Load for Schedule 80 PVC

If you want to stick a 4" long, 2" diameter pipe into a table leg so that the 2" diameter is supporting the weight (touching the floor), go ahead.

As noted (9,600 PSI) above you're putting a max of 400 pounds total on each piece of pipe.

In my head I'd say you're good for twice that much weight, easily.

Lateral loading might be a concern if someone pushes on one end of the table.

Are you putting the pipe into a metal socket fitting?

I have a PVC flange and will have a 2" "tunnel" inside the wooden leg behind the flange to hold it steady. I will have another flange, screwed to the floor.

Thank you both for the info.

Remember PVC pipe weakens with heat , the hotter it gets the weaker it is...I'm sure you're aware of this but just a heads up in case you're close to the engine room or sumptin'...
http://www.harvel.com/piping-systems/gf-harvel-pvc-industrial-pipe/schedule-40-80/temperature-derating

Either. My concern would be any lateral movement or vibration, which is far more likely to cause cracking problems than your deadload.

PVC is prone to cracking, use something else. Even cut off wood 4x4 ( 4 cubes of that would support many tons) would be more reliable. If the wood will be getting soaked ( you maybe could use pressure treated if it will be getting wet) and might be a problem.

A sudden shift in weight, cold, or just time ( it embrittles over time) will cause it to fail suddenly. Get some HDPE, polycarbonate, or other impact resistant plastic solid round, if you are set on plastic, it cuts easily on a table saw or band saw.

Maybe, maybe not.

I've got 30 year old PVC pool plumbing, exposed to the Arizona sun every, day that is still serviceable.

Water runs through it every day.

I'm not saying there may not be a better material choice, just that I see nothing wrong with PVC.

I don't imagine that there is much pressure on it, and you might just be lucky. I have been making all kinds of mechanical things out of plastic materials for over 30 years, and pvc will crack under load. We had a 2" pvc pipe that we were using as an air reservoir (not recommended, before we knew what were were doing) and it ruptured at only 100 psi, well below it's rated pressure! Nobody hurt, but it damaged equipment and scared the crap out of the operator. Try giving your pipe a sharp whack with the handle end of a screw driver, on a cool day it just might smash on you. With about 6 square inches of load area, the table will probably be fine, but wood is cheaper, absorbs impact, and vibration, and is not affected by oils( we thought that trace oil in the shop air may have caused the reservoir failure by the way), solvents, or anything else. get a piece of oak if you can It's always better to be lucky than smart. You can do an unsafe thing a thousand times but it only takes once to get you. A 1200 lb table with one broken leg sounds like a dumb problem to make for yourself.

I'll defer to your 30 years of experience with plastic materials, but I'll just say we're talking about compression here, not tension.

Your PVC more than likely has added UV inhibitors, as do most for outdoor application.

You could use one of these;

Sorry pic won't show. Google PVC end cap image.

glued onto a piece of PVC pipe and fit the pipe OVER the leg and seal around the top with silicon. This way the leg takes the weight and the PVC is just protecting the end.

What kind of table are using? Depending on material and construction more than just compression loading may be present.

Also, you mention PVC flanges. I would forgo using any chemical bonding, and just use the flanges as locators. Most flanges have a lip to keep the pipe from being inserted too far, so be sure to remove those.

One more thing just so I'm understanding correctly. Are you using 2 flanges, 2 pieces of pipe, and a wooden leg powecorner? As in load path goes through pipe-wood leg-pipe-floor? This may change the glue recommendation.

When dealing with rough water applications,I always go for overkill.

I would go for 4 inch or more,similar to what the utility companies use for

underground water/sewer lines.

If you know of an ongoing project in your area,they will probably give you enough

scrap pieces to do the job.

Depending on how many you need,it could be worthwhile to order a higher

schedule,like Sch 120,which has a thicker wall(.250") for 2"

or (.437") thickness for 4"

I would install flanges at both ends to distribute the load evenly,and make certain

that the ends are cut squarely to bottom in the flanges.

Increase the number of legs to increase the strength.

Half the span (43") will give 4 times the load capability of the table top.

Is the bottom to be bolted to the deck,or moveable?

If bolted to the deck,use stainless elevator bolts to distribute the load on the bolt

holes.

https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-Details.aspx?product=14886

Clearance the holes to prevent excessive strain from the square shoulders on the

bolts.

Can you afford to cut corners on a piece of hardware that could fail in the middle of

an operation?

More details,perhaps a photo, could provide better advice.

Good luck!

I am rethinking this and the thought of lateral movement did not enter my mind. there is no way for me to make sure it will not shift or wiggle.

I located some 6x6 Cypress beam. I am taking out the original 4x4 legs and substituting the 6x6. Although it may absorb some oil and such, it will be much sturdier and safer.

The PVC was a quick fix, but in the long run, that cypress will be there whether it absorbs oils or not. Everything is a compromise.

Thank everyone.

You could wrap/cap the ends in metal. Aluminum , copper, steel or stainless steel. Also you could take an old car tire cut the tread section into squares to attach to bottom either wood or metal. That would keep it from moving as much, keep the wood off the floor to help with oil/water issues.

2" OD pvc pipe is actually 1 1/2" pipe at 1.9.

If salt is the corrosive you could use Stainless steel or brass.

I beleive you can get these in both. load depending on the stem bolt size.

It would rather depend upon temperature and the effect of ultraviolet light exposure over time.