Aluminum tube for "fireman Pole"

[rjgogo]

this is a bit off topic but figured someone may have a good idea of what to use for this project.

I need to get an aluminum tube for a "fireman Pole" for a play structure we are building for a private school. This is a volunteer project but it is a pretty savvy group and we want to make sure we do it right.

We have a 7' deep hole 16"+ wide that we would like to sink a 20 to 21 foot pole to act as a fireman’s pole. That said only 14 feet would be above grade and the rest would be sunk in the concrete. The kids would access the pole from a hole in the decking about 7 feet above and the pole will not be anchored at the top, hence the deep anchoring of the pole. I have a source for the materials but I don't know the right spec for what size tube and grade of aluminum. I was thinking 3 to 4 inch 5/16th wall but I have no idea on the type of aluminum. I could be off on the size as well. That is why I am seeking the advice of someone more knowledgeable.

The age is Elementary kids and someone brought up a concern about having the pole coated, as the aluminum will sliver off. I know how to do this with steel but there is the concern of rusting and stainless would be to costly.

Thanks in advance for any input. Rob

[MAC702]

Brass or Copper would be slicker.

3" would let smaller hands get around it.

[MXtras]

Some initial thoughts:

7' in the ground seems excessive to me for what you have described. 3' to 4' sounds reasonable. Not a big issue, I don't guess.

3-4" seems a bit large given the kids may not have as big of hands as you and I. I think they would better grip a 2" diameter. I don't know what diameter real fire poles are....

I would not suggest aluminum for this - I would suggest stainless. I know you mentioned cost but the aluminum is going to leave black crap all over the kids and the parents won't be pleased as it does not come out completely. Eventually the kids may not be allowed to play on this equipment. You did say 'private school' - this indicates attentive parents.

If you insist on sticking with aluminum I would suggest 2" schedule 80, 6061. Coating? I don't think there is an affordable coating that could be applied that will survive for very long. Anodizing will wear off. Maybe there are better coatings but by the time you pay for the material and the coating, you could have bought a thinner walled stainless tube and been done with it.

Cap the top (weld?) to keep water from entering the pipe.

I like the copper idea, too. But it would likely get cut off and stolen for scrap!

Just some of my thoughts.

Scott

[hankj]

Fire poles are usually brass. You don't grip the pole with your hands to slide it. You hook your arm around it and use your feet as stabilizers (and brakes) as you slide. If you tried to grip it with your hands and slide, you'd fall!


Hank

[rjgogo]

Thanks for the replies, Had not thought of the black on the aluminum, Guess that is why a coating was suggested. As for stainless. 3 inch 1/4 wall? Any Idea on the cost of that?

The 7 feet is more for sability as the top will not be secured. 42" is the minimum for frost line as well and I am guessing these come in 20 foot sections anyway and the cost for 17' would be about the same as 20' so why not have the extra stability.

yes I had planned to have it capped as I don't have the gear to weld aluminum or stainless.

I can't use copper or brass and it is in an Urban area and access is not secured. it would be gone for scrap as soon as no one was looking.

[Hotfoot]

I'd use 2" stainless 308 thick wall pipe. Polish it up, and the kids will keep it polished after that. NO oxidation. Screw a cap on the top. I guess you could fill it with concrete or motar mix to further "stiffen: it, but at 14' above grade, I don't think you'd need that. I'd sure make the landing area, for about 4' in all directions, very soft (sand???, chopped rubber???)...kids will fall and break arms, legs, etc.

[professur]

Maybe it's just me, but 14' seems a might high for elementary kids. One slipped grip, and it's a long way to the bottom.

[rjgogo]

There will be 6 to 8 inches of rubber mulch at the bottom. The actual distance down from the bottom of the deck is 6 feet but the pole goes higher then the railing. There will probably be a small flag on top.

As for the 2 inch, how thick of wall?

Thanks for the input.

[HazMat55]

Just my 2 cents. It might never happen again, but I have personally though accidentally caused PVC to shatter in very cold weather. So if it were me building it, there is no way I would use PVC. The stainless sounds like the best bet for outside use.

[Broccoli1]

Any Idea on the cost of that?

Probably 500.00

[Broccoli1]

One supplier out here has sch 40 -2.5 ID (about 2.78) OD for $330.00 for a 20' Piece.


Seems a shame to bury 7 feet of it though

Here's a pre-made one and it's only 1-3/8 "--
The Wooden Swing Set/Fort Firepole promotes upper body strength and creative fun. This piece is handcrafted with easy to grip 1-3/8" rust-resistant galvanized pipe that offers an exhilarating ride to the ground. Each firepole measures 1ft 6in x 7ft 6in. You can attach this piece to any upright post. The Fort Firepole is recommended for children ages 4-12.

http://www.backyardcity.com/swingset...repole-FP2.htm

[rjgogo]

Thanks, The only problem is there is no attachement on the top. There will likely be a flg at the top as well. I need to be 42 inches below for frost line anywhay so the different is 3 feet give or take. Probably got to buy that in 20 foot increments as well.


Will 1/4 wall be strong enough?

[MXtras]

I am willing to bet it will be more than strong enough - absolutely. It will swagger a bit at the top with a big kid on it but it will be tough to break it!

2" Schedule 80S, SS pipe
OD = 2.375
wall = .218
weight = 5.02 lbs/ft.
avail in 20' lengths

2.5" Schedule 80S, SS pipe
OD = 2.875
wall = .276
weight = 7.66lbs/ft.
avail in 20' lengths

(info from engineeringtoolbox dot com)

I would also suggest welding the top cap on. The kids will climb to the top and your water cap will be on the deck before you have all your tools picked up!

I think the AL pipe would fail pretty rapidly - think about a couple of kids at the base pushing it back and forth, watching it wave at the top. Kids can entertain themselves with stuff like that for a lot longer than one might think!

I was gonna guess $750 for the price of the 20' SS pipe. $500 sounds pretty cheap.

Scott

[Broccoli1]

Are there any sort of building codes? since this will be more of a Flag Pole design, as there will be no support towards the top of this Fireman's Pole.

[MXtras]

Originally Posted by Broccoli1

Are there any sort of building codes?

We are talking Chicago here, Broccoli. They have codes just like normal folks but they don't really have to follow them!



JK, guys. Put the flame throwers away....

I have seen some pretty wild stuff in Chicago construction, though! I am not sure what highway it is but there is an overpass that if you pulled over to the side you could walk right up to, and touch, a 27KV transformer set on a power pole - it was maybe 2 feet from the railing! I wonder how many folks tried doing just that? I wonder if it arced over to the bridge when it rained on a windy night? I also wonder if it's still there? I wonder if there is a code against that?

Scott