As the thread title matches my current area of interest. I think I can post a query here.
So far I have determined (using Arne's hybrid mast, I can use a 6inchx0.5inch thick walled tube for the bottom tube of my mast (T6 - 6061 6x0.5inch by 20feet is listed as available at my local distributor), 152.4mm X 12.7mm for those who think in those terms. I can get T6 - 6061 5 x 0.5 to use for an upper portion (also T4 - 6061 5 inch tubing with wall thickness down to .125 and lots in between). T4 seems to be half-ish the strength of T6. In the T6 tubing the next size down from 5 inch is 4 inch which leaves quite a gap while T4 I can get 4.5 in various thicknesses.
However, if I can use 5 inch, it will just fit. Does anyone have experience with how close extruded tubing might be to it's nominal size? would sanding down the lapped portion be a reasonable option if the fit is too tight? Considering that the material is the same, would there be any problem with heating and cooling expansion/contraction?