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Author Topic: Truss Bases  (Read 3990 times)

Joel T. Glaser

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Truss Bases
« on: December 01, 2019, 03:11:27 PM »

Hi all.

I'm looking to purchase some bases for my F34 style trussing. I see they come is several different sizes (12"x12" up to 30"x30").

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with various sizes and what might be recommended. I realize it probably depends on how they are used. I'm hoping to make one set work, as opposed to owning several different sizes.

Any input would be appreciated.

Joel
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Jeff Lelko

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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #1 on: December 01, 2019, 05:08:57 PM »

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with various sizes and what might be recommended. I realize it probably depends on how they are used.

Hi Joel, yes, it all depends on how the setup in general is being used.  A 12”x12” plate is generally only used a top plate, or as a baseplate when the trussing structure is self-standing (such as a cube).  When building totems, arches, goal posts, etc., I always use the largest baseplate that is practical for the application.  There’s no reason not to, and if there is any load of consequence going on top you need to add additional ballast to the base.  A base with outriggers can be used as well if needing to go very tall.  What kind of setup to you have in mind?
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Joel T. Glaser

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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2019, 07:29:32 PM »

Thanks Jeff,

My thought at this time is buying some 12" ladder truss to use behind bands in small clubs where I don't have room for box truss. I'm thinking about 8' high and up to 16' - 20' wide. As I'm sure you've experienced, some rooms are just too small for crank up stands and big truss. I'd been to a show where the LD used this type of set up. Just researching something along those same lines. The one thing I failed to ask the LD was about the bases he was using.
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Jeff Lelko

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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2019, 08:35:15 PM »

Yep, I know exactly the type of gigs you speak of.  If you’re always going to be building an arch or setup as you describe, Global sells 1’x4’ steel baseplates that work well in this application.  They weigh about 50 pounds too, so on smaller setups you don’t need additional ballast. 

My only word of caution would be using ladder truss for your vertical uprights.  Doing this can put a tremendous moment on the two bolts holding the truss spigots to each baseplate if the load isn’t otherwise braced.  I can’t speak as to how much would be a safe allowable load in this application, but I’d consider at least the triangular truss for the uprights if not standard box.  Alternatively, the two unused spigots on the base could be made to hold a bracing beam that would make the ladder truss safe to use as you describe.  The lateral members can be ladder truss regardless so long as you stay within the safe working loads advertised by the manufacturer.

All of this said, you’d still be 2ft from the back wall and 4ft at the edge of the baseplate.  If that’s still too much you might want to look at making a baseplate that allows for the truss to mount at one edge of the plate with sufficient room/distance for adequate ballast to offset and keep things stable.  Hope this helps!
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Joel T. Glaser

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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2019, 08:55:05 PM »

Very helpful. Thanks Jeff!

I do have a few 2 meter sections of f34 box that might work perfectly for the uprights. I could build on top of those. Not really going to take up much more space than the ladder truss.

I probably will keep the horizontal more in the 10' to 15' range. Because of the smaller stages and not wanting to over load it. Would likely be LED pars that I normally use in smaller spaces. Just thought it'd be nice to spread them across the back wall as opposed to hanging them in the corners on a tripod stand. If I use movers, they'd be my smaller ones and I could keep them close to the uprights.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts.
« Last Edit: December 01, 2019, 10:57:51 PM by Joel T. Glaser »
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Mark Cadwallader

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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #5 on: December 01, 2019, 10:28:49 PM »

30" x 30" base plates and 12" x 12" top plates are what I primarily use and rent for totems. I have a pair of 16" base plates, too (used also for the base to the lectern), but they don't get used much.

Edit:  I'm late to the game. Jeff has sound advice.  The 1' x 4' bases are nice for that narrow setup, but not worth a darn for totems (in my view).
« Last Edit: December 01, 2019, 10:32:50 PM by Mark Cadwallader »
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Joel T. Glaser

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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #6 on: December 02, 2019, 10:14:16 AM »

........

Edit:  ......  The 1' x 4' bases are nice for that narrow setup, but not worth a darn for totems (in my view).

I agree. Thanks Mark!
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Mal Brown

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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #7 on: December 02, 2019, 11:24:43 AM »

I have a set of the 1' x 4' and a set of 2' x 2'.  The 1x4 are great for rear arch truss if there is space. for me that is generally never in bars... The 2' x 2' are what I use the majority of the time as the truss is 1' closer to the inevitable back wall.

I'm going to also picking up 15' of light duty ladder truss.   The stuff that strings between speaker stands.  Probably chauvet when I get around to it.
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Jeff Lelko

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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #8 on: December 02, 2019, 11:34:41 AM »

I agree. Thanks Mark!

Yep, and I agree as well.  The 1x4s are useless for totems.  Size and wight aside the reason I like them for arches and whatnot is that they pack well with the rest of the trussing.  The 30x30 plates are generally the way to go for totems in the context of the discussion.  Seeing as Joel would only like to buy 1 model of plate, I can definitely concede that the 30x30 is more useful in a generic sense. 

The only caveat with the 30” plates is that when used with 12” box, you only really have an effective footprint increase of 9”.  For totems and small setups that’s usually okay, whereas for larger setups it makes me nervous.  The same 12” box on the 1’x4’ plate increases the footprint 18” in the front and back direction, which is generally adequate for most DJ/band arch and goalpost applications, indoors of course.  Just more food for thought!   
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Mark Cadwallader

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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #9 on: December 02, 2019, 11:54:12 AM »

FWIW, I have a bunch of 20 lbs/10 kg sandbags in dark green Cordura to provide ballast and stability as needed.  I always offer my rental clients sandbags (at no charge) so they can decide if they want the extra stability. 
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Re: Truss Bases
« Reply #9 on: December 02, 2019, 11:54:12 AM »


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