[TowerTalk] Galvanized Masts - Necessary?

[Jeffrey R Davis]

Hi TTians,

I'm facing a decision between two types of steel tubing for use as a mast.
My calculations indicate
that either would be sufficiently strong for my application, the issues
boil down to cost, availability, and maintainability.

Here's the matrix:

                    Choice 1          Choice 2
Strength (psi)        87,000           110,000
Galvanized               yes                no
Delivery           > 1 month         Immediate
Cost (delivered)        $439              $294


>From my point of view, Choice 2 is preferable except that it's not
galvanized. My questions:

1. Is rust protection necessary/desirable for high carbon steel?

2. If so, are there good, low maintenance alternatives to galvanizing that
   can be applied at home?

Thanks in advance,

Jeff - N0DY



--
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