Whoa! I think it's time to look at what people are purchasing!
When you purchase from suppliers There are standard lengths ( usually
24') Different alloys, standard US sizes, and finishes, as well as
tolerances.
ALL of these can and generally do have a tremendous impact on prices
Typically: Standard US sizes are generally in fractional inch sizes as
in 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3 inches OD as is wall thickness as in 1/8th in,
3/16ths, etc. Decimal sizes and a polished finish add a lot to the
price. Mill finish is the cheapest, but has the lowest tolerances.
From my experience, Industrial suppliers "generally" deal in standard
sizes. The sizes "and finishes" we generally want are what DXE and I
believe, Texas Towers sells. They may be standard to us, but these are
non standard sizes and finishes as far as industrial suppliers go. To
get that mirror finish and decimal size with 0.001" tolerance takes
extra operations, time and money. They are also considered "SMALL" lots
which really runs the price up. "I assume" DXE and Texas Towers have to
purchase in what we would consider large lots. They have the overhead of
all that inventory that they not only have to store, but pay property
tax on. In the industry, those are considered small lots and possibly
custom sizes. In this market, if you want cheaper prices you purchase in
truck loads and I don't mean small stake rack trucks. The sizes and
finishes we usually purchase require special care in handling and
storage. It doesn't take much of a dent, or scratch to ruin that close
fitting tube with a mirror finish when building antennas. So, although
expensive, those prices are not out of line.
IF you get a good engineer on the line and tell him or her what you want
to do, he may be willing to offer help in selecting what you really need
rather than what you think you need. For instance, where strength is
involved we generally think of 6061T6 alloy in Aluminum or some of the
more exotic steel alloys. There are notably less expensive Al alloys
than 6061T6 that are close to it in strength, or even stronger. Ask,
don't just specify! Some suppliers will gladly take the time to help a
small customer and some will not.
It has been my experience (again I'm speaking of one individual's
experience) that suppliers away from the large industrial markets "may"
be more willing to help and have lower prices. OTOH if their market is
small they may not get the discounts that multi truck load purchaser
receive.
Speaking of trucks, they normally deliver to their customers with a
truck that would have a problem backing down our road and no way could
he make up my driveway to the shop, so they come out with a smaller flat
bed for smaller loads to a number of customers. Even in our area,
prices from some suppliers can be twice that of others. Some just do
not want to mess with small customers.
When I'm dealing with masts, I'm happy to be able to get a "mill finish"
in standard sizes which happens to be the lowest price. So what if it
gets a few scratches in shipping and handling? They can handle it
pretty much like steel except for throwing it onto concrete. I think
I have 8, 24' lengths of 1.5" and 2" with 1/8th and 1/4" wall left out
in the shop. It's quite handy to have, but those sizes are heavy and do
not telescope. 2" with 1/8th, 3/16ths, and 1/4" wall make great Gin
Poles. I welded some clamps on thin wall steel that just slides over
the tube. Quick and relatively cheap Gin Poles.
With Gin Poles, remember to always use a snatch block at, or near the
base of the tower so you don't put any side force on the Gin Pole.
-- 73
Roger (K8RI)
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