[TowerTalk] Mast Material

[Richard (Rick) Karlquist]

On 3/13/2016 11:18 AM, Steve Maki wrote:
> 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
>

Note that the outer diameter of fence tubing will always
be the same as the outer diameter of some standard water
pipe size.  E.G. Both "1 7/8 inch" fence tubing
and "1 1/2 inch" water pipe (any schedule) actually
have an outer diameter of 1.900 inch.  Either can be
shimmed with standard 2" OD aluminum irrigation pipe with
0.050 inch wall to fit standard 2.000" mast clamps
or bearings.

I don't know why they make fence tubing and pipes the
same size.  One theory is that you if you want to build
a fence on steroids, water pipe can be substituted for
fence tubing very easily.  (Attention:  Donald Trump :-)
Or maybe they make both of them on the same equipment.
(Obviously, I have spent way too much time loitering
in hardware stores.)

Rick N6RK