A flagpole made from wood

[sodamo]

...
We fly the flag on a steel flagpole here in Jersey. I was looking for some ideas for the Maine place.
...:

Not wood, but you might consider this for the Maine place.

I fly mine 24/7 (lighted) and like that fact that I can raise or lower according to wind conditions. It would also be very easy to remove when you aren't there.

David

 

[Egon]

For a hollow flag pole a solid base is a good idea.

Trees could also be used. Think of all the masts on the sailing ships of yore, most were made from trees.

Raising and lowering could be made easier by having a removable boom like in sail boats for the mast.

 

[dave1949]

Thanks for all the suggestions gents. My guess is there may be warping issues using just a felled tree. It would seem to me that Egon's plan could produce something with strength, length and a more cylindrical shape although I'd imagine a solid core at the base would be good. I did look up the NYWS segment on building a wooden flagpole. The website has the plans for $10.99 I think it was.

We fly the flag on a steel flagpole here in Jersey. I was looking for some ideas for the Maine place.

Thanks again. :thumbsup:

Hi Keegs,

I don't think you will have much of a warping issue using a whole tree. It will get some cracks/checking as it dries, but that adds character.

Sawn wood warps a lot more than a whole stem will because the sawing creates/allows unequal contraction and tension across the wood as it dries.
Dave.

 

[keegs]

Hi Keegs,

I don't think you will have much of a warping issue using a whole tree. It will get some cracks/checking as it dries, but that adds character.

Sawn wood warps a lot more than a whole stem will because the sawing creates/allows unequal contraction and tension across the wood as it dries.
Dave.

Dave, We have a variety of trees on the farm, mostly aspen, white cedar, birch, alder, spruce. Not sure whether one is any more suitable than another. I was considering the alder since it tends to grow tall, straight and slim.

 

[tommu56]

Going by memory our scout camp had 6-8" channel sticking out of the ground about 4' with the 2 bolt routine except on the bottom a stop was welded so when it was pulled up(tractor) it hit stop slide bolt in and its done.
The mast was pipe was about 3" od stepped down 2x with smaller pipe slipped inside the previous ones and welded.

tom

 

[scgargoyle]

I've seen old wooden flag poles (and masts) that were round on the outside, and made by gluing together 8 or more mitered strips, and then turning the outside of it round. It would be a lot lighter than a solid one, and more stable, but a lot more work.

 

[Egon]

Egon's plan

Please note this is not Egon's plan; he merely provided a site the idea could be found at.

Sitka Spruce was once very desirable for spars.

 

[Gary51]

Why not just get a used treated pole from the power company?

 

[dave1949]

Dave, We have a variety of trees on the farm, mostly aspen, white cedar, birch, alder, spruce. Not sure whether one is any more suitable than another. I was considering the alder since it tends to grow tall, straight and slim.

I wouldn't choose aspen or birch for sure. White cedar should last a while but might tend to get splintery on the surface messing up your flags. My alder never gets more than about 20' tall and when it dies and rots, there is no strength to it all. Spruce would be the best of what you mentioned IMO. The sticky resin should harden up in the sunshine.

If you use a tree, cut it this Spring and strip the bark right away. It's the best time of year to do that.
Dave.

 

[keegs]

Thank you Dave.