On 28 Aug 2008 17:40:08 GMT, Ed
wrote:

This mast is smooth all the way, no cams, locks, etc. The tubes must
be "slightly" tapered such that as you pull one out of the other it locks
in place by sheer friction.

I don't think so. Such tapered devices have an irritating habit of
collapsing. There's usually some manner of locking mechanism, usually
activated by twisting.

Any way to look inside and determine the type of mechanism? If you
don't have a handy x-ray machine, perhaps a strong light will show
something.

Could you disclose the maker and model number? If there are any
patent numbers listed, that would be helpful to determine the
mechanism.

I have tried heat on the outer, cooling the inner tube and
considerable twist/pushing force with my hands to get the stuck sections
to unlock, all to no avail.

You don't want to heat the outside. That will cause the outer tube to
expand, which will increase its compression on the inner tube. You
want to cool both tubes causing both to contract. If you can remove
an end cap, pour in some ice water.

Yesterday I resorted to applying some Teflon Lubricant ( Tri-Flo) to a
stuck joint but it would still not budge. Maybe today when I go out to
the garage the lubricant may have seeped its way down in to the
junction.... will try again....

Well, that might help if you can get it into the joint. My guess(tm)
is that it will cause the uncoated parts of the joint to swell, which
might increase its grip. If you must lube the joint, perhaps
penetrating oil would be best.

Did you try the rubber strap wrench(s) idea? That should give plenty
of torque to rotate the sections.

Hate to toss the thing as junk, but its not looking very positive so
far. It was a cheap "flag / banner" type import so at least I won't be
out as much as a quality unit would have cost me.

Maker and model number? Photo?

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558