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The raised particles and shavings that appear when the aluminum tubing is machined are
referred to as burrs, and the process by which they are removed is known as deburring.
Deburring is a finishing method used in manufacturing. Our aluminum tubing is machine cut on
both ends and machine slit on one end. Although DX Engineering manufactured
aluminum tubing is deburred, you should further assure
that there are no ragged edges or protrusions.
Use the
DXE-UT-KIT-DBR Tube Deburring Tools
,
DXE-22166
Slim Grip Deburring Tool
, or the
DXE-
22600
Deburring Tool with Extending Handle and
Extra Blades
for this operation.
2. Clean the inside of the aluminum tubing to clear out any dirt or foreign material that would
cause the aluminum tubing sections to bind during assembly. Do not use any type of oil or
general lubricant between the aluminum tubing sections. Oils or general lubricants can cause
poor electrical connections for radio frequencies.
3. Clean the outside of the aluminum tubing to clear any dirt or foreign material that would cause
the clamps to malfunction during assembly.
4. The use of
DXE-P8A Penetrox A
is highly recommended. Penetrox A is an electrical joint
compound which effects a substantial electrical connection between metal parts such as
telescoping aluminum tubing or other antenna pieces. Using Penetrox A assures high
conductivity at all voltage levels by displacing moisture and preventing corrosion or oxidation.
5. When assembling the aluminum tubing sections, ensure the area is clear of grass, dirt or other
foreign material that could cause problems during assembly of the closely fitted telescoping
sections.
Assemble the aluminum tubing sections in an area that is flat and has sufficient room for the length
of the assembly. Lay the aluminum tubing out in the order shown in
Figure 1
. Orient the slits in the
tubes toward the top. The bottom 2" OD section is thick walled and has no slits. The second section
is 2.125" and has slits at both ends. The rest of the tubing sections have 4 slits at one end. The first
11 aluminum sections in this kit are 72" long and the top aluminum section is 36" long.
Each aluminum tubing section is inserted into the next section as shown in
Figure 1
. Assembly is
easier if the overlaps in the tubing sections are pre-marked. A dark color felt-tip marker works well.
Mark each aluminum section as shown in
Figure 1
from the end of each aluminum section without
the slit using a marker so it will be clearly visible. If you are clamping the completed aluminum
tubing kit to a mounting plate (example: making a vertical antenna), apply clamps only to this lower
thick walled (.120") section.
DXE-SAD-200A
2 inch U-Bolt Saddle Clamps are strongly
recommended for secure clamping without crushing the element tubing.
