On Sun, 11 Apr 2010 10:32:50 -0700, Richard Clark
wrote:

K&E, then later a 5" circular Pickett for use at the bench.
Richard Clark, KB7QHC

Agreed. K&E was the best. Part of my collection:
http://802.11junk.com/jeffl/pics/slide-rule/slides/slide-rule.html
The yellow slide rule is an aluminum Pickett and Echel "Synchro
Scale". The lower K&E is mahogany laminate.

I never really liked the bamboo or mahogany slide rules. I don't
recall the problem, but when I eventually tried an all plastic K&E, I
declared it the winner. I also couldn't get use to the circular
variety, mostly because it didn't fit in my pocket.

http://www.sliderule.ca

I've never built a quad antenna, but my uninformed and never humble
opinion is that fiberglass rod or tubing looks like the best:
http://www.mgs4u.com/fiberglass-cubical-quad-spreaders.htm
http://www.mgs4u.com/fiberglass-tube-rod.htm
However, if the bamboo is free, then it's a very suitable 2nd best.

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558