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Re: [TowerTalk] Cutting 2" Heavy Wall Cr-Mo Mast Up on Tower

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Cutting 2" Heavy Wall Cr-Mo Mast Up on Tower
From: Patrick Greenlee <patrick_g@windstream.net>
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 16:02:47 -0500
List-post: <towertalk@contesting.com">mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Be careful with long/multiple extension cords. Brush type motors such as in angle grinders, recip saws, skill saws and similar are subject to overheating damage if the supply line(s) are too lossy.

I have cordless recips, grinders, and skill saws as well as corded. Cordless are often useful but... Heavy wall CrMo is a chalenge for them. Be prepared to go through a few batteries or recharge cycles. O-A cutting torch with a small set of bottles (like refrigeration guys use) would be my choice if really heavy duty extension cord or a portable generator were not available. It would be possible to hoist a plasma cutter up to the job but the O-A outfit is so much handier.

If you can get "NICE" extension cords or a portable generator to keep extension cord length down then a 7 inch angle grinder would be my first choice. A Milwaukee 7 inch angle grinder is a handful but mine does more work per minute than 3-4 of the 4 1/2 inch angle grinders. With the 7 inch you will get longer service between changing out cutting wheels and get the job done much faster. A hand held electric band saw type hacksaw is an option but you need to select proper blades.

Good luck to you.  Be safe!

Patrick  NJ5G

On 7/26/2014 12:47 PM, Victor Walz wrote:
I have a 22 ft (2" OD) heavy duty Cr-Mo mast presently installed up on a 100
ft Rohn 45 tower.  It weighs 200+ pounds. I previously had a 4 el 20 meter
yagi stacked 12 ft.  above a 40 meter F12  yagi.  I just finished removing
both antennas for repairs and have decided not to reinstall the stack due to
the complexity of the installation.    I will be re-installing the 40 meter
yagi and some VHF antennas on this tower.  Consequently, I would like to
shorten the 22 ft mast by 10 ft.

I am looking for advice on the most efficient way to cut this very thick
high strength mast in place.  I would prefer to use battery-operated tools
such as a reciprocating saw(metal blade?) or a grinding tool (cutting
wheel?).  I can run 120 VAC (about 200 ft extension cord) up the tower if
needed.

What would be the optimum method for cutting this mast without excessive
tower time?  Thanks in advance for any responses.

Vic,  N2PP

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