Types of Weapons
Click a weapon for pipe lengths etc
Short Sword    Long Sword    Great Sword    Quarterstaff
   
 
ShortSword:  about 24 inches of 1/2 inch pipe makes an average shortsword, but use your own judgement
LongSword:  use 1/2 inch pipe not longer than 38 inches, but shorter is ok
GreatSword:  3/4 inch pipe for this one, as long as you want. Personally I like about 5 feet.
QuarterStaff:  3/4 inch pipe here too.  Once again use your judgement on length.  6 feet makes a nice staff.  A staff of course has no handle or crosspiece, so make the necessary adjustments to the instructions on this page.