x-pole and exposed metal joist?

michaelaarghh started this discussion · 5/1/2012

I've done a search on the forums for this, but didn't really find anything to help my situation... The boy and I have just moved into a new place. I didn't see it before we moved in so was unable to check the ceilings (grr). They're vaulted, but there is a large metal beam running across the centre of the entire room. I'm wondering if I'll be able to install my x-pole x-pert directly on the beam? I think it may be wide enough (haven't had a chance to measure, but what is the minimum?). The boy mentioned putting a piece of plywood up for stability, but I'm concerned this will make the pole slip? I've uploaded these two pictures, where you can kind of see the beam: http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/michaelaarghh/20120411094517.jpghttp://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/michaelaarghh/20120411094514.jpg Advice? I'm really distressed at the potential of not being able to use my pole...

16 replies

Mary Ellyn · 5/2/2012
Exactly how many inches wide is the beam? Can you provide a close up picture of the bottom of it? It looks like it's not quite flat. Is the bottom of the beam level or does it tilt with the vaulted ceiling?
Mary Ellyn · 5/2/2012
BTW...gorgeous place!!!
michaelaarghh · 5/2/2012
I'll measure it tomorrow (not at home tonight) - both the width and with a spirit level. It does look flat though, it doesn't til with the ceiling at all. Do you by any chance know the minimum width I could use? I think it is wider than my pole definitely, but I'm still concerned obviously because I don't want it to slip out from me!!
Dancing Paws · 5/2/2012
Have you tried the joists in your ceiling? It looks like you'd have space if you offset the pole from the beam, on a regular joist...
Seven · 5/2/2012
At my last apt I had wooden beams that were about 6 to 8 inches wide. The X pole was fine, I just made sure that the pole part was centered and there was an equal amount of hang over so to speak.
michaelaarghh · 5/2/2012
The ceiling is slanted, sensualscimitar so if I'm going to put it up it will need to be on the beam. It definitely looks wide enough, but I'll measure it anyway when I get home. Thanks Sanbar, that's really helpful!
Dancing Paws · 5/2/2012
Can you drill into a joist? Cuz x pole sells vaulted cailing mounts. If you can drill, you can get one of the mounts and put in on the regular ceiling. It would make it easier to put up and take down too!
michaelaarghh · 5/2/2012
Yeah I know, I'm renting though so I'm trying to avoid that. If that's my only option then I'll consider it, but I sort of want to ascertain if it's safe to put it up on an exposed beam regardless.
michaelaarghh · 5/3/2012
Okay so the beam is flat and 8cm wide. Is this wide.enough?
Dancing Paws · 5/3/2012
Have you talked to x pole about it?
Mary Ellyn · 5/3/2012
I believe XPole recommends at least 10 inches or roughly 25cm. You should check with them though. However I would be concerned about placing the pole under anything narrower than the dome as the pressue from the edges of the beam "digging into" the rubber backing on the dome must create more wear and tear on the rubber. We built these a few years back for an event where we had to place the poles against beams and they work really well - but it would also depend on the height you are using them. At 9-10 feet they are really solid but at 11-12 feet, due to the increased flex in the higher pole, they are less stable, though still usuable. You can see the two wooden pieces that fit on either side of the beam to keep it from sliding sideways. http://empowermentthroughexoticdance.com/DomeBlock.JPG
Mary Ellyn · 5/3/2012
Not sure why the link isn't working but here is the direct url: http://empowermentthroughexoticdance.com/DomeBlock.JPG
X Pole Tech · 5/3/2012
X-Pole Xpert poles can be fitted under and exposed beam. The wider, of course, the beam is the better and 8cm is thin and will not be sufficient to hold the upper dome without an insert plate. So, as suggested by Empyrean, when fitting under a beam, which is not wide enough for the upper dome, you should always use an additional insert with side battens to stop the upper dome from sliding sideways accross the beam. It will not slip along the beam length as the upper dome is acting as it was designed to in that direction. X-Poles graphics department started to develop an advice sheet today with diagrams and dimensions on how to install/make a dome insert with side battens to assist with this query, hopefully it will be finished tomorrow. The sheet will detail an insert as per Empyrean's photos. If tallicachild will send her email address to mailto:[email protected] the advice sheet will be sent as soon as it is finished. Best Regards X-Pole Technical Team
Mary Ellyn · 5/3/2012
Cool! :)
michaelaarghh · 5/4/2012
Thanks for the responses guys! My mums boyfriend came and checked out my roof yesterday and there aren't even any joists in the ceiling!!!!! The ceiling is literally from the roof, which is why it slants and why that metal beam is there But we reckon I could get the xpole part for slant roofs and drill it into the beam? That would work for straight beams too right?
Dancing Paws · 5/4/2012
That would work. They even sell mounts for flat ceilings (which are a tad cheaper I believe.)