Dear Jimmie (no call sign given):

Even towers as short, and as relatively simple as what you say you are
considering, involve safety of life issues! Very expensive computer
programs exist that will analyze a tower, however no professional trusts
them until comparing what the program exports with what is calculated using
a hand-calculator and fundamental concepts.

Textbooks on (mechanical) statics and strength-of-materials would be
appropriate places to start. Even a spread sheet can be used to develop
computational tools, though a real HP calculator can be a great aid. A good
mechanical engineering handbook (Mark's ?) might have the information, but
might be more difficult to read. Schaum's Outline series might be better
than some textbooks. Of course, you may have this sort of background
already.

If you stay below 70 feet and have trees/buildings all around, wind
loading calculations are relatively simple. (The standard (222G) on
calculating serious wind loads cost about $400.)

Give the group more of an idea of the "boundary conditions" for your
proposal. How wonderful to be able to contemplate having time for such a
project in retirement.

Regards, Mac N8TT
--
J. Mc Laughlin; Michigan U.S.A.
Home:
"JIMMIE" wrote in message
oups.com...
I am trying to find information on build your own tower. As retirement
nears I plan on having a lot more time for doing things like this and
will have a few acres I can devote to an antenna farm. I wouldnt mind
learning to design them from scratch but would prefer a computer
program if one is available. I know to some building your own tower
may not seem practical but my wife and I inherited a lot of the basic
materials when her father passed away. I am especialy interested in
building tubular foldover mast 50 to 70 ft tall. It seems like years
ago I came across a magazine article on this that also had associated
design software. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jimmie