Sourcing a long tipi pole...

[Mattphillips18]

Hey all, I'm about to start work on a large tipi, Kifaru/SO style. My initial plans call for a pole about 11' long. Neither company lists a pole that long for their accessories for purchase on the websites, and the DIY instinct in me would rather find a cheaper, yet hopefully similar quality pole to buy or build. Questions are:
-What material? Carbon sounds nice, but expensive? Aluminum comes in both low and high grade, what diameter/type would work well for a long pole? I've found a source for 7075 3/4" tent pole material...
-What sources have you all used? Experiences that I can learn from?
-Anyone own a large tipi from the above manufacturers that can give me a clue on pole material, size?

I was thinking of using a full flat felled stitch to connect the panels. Sound about right?

Any other helpful lessons would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Matt

 

[realunlucky]

Hey all, I'm about to start work on a large tipi, Kifaru/SO style. My initial plans call for a pole about 11' long. Neither company lists a pole that long for their accessories for purchase on the websites, and the DIY instinct in me would rather find a cheaper, yet hopefully similar quality pole to buy or build. Questions are:
-What material? Carbon sounds nice, but expensive? Aluminum comes in both low and high grade, what diameter/type would work well for a long pole? I've found a source for 7075 3/4" tent pole material...
-What sources have you all used? Experiences that I can learn from?
-Anyone own a large tipi from the above manufacturers that can give me a clue on pole material, size?

I was thinking of using a full flat felled stitch to connect the panels. Sound about right?

Any other helpful lessons would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Matt

I have a 3/4 Easton pole at 7' or so, but I don't think it's going to be strong enough for another 4' of height.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[mtnrunner260]

grab a couple of these
McMaster-Carr
and aluminum tubing. Could even start with pvc if there are 2 sizes that fit inside of each other well for a cheap mock up.

 

[Mattphillips18]

Great source right there. Thanks for that!

grab a couple of these
McMaster-Carr
and aluminum tubing. Could even start with pvc if there are 2 sizes that fit inside of each other well for a cheap mock up.

 

[go4thegusto]

Blue aluminum concrete screed poles at Menards work great. Two of them strategically cut can get you a 3 piece pole.

 

[Beendare]

I designed my tipi like tent for the 8.5' pole at REI.

 

[Mattphillips18]

I found som 6061 T6 aluminum tubing of 1.5" and 1.375" that nest together. Combined 13' of it comes to 57oz or so. After cutting down a bit and adding tubing clips, I think it'll come down a bit still, and will hopefully be strong enough.