Help with supporting standing creatures

[madmomma]

I usually make numerous "creatures" (PVC & chicken wire) usually 5-6ft in height. I put the legs into stakes in the ground (similar to rebar), then run a wire from the middle of the creature to stakes in the ground either on the sides or front and back to support it. It works great until bad weather, especially wind, hits. Then they either bend or fall. :mad: How do other people support their creatures? Should I mount them on wood platforms first?

[morbid mike]

I use conduit painted black but I make my friends outta 2x2's and chicken wire...if you use a pole like that you can secure rite to the body making them more rigid make sure you drive it as far as possible into the earth.....not too far or I'll pullit down here with me!!!

[Bone Dancer]

My standing skellys have 1/2 pvc running through them and out the bottom of thier feet/ankles and that slides over the rebar I use, 12" in the ground and 12" in the legs. My reaper was made on a single tube of 1 1/2 " pvc . It slide nicely over one of those cheap green steel stakes. I guess it all depends on how you made your "creatures".

[Warrant2000]

I use rebar for most, or tie it down to tent spikes.

[The Pod]

I'm the same as BoneDancer, 12" rebar in ground, 12" above that slides into the PVC in my props. Even my 6' monster stays up even in high winds.

[madmomma]

Okay, I guess my stakes weren't deep enough because I, too, slide my pvc legs over them. BTW, I didn't use actual rebar, that was the problem. We had a new lawn and sprinkler system and I was afraid I'd puncture the lines (been there, done that!) Although many of my props managed to stay still most of the time, I'll spring for 24" rebar this year as I hate to watch my creations get tipsy :) AND I'LL BE CAREFUL OF THE SPRINKLER LINES..... (DH would KILL me!) Thanx for the advice guys!

[Bone Dancer]

When you go to get the rebar take a piece of you pvc to check it for size just to be on the safe side. I learned that lesson the hard way. Home depot, lowes, Menards, should have the best price. You might check a welding shop if you have one in your are. They may have left overs.

[madmomma]

oops, good idea, my creatures range from 1/2" to 1" legs so yeah, better check for size!