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Phil DeMasters
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Phil DeMasters
417-425-4331 |
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What is a PowerFlex
wpc Post ?
The term WPC is Wood / Plastic /
Composite. Composite materials are not new to
construction or agricultural products, however a
PowerFlex wpc post is manufacturer as a 2nd
Generation WPC, in that it is "oriented". We at PSC
feel that this material is ideal as an electric
fence line post.
In this Frequently
Asked Questions section we will try to
address common issues and questions that have been
of our and our customers concern as this exciting
new post product has been developed. If, however,
you have additional questions, comments or concerns,
please feel free to contact us anytime. Thank you. |
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What is
the PowerFlex wpc post made of ?
PowerFlex Posts are manufactured as a Wood Plastic
Composite (WPC), however it is the 2nd Generation of
WPC, in that it is "Oriented". It is comprised of
approximately 30% wood flour (fiber) and the balance
of 70% is comprised of Polypropylene and selected
additives including UV inhibitors, color pigments,
etc. It has a lower density and higher physical
properties than 1st generation WPC. In this patented
/ licensed process this material becomes stronger,
stiffer and less dense - with a grain, much like
wood.
What is
meant by the term "orientation" ?
The term
orientation is used to refer to thermoplastic
polymers that have been processed in such a way as
to straighten its polymer chain backbone. This is a
patented and licensed process and in general terms,
it gives the post a grain, much like wood. We want
to emphasize the importance of the orientation
process and the benefits it provides in making this
product as tough and durable as it is. Without this
orientation, this product would not be in a "field
of its own".
What
are the features & benefits of PowerFlex Posts ?
>>Looks
and feels like wood >>Adequate stiffness with
superior flexural strength >>Low density allows for
less weight and easy installations >>Handles like
wood, using conventional woodworking tools >>Drills
easily >>Drives into the ground with conventional
post drivers >>Non-conductive >>Simple cotter pin
wire attachment >>Resistant to moisture, decay and
insects >>UV inhibitors are standard additives >>No
hazardous materials present in the material >>No
drilling or sawing dust hazards >>No splinters,
slivers or need to wear gloves when handling. >>15
year manufacturers warranty.
Do
these Posts meet cost share specifications ?
PowerFlex wpc posts do meet cost share
specifications in Missouri for both EQUIP and DSP-3.
We have sent them to agency personnel in many other
states and have to date met NO resistance. Actually
we have receive much praise and support. If,
however, you are uncertain about specifications for
your particular location please contact us and we
will do the footwork & paperwork to get approval
before and during your application process. Note:
some areas have a post penetration guideline that
may range from 16" to 24", so let us know and we can
provide post lengths to match your specifications.
Are
different colors available ?
Our
standard colors are: White, Black and Brown. Custom
colors are quite possible by adding different
pigments. Please call for pricing on custom colors
and note that additional lead times and minimum
quantities may apply.
How do
you drive these posts into the ground ?
Basically, these posts can be driven with any manual
post driver, just like you would use for driving
steel t-posts. You will notice that they have a
little more spring (bounce) to them, but we feel
that if you can drive a steel t-post you can drive a
PowerFlex post. In extremely hard or rocky soil, we
do offer a Pilot Driver. You can view one on page 9
of our catalog, "The Grazers Connection". In fact,
we highly recommend using one here in the Ozarks
where we build fence. However, if you have good soil
conditions and few rocks, you will not need one. You
will be less fatigued after driving 100 PowerFlex
wpc posts, than you will with the other alternatives
!
How is
the wire attached to the post ?
The wire
is attached to the post in most cases with a cotter
pin through a drilled hole. The cotter pins we offer
are 13 gauge, 5-1/2" long, with a class III coating.
They are long enough to come back around the wire,
if you wish, or snipped and bent over. Note: We want
the fence wire to have full movement thru the cotter
pin, so we caution you - that if you bring the
cotter pin back over the fence wire - do not cinch
it up tight, like you do with clips on a t-post and
barbed wire.
Are the
Posts pre-drilled ?
No, the
posts are not predrilled. A year ago, we did offer
predrilling, but had few requests so we have
discontinued offering predrilled posts. The material
does drill quite easily, so do not confuse it with
drilling fiberglass. With fiberglass you almost have
to pre drill as it must be jigged and clamped and
drilled with a drill press. There is usually bit run
off problems and major inconvenience trying to drill
fiberglass in the field. PowerFlex posts can be
field drilled with any cordless drill. There is
virtually no bit run off due to the surface texture
and softness of the material. Drilling a PowerFlex
wpc post is about like drilling softwood. We also
feel that predrilling and having unused holes will
weaken any post. Our overall recommendation is to
drive the posts, then drill in the field. This will
give you a better overall finished product and allow
for hole spacing options where you have terrain
challenges to compensate for. Actually, we think
that you can field drill and install a cotter pin in
no more time than it takes to install an insulator
on a steel t-post.
Where
do PowerFlex Posts ship from ?
PowerFlex Systems, Corp is located in Hartville,
Missouri in Zip Code 65667 We are centrally located
in the mid-west and probably within a 500 mile radius
of 70% of the agriculture in the continental USA.
Call 417-838-6689 for more information.
Is
there a general field guide ?
We have
added another section on our website titled "The
PowerFlex Post". This section has some general areas
of discussion about this post. If you have
additional questions, please feel free to either
email us or call us. This post is not "rocket
science", it is a line post for electric fencing. We
have seen them installed in many different ways -
from a very much aesthetic standpoint as well as
simply a device to hold up the wire. We encourage
you to experiment with the PowerFlex wpc Post and
give us your feedback on your experimentation. Thank
YOU.
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