[TowerTalk] Steam Pipe for Masting

[K7LXC at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/13/2006 10:33:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
towertalk-request at contesting.com writes:

>  Howdy TTers .. I have available some 2?' sections of black  steam pipe, 
2.5" 
(OD? ID?)  --- Heavier than regular pipe ..  apparently bent at the ends, so 
'bout 17' good ..  Anybody know about  using such piping for masting?  I 
guess would be good for holding up  other pipes for dipole ends, but ... 
wondering if would work for yagi  stacks ???   Going to go have a peek 
tomorrow.  $25 each  seems reasonable..  


        Yes, the price  is reasonable but using it for antenna mast 
applications comes with  some warnings. Pipe is not rated for strength since it just 
carries liquids. I  think I saw that pipe yield strength is down somewhere 
around 30,000 psi - good  enough for a tribander close to the top of the tower or 
VHF/UHF arrays in  not so windy areas but not good for much else. Caveat emptor.
 
Cheers,
Steve     K7LXC
TOWER TECH