PVC pipe

[tush]

Ok, I know that this has been discussed before, and that is fine and dandy. As this may be along the same lines.

I want to use PVC pipe (sched 40 solid) to build a mast. Yes I know that it is not recommended. At least the smaller diameters. The questions come from using larger sizes. Ex, Using a 4" 10 foot with a 4-3 coupling, then a 3in 10 foot section, 3-2 coupling and a 2" 10 foot section.

The intent is to have the pipes nested do that it has 12 inches of overlap and a bushing from one size to the next, shortening the entire structure from 30'6" to 28'. this mast would be used for GMRS, RTL1090, and a receive only for 155Mhz (local Police freq)

This mast has the ability to be guyed if need be.

Thoughts?

 

[chief21]

I want to use PVC pipe (sched 40 solid) to build a mast. Yes I know that it is not recommended. At least the smaller diameters. The questions come from using larger sizes. Ex, Using a 4" 10 foot with a 4-3 coupling, then a 3in 10 foot section, 3-2 coupling and a 2" 10 foot section.

Thoughts?

Speaking for myself, I've never had much luck in using PVC pipe as an antenna mast. I find that the PVC tends to bend much too easily, a factor which increases substantially with longer lengths that also have to support an antenna on top.
Ever since purpose-built TV masts became much harder to find, I have been using chain link fence top rail sections instead. These steel, mast-like sections are usually slightly longer and more substantial than TV masts, and the ends are swaged to fit together. They can be guyed, if necessary, with appropriate hardware... and the price is reasonable.
Best of luck with your antenna project.

 

[crippledchicken]

The sun light will take a toll on pvc pipe.

 

[prcguy]

Ok, I know that this has been discussed before, and that is fine and dandy. As this may be along the same lines.

I want to use PVC pipe (sched 40 solid) to build a mast. Yes I know that it is not recommended. At least the smaller diameters. The questions come from using larger sizes. Ex, Using a 4" 10 foot with a 4-3 coupling, then a 3in 10 foot section, 3-2 coupling and a 2" 10 foot section.

The intent is to have the pipes nested do that it has 12 inches of overlap and a bushing from one size to the next, shortening the entire structure from 30'6" to 28'. this mast would be used for GMRS, RTL1090, and a receive only for 155Mhz (local Police freq)

This mast has the ability to be guyed if need be.

Thoughts?

I agree that PVC is to be avoided but the sizes you are considering should be reasonably strong in moderate lengths like maybe 6ft. However 28ft unguyed will bend all over the place even in large diameters.

I had a post about a 2 section push up mast using Home Depot EMT and fence top rail that mate perfectly. If there is a larger dia section available that would make it a 30ft I would highly recommend that.

 

[tush]

Thank you for the replies, I was given some well pipe, (1") and I will use that. Thank you.

 

[ctiller]

I've had a PVC mast (10 foot section) up for at least 10 years and it hasn't had any issues. I did spray paint it to maybe keep some of the UV from affecting it

 

[dlwtrunked]

The sun light will take a toll on pvc pipe.

There is furniture grade PVC pipe that not only looks a lot better and stronger but is UV protected. I have successfully used it.

Furniture Grade PVC Pipe - Structural Grade | FORMUFIT - Buy Online

FORMUFIT Furniture Grade PVC Pipe is the most attractive, durable, and long-lasting pipe that you can buy. Furniture Grade Pipe is ideal when the looks of your project are essential, and the stability of your project is critical. FORMUFIT pipe is ultraviolet (UV), corrosion-resistant...

formufit.com

 

[bearcatrp]

Been using a pvc mast for past 5 years with no issues. I bought a surveyor’s tripod with large bricks on each leg. Push the pipe in the ground a few inches. I’ll try to take a picture tomorrow and post it. It’s a telescopic pole with 3 sections that close into one when I take it down. its up about 30 feet with my discone on it.