In a message dated 9/27/02 11:04:41 AM Pacific Daylight Time, sparks@apk.net
writes:
> I need to get a 16ft mast down the center of a tower which is
> already standing. I don't have a gin pole available, and it's not
feasible to
> remove enough braces to get it up from the bottom. I was thinking about
two
> 8ft sections of mast, which I could handle down the top or from the bottom
> without a problem. This is a non-rotating mast, the bottom will be
clamped on
> a rotator shelf with a GM MC-10 mast adapter. I would like to use 2" alum
> mast.
>
A 16' aluminum mast is not a big deal. Why not just lift it up and drop
it in the hole? Yes, it's semi-tricky. Yes, you need someone who can handle
it. Just stand on the ground and hold up the mast yourself and see how you
do. If there's not any wind, it should take you less than a minute to drop it
in.
> Do they make mast couplers that would enable me to splice two sections
> securely?
>
Splicing pieces of mast - ESPECIALLY aluminum - is problematic because of
the wind induced hole elongation that WILL take place. Splicing masts is not
usually successful in my experience.
Bite the bullet and hire a professional tower climber to drop it in for
you. It'll be better in the long run.
If the mast load is small, then just use some piece that'll go over the
OD or in the ID and bolt it up. Should work fine. YMMV.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH
|