- 1-Piece Push Pole
- Sectional Push Pole
The classic tried and true 1-piece Stiffy Push Pole how does it compare to sectional push poles these days.
Back in September 2008 I did an article on MS as part of our Project NMZ Gheenoe. Below I copied the text, but sadly the images are lost. If I can find them in my archives I’ll add them.
In the article I built a TFO Mangrove Push Pole. Granted this article and the push pole I built is almost 17 years old, so I’m not sure if the pole I build back then is still available today. I’d expect not.
I’d love to hear if you are using a 1-piece or sectional. Which brand and why. Cost? Performance? Easy of purchasing? Material Technology? Warranty or Easy of repair?
BYOPP - Build your own Push Pole
BYOPP - Build your own Push Pole
The Mangrove push pole by TFO are 56" carbon fiber sections are joined with “ferrules”. The push pole that can easily be shipped right to your door. You then carefully put the pieces together using epoxy/cement and off you go!
See Pushing the NMZ Skinny! for dealer and cost options.
How to assemble your new TFO pushpole.
by Capt. Scot Graham
This is real easy, just take your time and read these instructions!
A few things you will need:
- A high quality epoxy, such as West Systems epoxy.
- Cheap paint brushes for applying epoxy.
- Acetone.
- Clean rags/ and a full roll of paper towels
- 40-80 grit sand paper
- Masking tape, or duct tape.
- Patience! Don’t rush it.
Always wear proper safety equipment when sanding, mixing, and handling resins.
Safety glasses, gloves, a dust mask, and adequate ventilation are necessary for assembly.
Follow the manufacturers safety instructions on the epoxy and acetone labels.
*You may notice some ferrules will fit looser than others, this is normal as the mandrels are tapered. The epoxy will fill the gaps tight.
Four easy steps.
Preparation:
As with any molded composite product, there is a release agent applied to the mold to get the product off/ out when it has cured. We need to clean the mold release residue from the pole sections, the ferrules, and the point and foot or the sections will not bond.
Step 1: Sand
Take your sand paper and scuff sand the inside of each pole section to about six inches (tape sandpaper to a wood dowel or broom stick) and the outside of each ferrule, as well as the point and foot fittings. ***You will get a better bonding bite if you sand in a circular motion around each piece as opposed to up and down the length of each piece
Step 2: Clean
With paper towels, liberally apply acetone and wipe the inside of each pole section, the outside of each ferrule, and the male sections of the point and foot (try not to get any on the visible sections of the point and foot as it may stain or deform the nylon).
Step 3: Set up to glue
If you run your hand up and down the push pole section, you will notice a “grain” to it, this is due to the orientation of the graphite tape. We want all sections to have the grain going the same direction so…
We will “match mark” each section with tape.
First, orient each section so the grain is going the same direction.
Let’s say we’re assembling a four piece pole, on one end of the first section we will leave it blank, for the point or foot (no tape). On the other end we will put a piece of tape lengthwise about an inch from the end w/ a line on it. Set section one aside.
On section two we will put a piece of tape on the corresponding end that will match up to section one w/ a line on it. On the other end of section two, we will place a piece of tape with two lines on it. Set section two aside.
On section three we will put a piece of tape w/ two lines to the end corresponding to section two, and a piece w/ three lines on the other end.
On section four put a piece of tape w/ three lines to the end corresponding to section three. Leave the other end of section four blank for the point or foot.
Now, check your work. Place all corresponding match marks together and make sure the grain all goes the same direction.
Ferrules:
Measure the halfway point on each ferrule and place tape w/ an arrow pointing to this line.
Step 4: Let’s Glue it up!
We’re going to be gluing in three steps. This is where you need to take your time and don’t rush it!
Don’t mix more epoxy than you think you will need for three joints.
For the first step we will need Pole sections one, two, and three, and three ferrules.
If you touched any part w/ your hands that will be a glued surface, you must re-clean w/ acetone before gluing. The oils in your skin will compromise the bond
1: Start with pole section one on the end that has match mark ONE.
Now put a liberal coating of epoxy on ONE half of the ferrule up to the center mark on the tape. Assemble the ferrule with a twisting motion to get full coverage. When the ferrule is into the pole section up to the centerline, clean all excess resin w/ acetone, set aside. Now repeat with pole section two and the second ferrule at match mark TWO. And then the third section at match mark THREE.
Once pieces are glued up, place two pieces of tape lengthwise from each pole section to ferrule to hold the ferrule from pushing out.
Place all glued pieces on a horizontal surface (like a table) with a light weight (such as a rag) on top of your sections, turn them each one quarter turn every two minutes to assure centering of the ferrule.
Let both sections fully set up (per epoxy instructions) before proceeding to the next step.
2: Peel off ferrule center mark tape (don’t touch your match marks, yet!)
Apply epoxy to the ferrule at match mark one of section one,
Now apply epoxy to ferrule match mark two on section two. Repeat w/ section three to four.
Glue in the point, DO NOT glue the foot, yet!
Clean off excess. Tape these joints lengthwise to help avoid slippage while curing. On a flat surface, turn entire pole one quarter turn every two minutes while epoxy sets up.
3: Now you add the foot, clean excess, tape to hold, and let cure.
It is best to let the pole cure for at least twenty four hours before applying pressure to it. If you followed the instructions your multi piece pole will be as strong as a one piece pole, if you pop a ferule out, you didn’t prep good enough. Clean, sand, and glue again.
4.8lbs
