Portable Plexiglass Sneeze Guard Using PVC

6/10/2020

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A few weeks ago, I spotted a piece of plexiglass on the curb at a neighbor's house which was destined for trash pickup. I went back the next day to grab it off the curb. I didn't know what we would use it for, but knew a piece of plexiglass that large could come in handy for a project.

Shortly after I tossed it into the back of my car to take home, Steph came up with a use for it--a really good use!

As you may know, Steph has a podcast (totally unrelated to our blog). She and her blog co-host have been remotely recording during the pandemic. But recently they had a guest call in from Oklahoma and realized that the two of them needed to be in the same room to record this episode.

Can you see where this is going? Steph designed a portable plexiglass screen that could be used between them to help stop the spread of germs. She designed two different configurations. Pretty cool!

This is perfect for her needs, but could also be used this coming fall for someone wanting to sell at a crafts fair or show. There are lots of possibilities for its use.

Materials:

Plexiglass
3/4 inch PVC Pipe
(2) 3/4 inch elbow
(2) 3/4 inch
(2) 3/4 inch tee
(4) 3/4 inch caps

Cut List:

Plexiglass- 24x30.5 inch
PVC
- Top 30.5 inch
- (2) Sides 28 inch
- (4) Legs 3 inch

How to make a PVC sneeze guard for personal use.

PVC pipe and fittings make this easy to assemble and take apart for storage or transportation.

Using a Makita track saw track to aid in making a nice straight cut in the plexiglass for the plastic germ shield.

Steph needed to first cut some of the length off the PVC. If you buy a piece of plexiglass to make a sneeze guard, be sure to leave the protective plastic on it until you've made any cuts to the plastic. Here Steph laid down a straight edge so she could make a nice straight cut.

Steph is using a Dremel Saw-Max with a blade designed to cut plastic to easily and cleanly cut the plexiglass.

Measuring the plexiglass to determine the length of the PVC she is going to use.

Cutting the PVC for the germ shield with a Husky ratcheting PVC cutter.

The frame is connected with PVC elbows. Steph is using a Husky ratcheting PVC cutter to cut the "feet" that will go into those two tee connectors. Smaller diameter PVC is easy to cut with this tool.

These bits by Bosch have been our go-to bits for a few years now for drilling into PVC.

Cutting PVC requires drill bits specifically for plastic. These bits by Bosch have been our go-to bits for a few years now.

Making the hanging holes in the plexiglass germ shield.

Steph drilled three evenly spaced holes across the top. The plexiglass will actually hang from the top rung of the PVC frame to create our sneeze shield.

Some inexpensive zip ties are used to hold the plexiglass in place.

The social distance barrier can be used on the table or with a longer leg to place between two people side by side.

In place in the studio ready for in-person recording!

There is space under the sneeze guard to pass through microphone cords.

The plexiglas hangs about 4" from the bottom to accommodate the cords needed to connect to the sound board.

Nothing fancy here--just some PVC parts, zip ties, and a "found" piece of plexiglass.

Discovering our Scars podcast hosts, Steph and Beth, trying out the new sneeze guard.

Steph and Beth reunited and ready to record their podcast safely in person again!

If you would like to check out Steph and Beth's podcast, use the links above or visit the website www.dospod.us.

Please note: This is not a sponsored post.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don't claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!

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