Correct alloy tube to use for a pole.

[Scotty_Tradewind]

I'm wanting a 2nd pole to experiment with a rig.

I have ends, but would something like this do the trick .....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/70mm-2-3-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c54990ba8

or is there a specific alloy that is better for the job?

thanks
S.

 

[vyv_cox]

6063 is a good all-round aluminium alloy and the T6 temper gives it good strength. Looks like a good economic choice.

6082 seems to be the choice of many mast makers but I guess it would prove more expensive and maybe less available.

 

[LadyInBed]

My experimental adjustable whisker pole was made up from a TV aerial pole and a rotary washing line pole, one slotted into the other nicely.
I made it up about seven years ago, I should really get round to making a proper one!

 

[vyv_cox]

My experimental adjustable whisker pole was made up from a TV aerial pole and a rotary washing line pole, one slotted into the other nicely.
I made it up about seven years ago, I should really get round to making a proper one!

I suspect they were both 6063. Looking at the way my TV aerial oscillates in a good blow suggests it is quite high spec material. Not quite so sure about the washing line pole though

 

[Fantasie 19]

My experimental adjustable whisker pole was made up from a TV aerial pole and a rotary washing line pole, one slotted into the other nicely.
I made it up about seven years ago, I should really get round to making a proper one!

Hi - - excellent - and something I'd like to do - what did you use for end fittings?

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Hi - - excellent - and something I'd like to do - what did you use for end fittings?

I had one and found another on ebay.

My concern is would 16 swg be a thick enough wall thickness or would something like 12 or 10 swg be better?

 

[chrisbitz]

My one's been a godsend on a number of occasions, although I can confirm that coat hanger wire is not strong enough to be used at the sail end.

Not sure where to get a thicker stainless steel rod, but My next plan is to see if I can get a stainless steel 6" nail to bend and shape for the purpose, unless anyone else can suggest something?

 

[jerrytug]

I made my spreaders from aluminium tube from Dore metals in Sittingbourne,Kent. They have a vast warehouse full of all sorts of aluminium tube and extrusions, and they are very helpful.

 

[LadyInBed]

Hi - - excellent - and something I'd like to do - what did you use for end fittings?

Force 4 Allen Piston Triggered Spinnaker Pole End

http://www.force4.co.uk/11643/Allen...vgvriKI83T4f5U1_lZCjNMbn0DUTAzOG5gudkD2vD_BwE

 

[LadyInBed]

My concern is would 16 swg be a thick enough wall thickness or would something like 12 or 10 swg be better?

I don't know the thickness of my tv pole but it has done a job on the genoa of a 10mtr boat.

 

[Daydream believer]

My one's been a godsend on a number of occasions, although I can confirm that coat hanger wire is not strong enough to be used at the sail end.

Not sure where to get a thicker stainless steel rod, but My next plan is to see if I can get a stainless steel 6" nail to bend and shape for the purpose, unless anyone else can suggest something?

Stainless steel cavity tie
Should get a handful from a building site
fairly stiff & can be bent quite sharp angles

 

[chrisbitz]

Stainless steel cavity tie
Should get a handful from a building site
fairly stiff & can be bent quite sharp angles

Great idea. Thanks very much!

 

[Fantasie 19]

Force 4 Allen Piston Triggered Spinnaker Pole End

http://www.force4.co.uk/11643/Allen...vgvriKI83T4f5U1_lZCjNMbn0DUTAzOG5gudkD2vD_BwE

Perfect.. many thanks....