[NLRS] [] Rebar contractor

[scsueepe at mtcnet.net]

Paul, 

I have some experience there... I have put up an HDX-555, two HDX-589MDPLs, an MA-40 and MA-85.  I dug all the holes myself with a mini-excavator to get a nice square hole.  The depth of the 589MDPL was the limit of the mini excavator for sure...(9' deep x 5.5' x 5.5')

As for the rebar cage.  The first two, the HDX-555 and MA-40 I wire tied the rebar cage. Bought and bent the rebar myself, pain in the butt.  Also, the cages tend to fall apart when putting them in the hole.  It was a struggle.

When I got to my new place and put up the 589s and MA-85, the holes were lots bigger, deeper and the rebar cages were pretty large, huge in fact and would be way heavy.  No way could u wire tie these.  

I searched hi and low for all the data related to spot welding, and how it weakens the poor quality metal of the rebar.  Lots of opinions on both sides of the equation.  There is a different quality rebar you can weld, A706 weldable.

I however looked at it from a longevity standpoint and ability to actually build.  Made the decision and moved forward.  I redrew the rebar cage specs/plans in CAD so they were more detailed so I could give the plans to my local welding shop.  I told them the welds were to be just so the metal stays together and that it supports its own weight for chain hanging from an excavator bucket (used to lower it in the hole.)

After I saw the first one done and actually put it in the hole, I never looked back.

Find your local welding shop and become his friend, give him all sorts of neat and interesting projects, and he will be happy to help.  At least that’s how I did it.

Cost was about 400 bucks for one the big cages.  He even delivered it to my house....

I have all sorts of construction pictures of all aspects of the tower construction and install.   Life is too short to spend days putting them on the internet, so if you are interested in seeing them....

73 and GL

Mike - KM0T
EN13vb



-----Original Message-----
From: nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net <nlrs-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Paul Beckmann
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2020 10:27 AM
To: NLRS at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [] [NLRS] Rebar contractor

As some of you are aware, I'm working through the process of planting a
TX-472 US Tower 72' crank up down here in Lake Township near Lake City. The foundation plan for this free-standing tower requires a 5'x5'x7' excavation which I plan on doing myself with my tractor's backhoe. The rebar cage for it is fairly extensive requiring 8 straight bundles of #6 and 20 square/diamond elements in #3 rebar. The assembled cage is 7'-3" high by 4'
on a side.

I feel confident I can assemble the cage and lower it into the hole with the backhoe. The site is easily accessible - just off the driveway - so filling the hole with concrete shouldn't be too complicated. Order up the correct amount of the correct strength and have the truck back up to the hole and extend the chute.

Here's the question: I can probably order, cut, and bend the rebar myself but I'd like to have it done if it's not too much more expensive. Anyone have experience having rebar cut and bent to spec? Anyone know someone in SE MN that would do it? What term should I search for in the "Yellow Pages"
to find someone on my own to do the work?

Any other comments would be appreciated as well. This is my first tower and I've jumped into the deep end. It's an invigorating journey in many ways but, regarding the foundation especially, making an error has a big down side (especially since the site is close to the garage and house).

73
--Paul, wa0rse
* Paul Beckmann*
*Vista Meadows Homestead*
*30125 719th Street*
*Lake Township, MN 55041*
*wa0rse at gmail.com <wa0rse at gmail.com>*
*612-414-0302 (cell, leave msg)*