It may interest some to know that Quest Outfitters now has 125 degree elbows, in addition to the 90 and 145 degree elbows it has carried for some time in Easton .340" OD tempered tent pole tubing.

Unfortunately, ferrules continue to be attached, and are not optional.
But the ferrules can be cut off where they protrude out of the elbow, and the material left inside drilled out to the desired diameter. The ID of the ferrules is a little over .21", or 5.5mm, and the ID of the .340" tube is around .290". In drilling out some of the ferrule material, I wouldn't want to damage or cut the .340" tube in any way, as the higly tempered aluminum alloy is a little bit like glass in its response to surface cuts.

Quest has stated in the past that you can remove the ferrules with heat. But unfortunately, that will destroy the uniquely high temper that is critical to the elbow maintaining its angle. Otherwise, these are very strong elbows, worthy of consideration, I think.

Thanks for the tips. Will keep them in the hopper for future use.

> Quest has stated in the past that you can remove the ferrules with heat.
Ah, now what is holding the ferrule in place? If it is a standard epoxy, then 'heat' may mean near-boiling water. Many epoxies become sufficiently soft in boiling water that you can pull the thing apart. Quickly wipe clean.

Cheers

Hi Roger,
OK, I confess ruining one by trying to remove the ferrule by placing an arm of the elbow over a gas burner. That used to work fine when they used heat release adhesives - OK, I didn't realize then either what I was doing to the temper of the pole tube. I think you were the first one who brought the temper issue to my attention - thanks.

Yes, they could be using epoxy now. But if the heat from the gas burner doesn't affect it, do you think the boiling would?

As they chorused at the last Republican Party convention in the US, "Drill, baby, drill!" But not with a dull drill that heats up and leaves an irregular surface.

Sam,

Am I correct in assuming that the ferrules are some sort of plastic?

Acetal is listed at a max temp of 180* F with a melting point of 320* F.

ABS is listed at a max temp of 176* F and a melting point of 221* F.

Do you know what kind of plastic you are dealing with?

Party On,

Newton

John,
The ferrules on the Easton .340" OD tent tubes are the same 7075-T9 ALU alloy as the tubes. But they are .035" wall thickness, compared to .025" wall thickness for the tubes. The same ferrules are used on the .340" OD elbows. Don't ask how Easton determines the optimum diameters for these tubes - probably some very complicated math. What's important, I believe, is that the ferrules be close to the same stiffness as the tubes, so they don't fold up, but don't promote breakage, either.

Have never seen a plastic ferrule that was strong enough to use for tent poles, but could be. You may have seen my OP about using thinner carbon tubes from the newer Injexion series of Easton carbon arrow shafts that telescope nicely into some of the thicker carbon arrow shafts. So the Taig metal lathe that Roger suggested I obtain is now sitting idly; but am still happy, because cutting up a carbon arrow shaft to make ferrules is a heck of a lot easier than turning them down on a lathe from expensive 6061-T6 tube purchased from OnLine Metals through Amazon (you get lower shipping costs through Amazon). The carbon is stronger and stiffer as well. I have break-tested it.

No regrets, Roger. The lathe will come in handy probably when I least expect it. Uh, I'm supposed to wear goggles, right?

Hi Sam

Nice little lathe. Don't worry, it will get used more and more.
For a start, consider custom pole feet...

Goggles ... I may have a pair somewhere ... old ski goggles I think. Actually, I just wear my ordinary reading glasses. A good light is VERY helpful though.

Cheers
Roger