[TowerTalk] split tubing in base leg

[k0dan]

Mine is a Tri-Ex self supporting motorized structure. The legs are hollow
tubing (self draining) except when they fill up with dead insects, dust and
other crud. The factory provides weep holes at the bottom each section but
they have become plugged with insects, dust, crud.

My solution was to drill a few new holes near the bottom of each leg (above
the factory weep holes) so I can blow air/water into the bottoms of the legs
to blast out accumulated debris, then permit more natural drainage.

As to the cracks which resulted from freezing water, repairs have been made
both by welding (where possible) and otherwise by slopping JB-Weld into the
cracks and applying rust conversion paint, then repainting.

These occasional cracks are below any of the overlap areas between the
tiltover base and the four telescoping sections. This solution may not work
for stacked (versus telescoping towers) but so far so good.

73

Dan
K0DAN

----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Sundberg" <sm2cew at telia.com>
To: "K8RI on Tower talk" <k8ri-tower at charter.net>
Cc: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2005 2:15 AM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] split tubing in base leg


> At 06:31 2005-07-30 , K8RI wrote:
> >
> >In aircraft we "stop drill" by drilling a small hole at each end of the
> >crack, but welding is not an option there. However we do the same with
> >plexaglass windows.  When drilling plexiglass though you have to polish
the
> >inside of the hole as even the scratches on the inside of the hole are
> >enough to start cracks propogating.
> >
> >
> >The base probably gets far more torsional force than tilting.
> ><snip>
> >Roger Halstead (K8RI and ARRL 40 year Life Member)
> >N833R - World's oldest Debonair CD-2
> >www.rogerhalstead.com
>
>
> Hi Roger!
>
> Thanks for the info on stop drilling, sounds rather clever.
>
> With 3 guy levels I doubt there is much torsional force on the base, most
> of it is absorbed by the guy-wires before it reaches to bottom plate.
>
> 73/Peter SM2CEW
> http://web.telia.com/~u92010241/index.html
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
>
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Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
>
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