[SMCARA] Shop use/rental request

[R. J. Ramirez]

Evening everyone.

Well, there is an old saying that nothing is free in this world.  Again I
have had it proven to me.  Last week, I was given an opportunity for a FREE
20element (10 hor 10 vert) 2m cushcraft beam.  Just drive up to Rockville
and pick it up.  Wo0t!  Im all on it!  (diesel up and back to rockville).
This thing at first glances....well I have seen worse.  I think I am
possible the third hand on this antenna.  Its got a lot of ferrous hardware
and its rusting like no ones buisness.  Eh, Im a sailor (retired anyhow) Ive
fixed mulit-million dollar radar arrays so whats a bit-o-aluminium...  Into
the back of the truck it goes then home-again-home-again...  A quick visit
to cushcraft.com and I've got me a tech manual and drawings.  Visa card in
hand...stand back Im in the antenna refurb buisness.

Started the refurb yesterday.  Without digging up all the receipts, looks
like im in about 40 bucks worth of stainless hardware and sundries to
replace the rusted crap thats on it (was on it)and rebuild this right
(noalox, scrubbie pads, zud, ice cream...hey I dont drink anymore so gotta
have somethin).  Takin this thing apart, just noticed it didnt look right.
You know that feeling. Just not kosh.  Well Got it all clean and lookin
good.  Referenced the drawings and assembly drawings.  Woah!  this things
been shall i say buggered....and not even re-built correctly.  The person I
got it from must have re-built it or before him and just did a "that looks
good" spacing on the elements.  Not EVEN to the drawings/specifications.

So...long story short.  Anyone have a drill press/vice setup I can use?
Yeah I could free-hand it but be my luck I really whang it up so want to
drill the thing right (read plumb!) I promise not to blow up yer shop
(badly).  Just need to re- drill holes in the boom as per the drawings.

Yawn...  I reek of NOALOX...and cherry vanilla..Rain locker then to the
sack.  nite all.  CYA Thursday night.