reply by spider baby on April 20, 2009 at 9:43pm

i just cut my connecters with a coping saw so the were not so long..that way i don't have a big flat spot since my minis are only 20 " in diameter..i figured since i taped over the connection with duct tape before i taped them that they would hold up ok .
i like joes idea too

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StudentPermalink Reply by Salali on April 20, 2009 at 9:47pm

Did making the connecters shorter stop the wobble?

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Permalink Reply by Mad Maxine on April 21, 2009 at 6:04pm

Definitely, lighter connectors should help prevent wobble. I was experimenting with really big tubing and twist-collapse connectors, which were really heavy. I had lots of trouble with wobble, even if I put in two connectors (one on each side of the hoop). Lighter is definitely better for spin, especially in a lighter hoop.

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StudentPermalink Reply by Lulu Hoop* of Spiraling Within* on April 20, 2009 at 10:37pm

I got smaller connectors for mine. If you have a Lowes near you, they should have all sorts of different length connectors. Good luck!

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StudentPermalink Reply by Kinetic Kristen* on April 21, 2009 at 7:37am

I cut the connectors down as well but I ended up with a circle with a kinda point on one side. 3/4" 100 psi, not so good for mini hoops. Next pair I make, using smaller tubing and trying Joe's trick. Thanks Maxine for reminding us about it!

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Permalink Reply by Mad Maxine on April 21, 2009 at 6:04pm

Thank Joe too! He's the awesome genius who came up with it.

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Permalink Reply by Siren of the Circle* on July 31, 2009 at 9:58am

Thanks Joe! I'm definitely going to try that when I finally get around to making some minis! =)

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StudentPermalink Reply by disco* Lissa on August 12, 2009 at 6:54pm

I've made a mini from the same and what I did first was run hot water through the tube. Then I used a regular connector and put it together. Then it cooled on the floor and is a nice circle. 22" across.

The problem is that its too heavy and is a little hard on the hands.

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