Replies

1. 
   robert_coles | Dec 05, 2001 02:16am | #1

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   I really think that 15 to 16 feet is not a lot compared to some sailboat masts. I created a smoothed rounded square mast od 35 feet a couple of years ago.
   If you could find spruce, you are in good shape. If you need it really really conical, well, that's more difficult. Otherwise, just eyeball it.
   Prepare 8 strips of 17 feet , cut in trapeze, with a 360 deg / 8 / 2 on each side.
   To help you, prepare 4 octogones of the inside shape of your mast. Tack/Glue everything on a long straignt support, covered with wax paper.

   Then, just learn to use an Inshave Drawknife.

   If you want to taper the mast, do some of it before gluing the strips.
   I think that Gougeon brothers have some info on that.

1. 
   ben_malamed | Dec 05, 2001 03:40pm | #2

   *For making an octagonal post out of a square post try these two articles; at least one of them had details on getting the octagon shape with equal lengths. FWW Issue 41 (Jul/Aug 1983) and FWW Issue 76 (May/June 1989).Also, since this will be a flagpole, you may get some significant forces, depending on the flag size. You should consider a post that has straight grain without any or virtually no run out. What kind of foundation are you planning to provide (so as not to allow the post to rot out eventually)?