SpringBase

thingiverse

SpringBase is a spring-loaded base sized for 1/2" (18mm) EMT (U.S.metal electrical conduit) and designed to create temporary interior structures without using fasteners or adhesives. The SpringBase consists of the base body and a tapered plug that encloses and connects to the tubing. The hardware includes a 1/4" x 4" carriage bolt, a 1/4" nut, a couple of washers (optional) and a compression spring; the one I used is 2 3/4" x 13/32" ( 7cm x 1cm) and came as part of an assortment of springs (Everbilt 685 436) from Home Depot. The spring has about 1 1/2" of compression. In order to be useful for various spans, it should be used in conjunction with the TubeMate (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5814994) that allows two pieces of tubing to "telescope." Also the SwivelTip (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5922218) will allow the top tube to conform to pitched surfaces.