[TowerTalk] galvanizing caution

[Stephen L. Sala K7AWB]

I had a 24 foot steel mast that I bought over 30 years ago for the "big project" someday.  I had lost any certs with it and it had rusted on the surfaces being in the barn for that period of time.  It was 2 inch OD and 3/16" wall thickness so I figure I would use it to put a 7 element, 6- meter M2 antenna above a 6-element Force 12 20 meter beam on Rohn 45.  I decided to get it galvanized.  The company asked me for permission to drill two holes in the ends so they could suspend the item in a tank.  I said alright as I figure they knew best how to handle the shape.  When I got it home, the finish was pretty, but the mast was warped slightly.  I suspect that when they suspended it on the ends into the tank, the heat changed the temper and curved it slightly in the center.  No longer will it roll easily on the barn floor since it is not straight anymore.  I decided not to pursue the matter of having it 180 degree opposite re-suspended and re-galvanized due to the cost and having no way to expect good results.  Instead, I keep it around for a horizontal support someday for some future project.  hihi   

Stephen L. Sala
K7AWB
Nine Mile Falls, WA
DN17es