Is there a way I can make one of these stands? The one in the picture? I think it will be less expensive this way.

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1741436.html

yes...

see this site:
http://www.flexpvc.com/cart/agora.cgi?product=PVC-Elbows-11-degree

note the 11degree elbows. (these also come in 22 and 45 degrees)

BUT -- inexpensive? NOT.

you'd need two of these -- one at the top of the bottom tier to make the first turn and another at the top of the second tier for the second turn.

straight sections would run between turns to bottom of next cake.

straight sections would also run inside bottom and middle tiers.

would need 4 flanges as well:
http://www.flexpvc.com/cart/agora.cgi?product=PVC-Flanges-VanStone

on top of board under bottom tier.

bottom and top of board for middle tier

bottom of board for top tier

----

now that Bronwen Webber has made such a stand commercially available, I doubt I'd make my own.

http://www.caljavaonline.com/cakestudy1-bround-lg.htm

her's is ready to go and uses fewer parts (and a different method -- straight pvc tube has been bent to the desired angle. Bending PVC can be done at home, but has various hazards, including possible toxic fumes, associated with doing it)

Hey, Doug, great resource. Have you run across a place that sells the same types of components(plates and rods and connectors) in plexiglass or Lucite or melamine? Thanks.
Hmmm. What is used for plates on the PVC stand?
Thanks.

Thanks!

Wow! Clear PVC looks fun--and it comes in sheets, but it's expensive!
http://www.clearpvcpipe.com/clearpvcsheet.aspx

Doug,
What could you use for the plates, if not wood? What kind of plastic? I thought melamine would be good for the plates, but I can't find it anywhere.
Thanks.

melamine is use for dinnerware and in very thin sheets as a counter topping.

as a counter topping it needs a substrate -- usually plywood or mdf.

for plates like these thin mdf, plywood or even masonite would work.

as for plastic -- any food safe plastic that is at least 1/4 inch thick and inflexible at small sizes (lexan, lucite, plexiglass, etc.) can be used. Just have to have the proper tools, glues and techniques for working with it.

Thanks again! I 'm sorry--I didn't mean to turn you into my personal shopper. Thanks for being so gracious. (I DO love hardware stores.)