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Piper (PVC Wheelchair)
Piper is an active wheelchair made with 1" diameter PVC. Therefore, it is only suitable for people under 150 lbs (this is a guess). Heavier people should use 1.25" or 1.5" diameter PVC.
Piper features two 4" caster wheels in the front and 24" x 1" street tires on 540 rims for the rear wheels. The frame weighs about 15 lbs (not including the rear wheels). Piper features an aftermarket padded aluminum backrest that has up/down adjustability.
My prototype model has a 14" wide seatpan which is my size. I typically use 25" wheels, but since 24" (540) are more common, the frame is based on 24" x 1" wheels. The wheel size can be modified as desired.
This was my first attempt at bending PVC with a heatgun. It will definitely take some practice to make cleaner bends.
Piper Fabrication Photos
Piper Stock List
Frame
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(2) 1"x 10' PVC tube.
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(1) 2"x 2"x 1/4" PVC sheet.
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(1) 1"x 4"x 6' PVC trim board (for rectangular camber tube).
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(6) 1" T brackets
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(4) 1" 90 degree Elbow connectors
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(2) 3"x1.25" punched zinc sq tube (DIY) axle brackets
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(1) 3/4" x 12" Metal Conduit Tube
Fasteners
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A small box of 3/4" wood screws.
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(6) 3.5" x 5/16" bolts, nuts, washers.
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(6) 1" plastic Saddle Washers.
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Aftermarket Wheelchair Parts
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(2) 4" stem caster forks and wheels.
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(2) Axle receivers
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(2) Quick release axles.
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(2) 24" (540) wheelchair wheels.
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(1) Rigid backrest with padding
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(1) Seat cushion.
Frame Component Dimensions
(1) Back Panel - 14" x 8"x 1/4"
(2) Metal Backrest Supports - 8" x 7/8"
(2) Back Supports - 13"
(2) Lower Chasis - 19"
(2) Upper Chasis - 15"
(1) Seatpan - 15" x 14"x1/4"
(2) Camber Tube - 16" x 3"x1", 16" x 4"x1"
(2) Camber Mounting Brackets - 5"x 1.5"x1"
(2) Front Leg Supports (bend) - 20"
(2) Front Caster Supports - 2.5"
(2) Front Connectors - 1 7/8"
(1) Seat Cross Brace - 11"
(2) Footrest Supports - 7", 9"
(2) Sideguards - 15" x 8"