Closet Poles

[ulpilotrmh]

Where do you guys find 1 5/8 inch diameter, 6 foot long fir closet poles?

[ulpilotrmh]

Spindrift 10N. Calls for a 1 5/8 diameter, 6 foot long fir closet pole.

[Garry]

I had the same problem finding that material. I think the plan shows two section of aluminum tubing with a third section made with the 1-5/8" closet pole. You may find that material as a special order item as I've seen it for large closets, but you won't find it in stock at Lowes or HD.

I ordered mast tubing from Graham who supplied three sections of tubing in different sizes that made up the majority of the mast. I made the top section about 12" long out of a spruce 2x4. It fit the the top of the smallest tube with a small gap on each side which was filled with thickened epoxy.

[markja]

I am am building a Spindrift 10, too. I got a nice piece of 2/6 rough VG fir from a local wood supplier. I will first table saw it into an octagon, then plane it into round. It is not so hard to do You can even add the optional taper at the top.

Look for a place that sells lumber to cabinet or furniture shops rather than the big box stores.

If it is off a bit, It is going to be covered with the sail sleeve anyway.

Try to find something with a nice tight grain, because it is much easier to work.

MARK

[Hirilonde]

I guess I got lucky, I found the dowel/closet pole in stock at the local lumberyard.  I bought the 2 sections of tubing through McMaster Carr at work.

Here are the ends of the 3 pieces before priming.  The left shows the mast step fitting.  The other two show the glass tape bushings and taper for joining.

Had I not found the dowel I would have done as Mark did.