Shorten your alu-foil-mast DIY Clip

[alex 1]

Hi,

i made a short clip how to shorten your aluminium foil-mast,

njoy
LXT

[pākihiroa]

This clip is very timely because I have thinking about shortening my mast. Any comments on the following alternative approaches:

(1) Using a cross slide and mill (paying careful attention to alignment) ?
(2) Using a 'multi-purpose' or specialised aluminium blade in a mitre saw ? Presumably, a lot quicker.

I realise that not everyone has access to either of these tools but, if available, why not use them if they have the potential to do a better job ?

My foil is also a Gong (M6 x 1 mm threads), Did you find it necessary to drill the holes prior to tapping ?

[pākihiroa]

Update: I decided that clamping and aligning the mast in the mill was going to be problematic and instead purchased a Bosch 10", 80 tooth, 'multi-material' blade for my mitre saw. It is rated to cut aluminium, plastic, chipboard, MDF, and copper. In contrast to a conventional wood blade, the teeth are raked backwards and every second tooth has bevels rather than being square.



Albeit rather costly for a one off job, this approach produced a beautiful, square, clean cut with zero drama and I would recommend it to anyone wishing to shorten their mast.

The holes in the Gong mast are 5 mm, which is the recommended diameter for an M6 x 1 mm tap into aluminium. So, no drilling required.

Maybe this is all common knowledge for most on this forum but it was definitely learn as you go for me.

[Surfkiternew]

Trend Is 60 70 around for wave ? I see people even short than60 now...probably more difficult in choppy water but fun