Assembling the mast?

[Noklin]

My son has suggested that instead of connecting the mast sections using fiberglass collars and bearings as per the plans, that the sections be tig welded.

I intended to make the sections non-removable so being welded together would not be a problem.

When I asked about the welding causing problems with the metal temper he indicated that the heat can be controller using a tig so that it would not be a problem. He said that filling the

[Designer]

There is a considerable strength loss when welding aluminum, especially high strength alloys like 6061-T6.

I presume that he would weld around the smaller section where it goes into the lower section which is the worst thing that I can imagine. You can weld the top end of a mast section on a free standing mast because there it has excess strength but the lower end of the upper section has the most load of that section and there is no margin to spare.

The bushing does not weaken the mast at all, costs very little and does not take long to do.

[Noklin]

Thanks, that is what I needed to know. It will be per the plans.