Home made Straight Shaft alum. Tube I.D and O.D.?

[drewan29]

I know that this subject has been brought of many times before so I just want to ask this what is the Inside dia. I.D. and the outside dia.OD for the alum. tube will be buying it from the hardware store. I plan on making an over under style shaft and I don't want it to be flimsy. or would a behind the elbow style be better I am also looking at arm and shoulder fatigue.
Thanks
drewan

 

[bootyhoundpa]

this is a great question as i have been pondering making my own as well........i just cut apart my excal shaft because the lower rod was seized and let me tell you that upper aluminum shaft is made from some tough stuff.... i dont think its regular aluminum...... i think the other challenge would be adding that plastic tensioner to the bottom of the upper shaft........thanx for posting the question i hope it gets some feedback....

 

[mudpuppy]

I've been thinking about it too...but since I work fairly well with wood, I thought Id make a really cool laminated one, a guy could use a cheap furring strip from the lumberyard, rip it in half, run a strip of cherry in between, epoxy it all together, work it down, and bing, light, fast, strong. make the lower shaft oval instead of round I'm thinking... Stick a custom grip like a Pachmeyer on it.. I was thinking of making it adjustable, but hey, I never change that setting anyway. I may try this for my CZ 20 and imbed some marbles in the shaft to keep the lower end down and the top end floating.
good luck!
Mud

 

[OldBeechnut]

http://www.carbonfibertubeshop.com/tube%20properties.html

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/mepages/alumtube_6061t6.php

 

[akbell]

Went to a lawn mower shop and bought a scrapped Echo edger shaft, good grade of aluminum. Cut the straight part to required length, cut the handle I wanted from the curved section. Formed the handle, fitted it and had it heli-arced in place.. Works great..you will need to pull the plastic liner out of the shaft.

 

[hershey1]

You need to do a search. OBN and errik have all the information needed to build a custom shaft. HH

 

[Md Epidemic]

7/8 OD x .745 ID

 

[Surfminer]

Been making my own for over 10 years.Just take your lower shaft with you and find an aluminum pole (usually in the awning section at Ace hardware) that it fits into perfectly (think it was the 1/2 " but better double check) then go to plumbing and find a pvc Y that fits that pole I usually get threaded "top" for a snugger fit for the handle.Buy a bike handle grip to your liking.Also pick up a small package of 3mm 1/2" metal screws.

You can make the stubby like mine or make it longer for a behind the elbow version.Cut the handle pieces 6 1/2".Pilot drill the screw holes . Length/ Unit mount holes should be piloted then 1/4" drilled.Use 1/4" nylon bolts to mount unit.

Will add a picture tomorrow

 

[drewan29]

Thank you all for the input.
I really want to thank Oldbeechnut for all his help and input.
drewan

 

[John(Tx)]

it's aircraft aluminum, very strong and very light. Get the 7/8" OD but depending on your machine, look at the ID, it may vary, my excal and sea hunter have different ID. HH

 

[Critterhunter]

Unger or Etore window cleaning pole from a home improvement store or Sherwin Williams paint store. The inner pole is a strong yet lighter weight aluminum. I used it for the upper shaft on my GT and a Whites tall man carbon rod for the lower shaft. Much lighter than stock, and a bike end bar and rubber grip for the hand grip. Winow pole is under $20 and has an extra snap pin if you need it.