But I cant weld aluminum and I would bet it is expensive.

wrote:
But I cant weld aluminum and I would bet it is expensive.

EMT will corrode very quickly out in the weather - particularly if it's
welded, aluminum will not. EMT is much heavier per foot than aluminum,
etc. Aluminum antennas are easily constructed by using hardware store
U-bolts and other standard fasteners, usually stainless steel and they
work fine. Yes aluminum is more expensive than EMT but it's worth it
for a number of reasons. I suggest you follow the examples of those who
have been building antennas from aluminum for decades.

w3rv

Where do you purchase the aluminum from?

Where do you purchase the aluminum form?

On 2004-12-21, wrote:
Where do you purchase the aluminum form?

Hardware mega mart -- home depot, lowes, ace, or your local hardware store.

Just about anything you might want for building antennas can be found in the
electrical, plumbing or assorted hardware aisles.


--
Alex / AB2RC
Linux is user friendly, however it is not idiot friendly

"AB2RC" wrote in message
...
On 2004-12-21, wrote:
Where do you purchase the aluminum form?

Hardware mega mart -- home depot, lowes, ace, or your local hardware
store.

Just about anything you might want for building antennas can be found in
the
electrical, plumbing or assorted hardware aisles.


--
Alex / AB2RC
Linux is user friendly, however it is not idiot friendly

The aluminum available at these stores off the shelf is not T6061. For the
new comers, Aluminum is specified by what other metals are mixed in with it
making it an alloy. T6061 alloy is what is used for anything that has to be
both strong and light, like antennas, airplanes, etc. The stuff sold in the
hardware megastores is too soft for anything except relatively small
antennas. I had some aluminum tubing nested together to about 18 ft tall,
and it got bent in a strong wind and eventually broke.

One other point, EMT is soft so don't think that just because it is made of
steel that it won't get bent. I also think it is more brittle than aluminum
(if someone wants to dispute this, go ahead---its just my conjecture) and
will be more likely to break in gusty winds.

Jim
N8EE

Where do you purchase the aluminum form?

You might try a non-ferrous scrap yard in your area .....I have seen really
nice stuff of there for little more than scrap prices. I used to be able to
walk about the yard and look about but the insurance industry and the
lawyers put an end to that in most cases. A lot of the large scrap yards
have been gobbled up by the big national and international conglomerates. I
remember seeing piles of Al tubing rounds, squares, angles et al. Try
hanging out at the local tavern near the yard ...it is amazing what a few
beers will get you ..... this is in all seriousness .....

Take care ...Merry Christmas all ..... Tom Popovic KI3R Belle Vernon Pa.

wrote in message
oups.com...
Where do you purchase the aluminum form?

I have ordered some from Texas Towers.

http://www.texastowers.com/

I think it is the .058 sizes that telescope into the next size up. Also I
think that for UPS shipping you will have to get it in the 6 foot lengths.