Tent Poles of Square Tubing

[Sandhiler]

Has anyone made tent poles of square metal tubing? It seems they would be about as authentic as 2x2's or 2x4's. Thanks for your help.
Sandhiler

 

I think suggesting that metal tubing is "about as authentic as 2x2's" might be stretching it a bit. At least they used wood back then for poles, not metal tubing.

Altough they would be fun in a lightening storm. :shocked2:

 

[Bob Gular]

I don't know about the square tubing, but I'll bet a few travelers back then had iron pegs in their shelter roll.

 

[ohio ramrod]

Back many many moons ago I used black pipe for the center pole of my one pole. I figured if Lewis and Clark could use an iron framed boat I could get by with an iron tent pole.Then one year at the Bean shoot they had a real bad lightning storm and my youngest boy said: "Should we be sitting here with a lightning rod for a center pole?" So I took the kids advice and cut a center pole of dogwood and I have been using it ever since.Lightning rod tent poles are not a good idea!

 

I don't know about the square tubing, but I'll bet a few travelers back then had iron pegs in their shelter roll.

Iron pegs absolutely, but iron poles? Doubtful.

It's pretty easy to carry canvas and cut a few saplings when you make camp. It's quite different to carry iron poles when traveling.

Of course, if we're talking about a semi-permanent camp in your back yard, it hardly matters. :wink:

 

[Coot]

Saplings cut to pole length are cheap and authentic & don't require paint to prevent rust. Also they don't go clang when dropped & as others have suggested, are not lightning rods.

Personally I consider 2x2s & 2x4s a little bit lazy - quick & easy to get but obviously a modern piece of lumber. See saplings above or if you like elegant, dress 2x2s or 4x4s (cut down to 3x3) into octagon sectioned poles.

Old Village offers a number of historic paint colors if you are so inclined.......