I'd like to thank each of the DOZENS of guys who wrote back with helpful
answers regarding the 5/16" EHS cutting issue. I just haven't had the time
to respond personally to everyone, so please accept this lazy way of my
doing so.
What I ended up doing:
I had to get some stuff done today (Sunday), so no time to mail order any
tools. I went to the Home Depot, where for only $20 I bought an air
powered, handheld die grinder. I happen to already have 3" cutting wheels
and a 1/4" mandrel for such a thing. This tool develops 10K RPM at 90 PSI.
My portable air tank holds just enough to make one cut! For the places
where I can do so, I have several long air hoses, and run them back to shop
air in the garage.
I am going to buy the 4" electric grinder (Chicago Electric brand) from
Harbor Freight tomorrow. No local retail Harbor Freight outlets here, but
it's only $20 for what looks like a mini cut-off tool, versus $60 for a
Makita version (and $100 for a Milwaukee) at Home Depot. Nice, but I won't
use it that much.
I also decided to go all-Phillystran, as I invited Mr. Pythagoras to lunch
today. (Climbing the tower while dragging 110' of 5/16" EHS, by myself,
turned out to be less fun than I imagined. Not to mention trying to put on
a preform while up there.) Mr. Pythagoras told me I only need 100' more
Philly-6700 than the 500' I already have.
When does Texas Towers open on Monday ;-) ??
Regards surplus: I now have an extraordinary amount (several 100' plus
lengths, I should think) of guy cable - which I will give to any ham who
wants it for their own personal use. It was somewhat used on a
decomissioned cell-phone tower, and is in very good condition. Some 1/2",
lots of 5/16", and I think there's some smaller stuff too (but not as much).
Pick up only, can't ship, Chapel Hill NC, off I-40 about 25 mins. west of
Raleigh.
Again, thanks to all for the assist.
73 Steve KZ1X/4
--
FAQ on WWW: http://www.contesting.com/towertalkfaq.html
Submissions: towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests: towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
Search: http://www.contesting.com/km9p/search.htm
|