[TowerTalk] HBDX 48

[Nick Pair]

Thanks for ideas on getting this bugger down.
I thought about the welding idea first since I am a certified welder on stick and MIG/TIG welding and have several welders around here(although none gas powered). The problem there is two fold. I can only get a edge weld on the two lapped legs which are just thin sheet metal and second the weld will make the metal brittle around the weld and could fail with a tubby guy like me (>6 ft and 300lbs) thirty two feet above the weld carrying gin pole and tools. Still this might be the most doable if I can get my much lighter son to do the climbing(he is not nearly as brave at heights as I am).
I can't get a handle on the splint idea.The legs have two rather large bolts going through them at this height and the lower section has around a two inch taper offset just inches from the upper section overlap end.The closest I could get the angle iron on outside would take a 3/8 in shim and the inner over a inch to make contact with the legs. The unusual shape of the legs has presented many a problem to get around after the failure. If I can figure out how to get both bolts out on a leg at the same time and not have it come over on me I'll be able to easily splint it. The aluminum stop that keeps the leg from telescoping while you are erecting tower has sheared off when the bolt holes failed.
I would really like to save the top 32 ft to recycle into a home brew hytower type vertical.
The antenna on top is a six meter six element home brew on a 24 ft boom which has had a couple of elements fail due to vibration at the ubolt holes. Didn't put rope dampeners in them but learned a lesson and will do on next ones. I thought the vibration frequency would be to high to sustain at wind velocities we have here.(mother nature made a fool out of me again)
 
I may have to weld it together to allow me to get bolts out to apply splint. Think that would work guys?

Nick 
WB7PEK
Dreaming of what I will be able to do with the soon to be empty 15,000 Lb base in sunny SW WA


       
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