Operation Just Made

as in Bridge.

After I have enough length of both EMT and Sch. 80 PVC pipes, I tested the hybrid strength. It was tough enough that I can even stand in the middle of about 5 ft of horizontal length. But I got greedy. With full body weight, I can bend the 3/4 OD hybrid pipes a little. If I use 1" OD hybrid pipes, it will be awesome for a tough but lightweight, extendable ladder.

So I went to Lowes to pick 1" Sch 80 PVC pipes that fit 3/4" EMT pipes easily. You can get a short 90 bend section for the fitting. Unfortunately, when I got to the electrical section for the EMT, it was sold out. Lowes had done it again. Last time they sold out on 1/2 EMT. They were laughed at by Home Depot, who put up a sign on their stocks, "Always in stock".

Now, I can take home the PVC pipes because they were too soft to carry through my moon roof. Imagine putting the pipes vertically down into the car through the roof. Practically, the pipes point a bit forward, supported by the closing of the moon roof and the back seat. If the pipes are soft, you have to drive very slowly, or the pipes will ripple violently and make a lot of noise. And you have to hold them tight with one hand while driving with the other.

I decided not to go to Home Depot because it was like 8 miles away while Lowes is 2. And also Home Depot doesn't sell Sch 80 PVC pipes anymore. So I waited after the weekend to see if Lowes will restock fast.

They don't. So I have to go to Home Depot. I always like their EMT more because of the finish. The Lowes pipes seem to have been polished without sealer. This is not good after you touched the pipes with residues in your hands when everything in the hardware store is under Prop 65.

Then I  put them through my roof, with half of the pipes standing tall in the wind. I have to drive some 8 miles but that's not too bad. The 3/4" conduits are already rather tough so I don't have to drive slow.

I went back to Lowes immediately because the PVC pipes are much softer and you have to drive slow, which is too bad even for less than two miles. But with conduits inside them, they very easy to carry through my moon roof.

It was much more difficult than last them when the first two sch 80 pipes fit the straight portion of the EMT bend well. This time I had to try different bundles. Off I go when I found two. This time, they can scan the pipes at the register, but not the 3/4 pipes last time.

I checked out at the contractor's entrance because of fewer people in the way of my long things. I was surprised when I put the EMT's into the PVC's. One fit well but the other only fit a quarter in and only on one side. Well, did I state that the tolerance is even tighter than 3/4 PVC's?

While I was fitting my pipes, I heard unrest at the main entrance and saw a few people standing and watching. Shortly, the police arrived. I took no notice and went in to exchange the pipe that didn't fit.

When I checked out again, I heard that someone waved a gun. OMG! I should have gone as soon as I heard noises, and definitely should have gone when I heard the police sirens.

Now, I have only two PVC pipe to carry through my moon roof, with the EMT's hidden inside. Wow, I could drive 70 mph instead of 40!