ZTREE Construction

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Z-TREEConstruction
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What the heck is a Z-Tree?

• Original Z-Tree
• (Click on the link above and you will be taken to
  your web browser where you have the choice of
  downloading the .avi file or saving it. Be aware
  that it is a big file, requiring significant
  download time.)

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Why is it called a Z-Tree?

• The Z-Tree was named after the person who came up
  with the idea Mike Ziemkowski
• In 2003, Mike used a PVC frame to build a mega
  tree
• In 2004 he modified the tree into horizontal
  sections
• Learn more about Mike and his display at
  www.lightsondisplay.com

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How do you get started?

• Where are you going to store your Z-Tree?
• Decide how many horizontal sections, how high,
  diameter of base
• Use the Z-Tree calculator found at
  http//www.lightsgonewild.com/ZTree.htm
• Be aware that the calculator is not entirely
  accurate when producing the final dimensions
  input, e.g. 3 tall section resulted in a final
  height of 33

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How do I get started? (cont)
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How do I get started? (cont)
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How do I get started? (cont)

• Buy your materials (hint-buy all connectors from
  same source)
• ¾ Schedule40 PVC

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The build

• Build in an area where you can get your Z-Tree
  outside
• Using the PVC cut pattern, cut your pieces

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The build (cont)

• Many choices for cutting PVC

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The build (cont)

• Mark sizes of cuts
• Dry fit
• Index marks

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The build (cont)

• Once all of your materials are ready, start the
  glue-up by first cleaning the joints and prime
• Depending on how many tiers and how tall the
  final tree, you may have bottom sections that are
  half sections

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The build (cont)

• Prepare PVC and paint green
• Apply garland, lights and any ornamentation
• 4 spacing
• 8 zip ties

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Add wire

• To keep conical look of tree, add wire at 45º
  connectors
• Dont overtighten

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Or . . .

• Add thin wall PVC at 45º connectors and attach
  with zip ties

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Applying garland

• Use gauge for proper spacing
• Use zip-tie tool

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Installation

• Connect each section together with 11 zip ties
• Supplement with ¼ X 1 1/8 X 3 ½ U-bolt
• Guy wire

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Next generation

• Silver Dollar City in Branson

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Next generation (cont)

• Silver Dollar City Z-Tree
• (Click on the link above and you will be taken to
  your web browser where you have the choice of
  downloading the .avi file or saving it. Be aware
  that it is a big file, requiring significant
  download time.)

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Next generation (cont)

• Spiral tree
• (Click on the link above and you will be taken to
  your web browser where you have the choice of
  downloading the .avi file or saving it. Be aware
  that it is a big file, requiring significant
  download time.)

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Or . . .
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Z-Tree links

• http//forums.planetchristmas.com/showthread.php?t
  28285highlightz-tree
• http//forums.planetchristmas.com/showthread.php?t
  29560highlightz-tree
• http//forums.planetchristmas.com/showthread.php?t
  24260highlightz-tree
• http//forums.planetchristmas.com/showthread.php?t
  20534highlightz-tree
• http//www.christmasatthegoods.com/Christmas_Site/
  Home.html

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Questions?
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Z-Tree Construction

• Special thanks to
• Mike Ziemkowski
• www.lightsondisplay.com
• Chuck Hutchings
• www.lightsgonewild.com

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Tim Dorrwww.frontdorr.com
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