Christmas tree fell over - need some tips
 

Our well used fake tree collapsed last night when one of the four plastic legs the of plastic stand failed.

I think the stand itself is shot.

I would like some ideas as to how to make upright the tree. the "trunk" is basically a round hollow metal tube about 2 inches in diameter.

I need to fabricate a stand. Any ideas are welcome.

FYI, as of right now, the tree is leaning against the wall lights and all. I am willing to buy another fake tree after Christmas. I just need some ideas to tie over over for the next three weeks.

a cheap tree stand would work. Get one that is metal with four screws that will hold the "trunk" upright.

^^^Yeah, that. Or even a cheap plastic one along the same lines.

Could always make one out of PVC pipe and a bit of PVC epoxy/paint since the "trunk" is uniform.

I have a fake tree too. I use a metal tree stand screwed to a 2' circle of plywood. The pole from the tree fits into the stand and you can tighten the eye bolts in to hold it securely.

http://www.buyhardwaresupplies.com/?t=5&m=g1&itemNumber=96237

you should just have friends and family take turns supporting the tree for 1/2 hr each.

you need to put the fear of god back in these freeloading present-snatchers.

EXACTLY!!!!:D

Get a piece of 3/4 " plywood about 18" in doiameter from the local Homer Depot.

Go to the plumbing department, they sell screw on sockets. You used to see them in closets, remember? They had the pipe screwed into them to hold the hangers.

Get one that screws on a i-1/2 " pipe.

Then buy one foot of pipe like this and attach.

OR

If you can fine 1-1/2 " wooden dowels, cut the end off those and screw it to a piece of plywood.

Hang it from the ceiling.

Seriously. Know somebody who does this every year - she has cats, they manage to tip over the tree no matter how robust the stand.

Now they just jump in and swing.

You guys are pure geniuses. Thanks! I think all those ideas will work!

That is really cool - I feel sorry for the fairy though...

Anyway how about planting your fake tree in a plant pot of sand? (That'll get 'em confused)

I vote for PVC. Circular base with a center mounting slot, all sanded with 80 grit and painted green glass or matte, your choice.

Or....

Find a broken or cheap fan with stand (Craig's List) and just recycle the bottom end, painted green or whatever.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/bi/bionaire-stand-fan.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/compare-prices/bionair&usg=__qbziLcryilzI3JidusSx8J1jFB0=&h=298&w=298&sz=11&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=KEiSm6u3RotW 7M:&tbnh=136&tbnw=136&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfan%2Bstand%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D858%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C70&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=1308&vpy=542&dur=5 0&hovh=225&hovw=225&tx=136&ty=185&ei=4kv9TNGQLMGB8gaf3u3lCg&oei=4kv9TNGQLMGB8gaf3u3lCg&esq=1&page=1& ndsp=40&ved=1t:429,r:38,s:0&biw=1680&bih=858

From a car enthusiast forum, I'm surprised nobody mentioned the use of JB Weld, safety wire, cotter pins, duct tape or arc welding. :D

Or...

Take the spare tire out of the car and run the tree through the center hole, wrapping duct tape around the 'trunk' until it fits the hole exactly! No, wait; I got it!

Take three cinderblocks
pile them up so that the holes almost line up leaving a slot the width of the pole's diameter
stick tree through slot. It will lean, but not fall down...

Instant Red Neck Xmas Tree!

:D

i have an even simpler idea....four 8 inch long 2 x 4 pieces arranged in a square for the pole to sit in. I will fasten it to a board and reinforce the vertical square with perpedicular 2 x 4"s. It should work. I"ll post pictures.