[TowerTalk] Solid PVC tube for vertical coil

[Jim Lux]

Eric Hilding wrote:
> I haven’t been able to find a 1 & 1/8 inch solid fiberglass rod, so am
> hoping one of the Mechanical Gurus here might be able to tell me if a 2 foot
> section of this 1 & 1/8 inch solid PVC might be rigid enough to use as an
> insert between the 1 & ¼ inch aluminum sections about ¾ of the way up on a
> 32 ft vertical (large wire air coil would go around it).  
> 
>  
> 
PVC is not exactly a great structural material. It softens and deforms 
at fairly low temperatures.

Why not buy a piece of Garolite from McMaster Carr...

Runs about $11-15/ft for the brown stuff, $23/ft for the G-10/FR4 stuff

Probably be on your doorstep a couple days after you order it.
http://www.mcmaster.com

Search for plastic rod, then answer the questions about diameter and 
material..

Acetal (Delrin) might also be a decent choice.. About $6/ft.  Machines 
nicely, quite strong.


You can also get pultruded/extruded fiberglass tubing, but I don't think 
1-1/8" is a standard size.

Garolite tubing is available in that size.. $24.21 for a 40" length..