[TowerTalk] Mast Material

[Steve Maki]

A good alternative to schedule 40 pipe is the tubing used nowadays for 
fence top rails, known as SS40. It's lighter (thinner wall) but stronger 
and actually less expensive than galvanized sch. 40 pipe if purchased 
from the right place.

We routinely use it on cell sites for antenna masts in place of sch. 40.

Here are the specs:

http://www.hooverfence.com/catalog/chart.htm

-Steve K8LX

On 3/12/2016 7:41 PM, Timothy A. Holmes wrote:
> HI Folks:
>
> I have been blessed with 30 feet of tower given to me by a friend.  its
> in good shape consisting of 2 regular sections and a top section.  I
> also have a very solid base in place that will support it and it will be
> tied to the house at 12 feet up.
>
> My question now is the mast to go in it.  I have looked at the very
> heavy duty mast such as marketed by DXE and others.  Fantastic stuff,
> but quite expensive.  I am wondering about an alternative material. Such
> as thick wall electrical conduit (AKA EMP).  What I would like to do is
> make a LONG mast so that the rotor is at a height that is accessible at
> the ground, and run it up through the tower and out the top with about
> 10 - 15 feet showing out the top.
>
> It will be carrying a 3 element tribander, 3 element 6m beam, a 9
> element 2m beam and something yet to be determined on 440. (Probably not
> real huge)
>
> I need your thoughts and input, obviously I dont want it to fail and
> damage anything
>
> Thanks a bunch
> TIM
> W8TAH