[TowerTalk] Digging the Hole

[Marlon K. Schafer]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick Karlquist" <richard at karlquist.com>
To: "bill rubin" <brubin2010 at gmail.com>
Cc: <towertalk at contesting.com>; "Bill Gaines AD8P" <ad8p at wcoil.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 5:31 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Digging the Hole


>> On Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 3:38 PM, Bill Gaines AD8P <ad8p at wcoil.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Some many months ago I either asked on this reflector or read on it
>>> about
>>> the particular piece of equipment some of you have used to dig a 3-1/2X
>>> 3-1/2X 7-1/2 deep hole for an LM-370 tower. I am at the point I can
>>> actually
>
> Probably a minority opinion here:
>
> I have dug by hand three holes that were only 3x3 feet across and 6 or 7
> ft deep.  I used a short handled spade, a small pick, a bucket,
> a small ladder, and a yardstick to measure 3 feet.  The last
> one was a virtually perfect 3x3x6; almost hated to pour concrete into
> it.  Exactly 2 yards did it.  BTW, this was dug through waterproof
> "cemented hard pan."  No rocks though.  The other 2 holes were dug through
> ordinary clay (watered first) but with rocks.
>
> Getting down to 7 1/2 feet may require a helper to pull the bucket
> up with a rope and help with the ladder.
>
> It can be done!
>
> If you want to use a machine, get a well digger truck with a 4 ft
> auger and make the holes a 4 ft circle.  They will be very accurate.

I'll second that.  We have an old Telephone company line truck with an auger 
on it.  It'll make very quick work of most holes and I can get down 7 or 8' 
very easily.

Might also want to call a larger electricial contractor.  They often have 
the ability to set poles.  That involves similar equipment without the 
expense of a well rig.
marlon

>
> Rick N6RK
>
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