>
> I have heard a lot of pros and cons about hydro-drilling. I believe that
> people who use one over the other will not notice what they have or don't
> have until they compare the two. If you hydro-drill, your ground will
> eventually pack back around the pipe. If you drop a solid rod,
> you will add
> a lot of elbow grease.
>
> If money is an issue, use the copper pipe and the water hose. If
> not, then
> plan on buying a short piece (about 24") of heavy-gauge steel pipe with
> threads and an end cap. The heavy pipe will make for a rod hammer that is
> easy to use. Just place the ground rod where you want it to go
> in with the
> pipe on top. Lift the pipe and let go. It will stay over the ground rod
> and the weight will drive the pole into the ground. If you are feeling
> really good, life the pipe and pull it down hard over the rod
> while holding
> onto the pipe. This could make the job go faster. Around here,
> the pipe is
> usually able to do the job. When the pipe gets close to the ground, use a
> sledge hammer.
>
For a real workout, put a T-fitting on the pipe end and plant it about
halfway down in a paint can filled with concrete.
That worked real well for me...until I found out about the 1-gallon of water
method of sinking a ground rod--drive the rod in a foot or so, pull it out,
pour in a bit of water, put the rod back in and work it down, keeping a bit
of water in the hole. My ground rods have gone in smoothly and without a
lot of noise and trouble. Of course, it helps to be on the Texas Coastal
Prairie where the ground is gumbo.
73,
dale, kg5u
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
|