[TowerTalk] Low Cost 20 Foot Mast

[David Gilbert]

PVC is a really, really bad idea.  PVC can "cold flow" over time and 
there is very little chance it will hold much weight very long no matter 
what you do to support it.

I agree with Jim Lux ... 4 inch irrigation tubing is lightweight and 
pretty strong, and Rain-for-Rent is a national chain that often has used 
stuff for sale.   The biggest issue would be how to securely mount your 
rotators to it since the wall is pretty thin.

Best bet, though, is probably a couple of narrow tower sections ... like 
six inch or eight inch cross section.  Ask around and I'd bet somebody 
has some they'd be willing to part with.  Or even look for somebody who 
had a similar tower for a TV antenna but no longer uses it.

73,
Dave  AB7E



On 10/24/2020 1:06 PM, Tony wrote:
> All:
>
> I'm looking for a low-cost 20 foot mast that can handle a modest 2 
> meter EME setup. The mast will be cemented in place and attached to 
> the side of a 9 foot tall shed for support. I can't anchor guy wires 
> to the ground, but I can run a couple to the shed.
>
> The challenge is home brewing something that can handle the weight of 
> the azimuth and elevation rotors mounted at the top so the mast.
>
> I thought of threaded galvanized pipe sections, but they are a bit 
> pricey. Also thought of 2 inch schedule 40 PVC with some kind of 
> internal support to make it more rigid.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Tony
>
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