Making Flagpoles
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We make flagpoles from our workshop in Somerset using specially made lathes and jigs that we have developed over the years.
We use kiln dried UK sourced timber with low mositure content ensuring that our flagpoles will outlive our customers! We laminate the timber to get the length, strength and flexibility we require, before using our lathe to round the flagpole, and then finish by hand. The square base is planed and heavy chamfers cut by hand to provide an octagonal transition between the square and cylindrical cross sections. The flagpole is then carefully sanded before applying several coats of the selected finish. The traditional finish is usually a white primer, 2 coats of undercoat followed by 2 coats of gloss. Alternatively flagpoles can be supplied with several coats of clear varnish to show off the grain and figure of the timber.
Our flagpoles have the traditional square base where an optional engraved brass plaque can be attached, and are supported by our steel tabernacle with coach bolts. This means that the base of the flagpole does not touch the ground ensuring that the flagpole will last for many years to come. A significant advantage of this system is that the flagpole can be easily lowered for routine maintenance. You are welcome to visit our workshop and see the care and attention to detail that goes into every one of our unique flagpoles.
The first photograph shows a 30 foot block of Douglas Fir being glued up in our lamination jig, using a hi tec adhesive. This length requires the use of 65 'G'cramps! Notice the use of 2 small cranes that allow single-handed lifting of the heavy block from the lamination jig onto the lathe
The second photograph shows Peter starting to turn the same 30 foot flagpole after the adhesive had fully set.
