Introduction: Leaf Bag Holder & Recycled Campaign Sign Funnel

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I made a leaf bag holder a few years back, and it's worked well. Last year Popular Mechanics® published one

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/lawn-garden/build-this-leaf-sack-rack-and-make-raking-easy

with twice as many parts and a need to use clamps. Mine doesn't use clamps and needs fewer fittings so since then I've been meaning to post mine. Then I figured out how to make a funnel out of old plastic board campaign signs so decided I'd get this posted while signs are still out here in the US. The rack is sized for a 39 gallon/ 2' 9" X 3' 5" leaf bag to fit tight enough so it won't fall down and the legs will pivot to hold the bag taught.  

Once the leaf bag is full, the rack pulls right out. I usually set it down with the legs up so I can slip on a new bag with the seam parallel to the long side.

Step 1: Parts

I used 3/4" PVC. You will need about 12'
  • 90° fittings - 4 each
  • "Tee" fittings - 4 each
  • Caps - 4 each
  • Legs 24" - 4 each
  • 16-1/2" arm - 2 each
  • 7-1/2" arm - 2 each
  • 2" stubs - 4 each
The caps will prevent the legs from poking through the bag.

Step 2: Assembly

I have left the ends not glued to the "tee" fittings for two reasons:
  1. I can take the frame apart and store it flat.
  2. I can shift the legs if the ground is uneven.
The major drawback is that the frame can easily work its self out of square usually with the legs moving toward each other and then you may have to fight the bag a bit..

If you do glue the frame completely, leave 1/4 ~ 3/8" of the 2" stub showing between the 90° and the "tee" fitting.

Step 3: Make Funnel and Fill Bag

My funnel uses four old signs salvaged from a street medium post election. Two of them I cut slots in, and in  the other two I cut slits. I didn't get real precise as they will be thrown away when the leaves are done falling. 

To cut the slots I mark the center and then about 3-3/34" and 5-3/4" on either side and 7" long. 

The slits are 2" in from either side and cut to with-in 2" of the top of the sign.

The slots will slide over that 1/4 ~ 3/8" gap between the 90° and "tee" fitting.

The slits will slide over the two slotted pieces and all four can be angled away from the frame. The inner ends of the signs will slide over the PVC.

I've found the easiest way to get the leaves into the bag is to use two leaf rakes, one a little smaller than the other with the handle removed. Grasp the rake with the handle in your dominant hand with the handle in the crook of the arm. Grasp the other with your non-dominant hand and scoop up some leaves. Don't over do. Hold the rakes over the bag perpendicular to the ground and open them up and let the leaves fall into the bag.