[SADXA] tubing

[W7EXG (Bill)]

Hi Larry,

Most run-of-the-mill suppliers, like Industrial Metals Supply in Tucson,
typically provide poor aluminum tubing choices, in terms of sizes and wall
thickness. I would be surprised if they have 7/16" OD, since it is not on
their menu. However, it may be worth a call to ask.  

Perhaps, arguably, I believe the best supplier of Aluminum Tubing in the
U.S., especially in terms of choices, is:

Alcobra Metals, Inc.
4510 N Freya, Spokane, WA 99217
(509)482-4435 Fax(509)482-4512

Their Web:  https://alcobrametals.com/

Here is what they provide for 7/16" Aluminum 6061-T6 Tubing.

I assume you are looking for 6061 T6 which is quite typical for high quality
antennas, as opposed to other lower quality aluminum tubing flavors, such as
sold by DX Engineering for example. 

7/16" 6061-T6

OD(in/Wall(in)/ID(in)/ Type / W(#)/Ft 
0.44  0.04    0.37    6061-T6  0.0521 
0.44  0.05    0.34    6061-T6  0.0704 
0.44  0.07    0.31    6061-T6  0.0896 
0.44  0.12    0.2     6061-T6  0.1453

You might want to verify with Alcobra that 7/16 is actually the 0.4375"
target. Also determine from them the actual worst case OD due to tolerances.
If the worst case OD is the published 0.44", than +/- 2.5 mils of tolerance
seems a bit smaller than typical. 

If 7/16" is actually targeted to 0.440", than knowing the Plus tolerance is
also important for this tube.   You did not mention the ID of the tube you
are planning to mate. If you have some calipers for measuring that ID, that
might be helpful. 

Also, be sure you also obtain Seamless tube, which is extruded and drawn
from a billet. Otherwise, you might receive a welded tube, which is produced
from a strip that is roll formed and seam welded to produce the tube. Not
conducive for telescoping elements. 

Hope this helps! 

Best 73's and good luck!! 

Bill W7EXG


-----Original Message-----
From: sadxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:sadxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
On Behalf Of Lawrence Godek
Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2018 11:55 AM
To: Southern AZ DX Association E-Mail Reflector
Subject: [SADXA] tubing

I am looking for some aluminum tubing to repair an antenna.  Needs to be
4-5 ft long and 7/16 or .4375 in od.  Like to find 3-4 pieces if
available.  I see lots of .50 inch stuff but that won't fit into a slightly
larger tube.  Is there someplace in Tucson that might have such in stock?
Someone have an old antenna with junk aluminum left over?  Will pick up
next week on the way thru town.

Larry
W0OGH
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