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Let's face it - every house needs a giant spider at Halloween. Not the "Oooo a scary spider just dropped on my head as I went to the front door" kind of spider - I'm talking about the "That furry black beast just ate my dog" kind of spider.
Well, this one isn't quite that big (see last photo for one that is) but the design can easily be scaled up with larger materials to a prop that is very large.
This design is based on a spider we made a couple years ago, with modifications to minimize the number of pipe fittings, and flexibility to add your own body shapes and sizes. We used 1/2 inch PVC pipe because we had lots of off-cuts left over from a gardening project - I would probably choose 3/4 inch if starting from scratch.
Given the number of joints in the legs you can also pose the spider in different ways (like front legs off the ground ready to grab a passing child) or omit the last segment of each leg so the spider sits flat on the ground. We found this configuration better for use suspended in a web.
Well, this one isn't quite that big (see last photo for one that is) but the design can easily be scaled up with larger materials to a prop that is very large.
This design is based on a spider we made a couple years ago, with modifications to minimize the number of pipe fittings, and flexibility to add your own body shapes and sizes. We used 1/2 inch PVC pipe because we had lots of off-cuts left over from a gardening project - I would probably choose 3/4 inch if starting from scratch.
Given the number of joints in the legs you can also pose the spider in different ways (like front legs off the ground ready to grab a passing child) or omit the last segment of each leg so the spider sits flat on the ground. We found this configuration better for use suspended in a web.
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Signing UpStep 1Materials and Tools
MATERIALS (all PVC pipe is 1/2 inch, you can scale up as needed). Approximate prices shown from small hardware store - you may be able to find better pricing at big box stores. Prices are for all components, not each component.
60 feet x PVC pipe [$12.00]
1 x PVC "T" fitting [$0.40]
3 x PVC 4-way "Cross" fittings [$3.00]
16 x PVC 90 degree "Elbow" fittings [$4.00]
16 x PVC 45-degree "Elbow" fittings [$13.00]
8 x pins to hold legs to body (16d nails work fine)
2-3 x cans spray foam insulation [$15.00]
2 x cans black spray paint [?]
PVC pipe primer and glue [$9.00]
Duct tape [?]
TOOLS
PVC pipe cutter
Drill with 3/16 inch bit
Sandpaper
Drop sheet
Ruler
60 feet x PVC pipe [$12.00]
1 x PVC "T" fitting [$0.40]
3 x PVC 4-way "Cross" fittings [$3.00]
16 x PVC 90 degree "Elbow" fittings [$4.00]
16 x PVC 45-degree "Elbow" fittings [$13.00]
8 x pins to hold legs to body (16d nails work fine)
2-3 x cans spray foam insulation [$15.00]
2 x cans black spray paint [?]
PVC pipe primer and glue [$9.00]
Duct tape [?]
TOOLS
PVC pipe cutter
Drill with 3/16 inch bit
Sandpaper
Drop sheet
Ruler
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And more on topic: I love your spider. Will definitely have to try it once I don't live in an apartment any more.
There have been a few similar projects like this in the past, but this is my favorite by far. Well constructed and the organic look from the spray foam really sets it apart. Love it!
60 ft PVC tube needed
Step 24 - 2ft section of legs = 48 feet
Had a lot of fun building this and the entire family got involved. Thanks for the plans!
..and with remote controlled blinking eyes. Anyways, great i'ble.
Oscar