The wire from the old vertical dipole antenna is stripped off, and the 10' Cantex tube section is ready for a new life.The support brackets have extra height due to the addition of another carton on each end. The tube is now at eye level for the operator, affording better control and inspection of the winding process.
We'll be winding close to the end of the tube, and the idler wheel set has always been in the way.
Adding an 18" extension solves this problem.
The photo on the left shows the 18" piece with an internal alignment mandrel placed on a viewing stand. The arbor is 48 inches long, and fits inside both the extension and the tube. It's made of 2 x 6 scrap lumber, cut into three pieces to form a cross. The wooden assembly is held together by pressure from the extension, and has a sliding fit inside the main tube. For rigidity, the insert should be set at least 2 feet into the main tube. As the main tube rotates, the extension rolls at the same speed and there is no chatter or vibration. Assembly and disassembly are both quick and easy. And the price is right.
Here the extension is attached. The screw that secures the end of the coil wire is close in length to the wall of the tube: about .238".
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