Is the S&K 2 3/8" EZlift Pole a better investment?

[BIOteacher012]

Just thought I would do a follow up to the S&K 1.9 pole question I posted earlier. Most of you said you would support the use of the 1.9 round pole for a plastic house and fountain rack setup!!

Not to drag this out but.....Is the S&K 2 3/8" round pole a better investment than the 1.9 round pole in the long haul, or would this be overkill for my needs? The reason I ask for your thoughts is......it is a lot more money!! Again.....I am only planning to hang an 8 gourd fountain rack just below my plastic barn on the 1.9 inch pole that I currently own!!

Should I stop thinking about this and just keep my 1.9 pole?? I must be obsessed!!

Feedback much appreciated!!

[Chuck4]

Several things to consider here. One is whether or not you plan to add more weight over time to your housing. Also, the thickness (gauge) of the metal needs to be considered. A pole that is three inches in diameter, but only made of thin metal will be inherently weaker than a two inch pole made of substantially thicker material.

If you plan to modify your housing down the road. get the best pole you can afford.

[apundt-TX]

I have one of those 2 3/8 fountain racks.
you don't need to worry about the metal being too thin or weak.

[BIOteacher012]

So.......since you have the 2 3/8" pole.......would you bump up to the larger if you had the 1.9 like me? The 1.9 is 16 gauge galvanized steel. The S&K site says that the 2 3/8" is 18 gauge!! I probably won't add more than 8 gourds under the house!!

[krushing]

I use the thicker pole for my fountain rack and love it. Again, better- thicker pole.

[apundt-TX]

Which house fits on the 2 3/8 pole?

[apundt-TX]

Nevermind I found it.
Great 8 (G8) 8 Family Martin House
- American Barn (AB) 12 Family Martin House
- Heavenly Haven (HH) 10 Family Martin House


What are you going to do about attaching the gourds to the rack?

I have the double fountain rack that has those white(plastic) and black(metal) boxes that slide up/down the pole.

[BIOteacher012]

I had S&K modify the slider of the fountain rack to fit the 1.9 pole.

I plan to attach the aluminum gourd arm boxes to the bottom of the slider rather than the top end.

I am going to attach industrial strength velcro between the bottom floor of the American barn and the top end of the slider so that the barn rides with the fountain rack slider up and down the pole. S&K told me that the fountain rack wasn't designed for a house above it......but thought it would work okay.

I was advised that as long as I don't add more than the house and fountain rack on the 1.9 pole.....that it will hold just fine!!

Just wanted to get feedback about the 16 vs. 18 gauge pole strength from all of my expert martin friends on this forum!!

[Chuck4]

I had S&K modify the slider of the fountain rack to fit the 1.9 pole.

I plan to attach the aluminum gourd arm boxes to the bottom of the slider rather than the top end.

I am going to attach industrial strength velcro between the bottom floor of the American barn and the top end of the slider so that the barn rides with the fountain rack slider up and down the pole. S&K told me that the fountain rack wasn't designed for a house above it......but thought it would work okay.

I was advised that as long as I don't add more than the house and fountain rack on the 1.9 pole.....that it will hold just fine!!

Just wanted to get feedback about the 16 vs. 18 gauge pole strength from all of my expert martin friends on this forum!!

Give this a read:

http:///// ///.com/pm/structrl.htm

[apundt-TX]

I am familiar with Chucks page and calculations.
He is showing us not to use pvc pipe or EMT pipe to hold up martins houses.

the 2 3/8 will be fine.

[Chuck4]

I am familiar with Chucks page and calculations.
He is showing us not to use pvc pipe or EMT pipe to hold up martins houses.

the 2 3/8 will be fine.

Not sure if BIOteacher saw it before. But he does emphasize pole thickness and shape too. Notice he uses very thick poles for his T14s (very heavy). But the application is a very important consideration.

[BIOteacher012]

I read Chuck's info on steel being the strongest. So.......where does this put me with deciding to stick with the 1.9 inch steel vs. buying the $200 S&K
2 3/8 inch steel pole?

Anybody else is welcome to chime in here. I am trying to make a decision.

[Chuck4]

I read Chuck's info on steel being the strongest. So.......where does this put me with deciding to stick with the 1.9 inch steel vs. buying the $200 S&K
2 3/8 inch steel pole?

Anybody else is welcome to chime in here. I am trying to make a decision.

Write down 1.9 and 2 3/8 on separate pieces of paper. Insert into a sock. Pull one out and that's the one you'll get..

[threelilkids]

If you can afford it, get the 2 3/8 cause in my opinion you can add on to it in the future if you choose (like all of us martin junkies). The 1.9 is fine for now. I had to make a decision like yours not long ago. I went with a square pole with a winch, 2 S&K houses with 6 gourdes under it. Good luck with your choice Now go get some sleep
Mary

[Matt F.]

Just my .02 cents, to go with what Mary mentioned, the company's 2" square steel pole, is made from 11 gauge steel - that is THICK, and very strong.
That pole is going to be much stronger than their 18 gauge 2 3/8" round pole.