[TowerTalk] Gin pole

Thu Dec 17 15:52:36 PST 2009

:::: I will be using the single clamp type gin pole fixture sold by the guy 
on ebay all the time for $140. I used this type for many years and find that 
the dual clamp arrangement, while likely to be stronger, was not needed and 
only added to the complexity of moving the whole system as I add sections to 
the tower. I also used only 12' of pole, but more would be nice.

I'll check out the place in Utah, but shipping stuff 12' long is real 
expensive. This is why w9iix breaks it down to two six footers, but then he 
goes and charges the high shipping cost anyway....go figure.

As to using the steel fence pipe, no way. First the weight is very difficult 
to handle and stresses the tower legs too much, plus the fixture demands 2" 
OD, so that's out.

As I said b4, I used 12' of 2"OD .125 wall 6061 for years on many towers and 
had no problems.
So where's the one I used to have?
In my haste in moving from NJ it somehow got "lost" with a friend who 
can't/won't even look for it. I guess it's hard to find.

Funny thing is, here in my area in TN, the crane guy only wants $250 to 
"hang" my little 80' Rohn 25, but when he asked me "how do I unhook it once 
it's up" I decided he may not be the real deal :-)

BILL K2OWR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roger (K8RI)" <K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net>
To: "Tek Supp" <teksaport at hotmail.com>
Cc: <k2owr at comcast.net>; <towertalk at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2009 18:11
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Gin pole

>
>
> Tek Supp wrote:
>> I bought my pullies (bottom and top) and the clamps from this guy and 
>> although they are home made, they work fine so far - I've used them about 
>> 5 times and I'm pleased, but I reserve to the right to complain in the 
>> future   ;-).  But for the tubing I went to a local shop called 
>> "Affiliated Metals" (801) 363-1711.  A 20' 6061 T6 (2" OD x .125W 1.750 
>> ID x 240") with tax was 48.08 this summer.  It's in SLC, UT and I have no 
>> idea about shipping.  But perhaps you can call them and find out.  I then 
>> cut it down to 14' so I could have enough spacing/supported area for the 
>> tower clamps to the gin pole, but I didn't feel I needed the full 20'.  I 
>> can't say that this helped you, but it's at least another avenue to 
>> pursue.
>>
>>
> I use 20' of 1 1/2" galvanized steel fence tubing.  with a  16" swivel arm 
> at the top so it can lower masting or tower sections in line with the 
> tower.  It lifts 45G sections with no noticeable flexing. OTOH if there is 
> some side force it will spring without bending.  I've lifted well over 
> 150# with it with very little deflection. I use a pulley on top, the 
> lifting pulley is floating on the rope, and the end of the rope ties off 
> at the end of the offset arm making heavy lifts relatively easy.
>
> The only drawback of an all steel gin pole? The thing is "heavy"!.
> I understand the quality of this material may vary.  The place where I get 
> it (only about a 4 mile drive) has  always had suitable material.
>
> 73
>
> Roger (K8RI)
>> Also suggested by w9iix, I also decide to buy a 20' of 1/4 wall for 
>> heavier pulls.  I haven't used it yet, but it was a lot more (and I can't 
>> find my invoice right now for the pricing).  The .125 (1/8") wall can 
>> flex, so be aware of that if you are lifting anything heavy.  I was 
>> dismantling a 25G top section with rotor and mast and it flexed/bent 
>> toward the load a good foot.  But I can state that the 20' 1/4" wall is 
>> quite a bit heavier and you don't want to be playing around with it up on 
>> the tower much.
>>
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> John
>>
>> K7ALA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> From: k2owr at comcast.net
>>> To: towertalk at contesting.com
>>> Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:34:03 -0500
>>> Subject: [TowerTalk] Gin pole
>>>
>>> :::: Anyone know where I can get a suitable 2" OD .125 wall 6061 piece 
>>> of aluminum tubing, 12' long to use for a gin pole?
>>> It needs to be within 100 miles of Knoxville TN so I can pick it up. I'm 
>>> aware that w9iix.com sells one in two pieces so it can be shipped, but 
>>> then he asks a ridiculous $200 for it, plus shipping.
>>> I already know this can be had at various tubing supply places for about 
>>> $65, but they want $125 to ship it anywhere.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions appreciated.
>>>
>>> BILL K2OWR
>>> _______________________________________________
>>>
>>>
>>>
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