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How to build a float. How to build a float. Do you have a Theme to follow?. How to build a float. Does the float need to be approved by parade committee?. Height restrictions Width of roadway restrictions Turning radius restrictions Overall length including vehicle for towing
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How to build a float Do you have a Theme to follow?
How to build a float Does the float need to be approved by parade committee? • Height restrictions • Width of roadway restrictions • Turning radius restrictions • Overall length including vehicle for towing • Sound volume restrictions • Use of water or other substances • Throwing or distribution of candy or other promotional materials
How to build a float Design: Design your ideas on shoebox top or make simple drawings Items you can use; shoebox, some magic markers, floral wire, floral foam, tin foil, or legos
How to build a float What type of platform? Flat rack Trailer Chassis Will there be on your float? movement
How to build a float Make a materials list Don’t skimp on quality! To be durable, parts must be heavy duty. This prevents a break down during the parade. • Foam • Paper Mache • Floral sheeting • Unshrunk Muslin. • Moving parts • Motors (gas or electric) • Sound system • Power supply • Necessary hand andpower tools. • Staple gun • Staples • Nails • Wire • Lumber • Any special materials required
How to build a float How much do you want to spend? From the materials list you can develop a budget. Wood $xxx.xx Fabric $xx.xx Glue $xx.xx Paint $xxx.xx _____________ Total $xxx.xx
How to build a float What are the capabilities of your builders? Power tools and equipment Electrical / electronics Sound / lighting Hydraulics Painting
How to build a float How long will it take? Develop a time line for construction. One to eight weeks. Try to be done in 6.
How to build a float Find a place to work. Proper size and are very important. ventilation
How to build a float Construct: If you use a lowboy trailer you may have to build a sub structure to elevate the platform for the float.
How to build a float Construct: Build the platform • Extend 12 to 16 inches beyond the side frame on an angle. This allows the tongue to turn. • If you are going to reuse or transport the float, use hinges to attach pieces that can be folded for travel. • Cover the floor with sheeting or artificial grass. • Cover this material with a paint drop sheet to protect from drippings.
How to build a float Construct: • Form the shapes using: • Pencil steel • Foam • Chicken wire • Window Screen • Wood For more complex units with movement or if you are building over a chassis you may need someone with welding skills and a knowledge of mechanics or hydraulics.
How to build a float Construct: Test and double test all mechanical or moving parts and have access to the mechanical area. Make sure all electrical and hydraulics are installed and tested prior to covering framework with chicken wire or material.
How to build a float Construct: Attach floral sheeting; paper Mache, floral sheeting or Muslin and fringe/ festoon to sides. Use staples, double face tape or glue. If you are using paper Mache or Muslin you will have to cover the side with chicken wire or screen.
How to build a float Construct: • Cover with: • Floral sheeting • Floral sheeting is best attached with staple or double-faced tape. • Paper Mache or Unshrunk muslin • If you use paper Mache or muslin, use wallpaper paste glue If you are using spray foam, use a fine nozzle and shape as close as possible. If your shaping foam by sanding make sure to wear breathing masks.
How to build a float Construct: Do your final shaping of the material and paint unless you are covering with floral sheeting. Remember, muslin will shrink once it becomes wet. It will tighten between the contact points. You may also apply the muslin in strips by dipping them in a bucket of the glue mixture as you would paper mache.
How to build a float Final Assembly: • Put all parts in place • Place props • Apply lettering • Add finishing touches Take Pictures!!
How to build a float Float kits are available from a number of companies; several do specialized foam molding and some even rent units.
How to build a float One of the newer innovations is an inflatable that covers the rack or chassis. This is a list of companies I have used or have knowledge about. Stumps, White Bear Lake, MN. www.stumpsparty.com Victory Corps, Minneapolis, MN. www.victorycorps.com Blain Kern Artists, New Orleans. www.kernstudios.com Associated Attractions, Chicago. justfloats@aol.com Fabulous Inflatables, Detroit, MI. www.fablulousinftatables.com Lawless Industries Ltd. www.paradefloats.com CRS enterprises, Duluth, MN. info@crs-enterprises.com You will find many others by using a search engine on the internet look under parade floats.
How to build a float SHOWCASE
