[TowerTalk] Where is the best place to buy aluminum tubing?

[Robert Chudek - K0RC]

Jack,

In my "yout" I build a 6-element 15m yagi using a single section of 2" by 40 foot irrigation aluminum tubing I obtained at a local Agri-supplier. I used an top truss to help support the ends. I didn't have any side trusses. I probably got away with this configuration because a 15m element is relatively small and there were no "freak" wind storms while I had it up on my 104 foot tower. It worked real fine and lasted a long time. I ruled 15 meters in this area with that antenna in the early 1970's!

Yes, tower sections have been used for booms, especially the monster 80 meter yagi's. Google 80 meter yagi and I'm sure you will find some examples.

Your construction decisions will depend upon the band of interest and your location's wind and ice loading circumstances. One of the bibles for guidance is "Physical Design of Yagi Antennas" by David B. Leeson W6QHS (ISBN 0-87259-381-9). I bought my copy from the ARRL Bookstore years ago.

And I know both Texas Towers and the MFJ catalog have aluminum tubing for sale in a wide variety of sizes and thickness.

73 de Bob - KØRC in MN

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Message: 2
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2007 02:04:34 -0400
From: "JACK CAMPBELL" <videorov at verizon.net>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Where is the best place to buy aluminum tubing?
To: <towertalk at contesting.com>
Message-ID: <000601c7abee$62f92610$0401a8c0 at internet>
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Looking for some small 1"1/4 inside diameter to go on the bottom of some spreaders and some 3" to 4" boom stuff
for some long booms.
Wonder how long of a boom can be made from 3" aluminum tubing. Looking at a 60ft boom.
Wonder if anyone has played with small aluminum tower for a boom. Does anyone make stuff smaller then 20G.
I guess aluminum irragation aluminum pipe could work, anyone tried that before.
Looking for some input.

Jack
KZ4USA