The mast rests in front of the center blue roof building. It will be erected in the blue dot space. Motorists will see it from the elevated section of
Interstate HWY 5 visible at the top right corner.



Reassembling THE Mast





The Nicholas mast in three main sections is welded back together on the grounds of the

Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, Washington.



STEP 1: Sandblasting Nov. 2021

Black Diamond Blasting used pulverized walnuts to clean off the mast.


STEP 2: Contact Aluminum Welder

Aalbu Brothers: Frank Craven
Welding and Fabrication
Arlington, WA


STEP 3: Mark for reconnections

Prepare for welding sections back together, March 2022



STEP 4: Proper Tools - Manpower

Frank Craven, Aalbu Bros. owner operator arrives with welding equipment.



STEP 5:Lift and Position Mast

Pat Swanson, Museum Board President, operates the forklift.



STEP 6: Size Up Fixtures

Frank sets up sections to weld.



STEP 7: Tighten Connections

Pat assists Frank who is an expert with aluminum fabrication and boat construction.



STEP 8: Weld Sections Together

Frank worked two solid days to reassemble the Nick mast.



STEP 9: Clean Up

All are in gratitude for a job well done.
Thanks to Frank, Pat, Chip and John



More structural Welding... Attachments



June 5, 2023 arrival in Chehalis... Search for materials, fabricators, welder, cement contractor, renew building permit, modify engineering report...details... details...



Western Fabrication - WFC
Kelso, WA



Bob Dugger, WFC Production Manager, understood the task and purpose for fabricating base plates and bolts from John's templates... pick up on return July 11, 2023



John explains support extensions to James Wege, P.E.



The mast requires 4' extensions to balance the larger shaft. Finding the right size and dimension was a challenge. Chris Palmer, Maintenance Supervisor of Ryerson tried to be of help. Cody Jones of JH Kelly directed us to WFC.



Pat Swanson moves the monstrous mast across the yard.



The welding work was conducted out of the way from the entrance, before the mast is relocated to its final space.




Receiving the 4' extensions from Alaskan Copper & Brass Co. July 12



The aluminum pipes were conveniently cut to size and located in Kent, WA (considering the search all over the country for product too long and far to ship! Alaskan Copper & Brass Co.



Dan's conscientious approach and proficiency cast a new figure on the mast.



Locating aluminum pipe extensions, base plates, supports and bolts and the welder was set up in June. Collecting fabricated materials and getting the parts welded in place was accomplished in July.


A special thanks for the

time and consideration received from Reyerson's Chris Palmer,

Cody Jones of JH Kelly

and James Wege, Engineering.


The FOUNDATION dig and cement are next.

Will the mast be erected before Labor Day?



Materials tack welded in place...
Dan worked July 15 and wrapped it up the 17th. CLICK on ELITE



Daniel Schepers of Elite Welding and Design was prepared for the heat...






Structural aluminum welding requires certification standards and the welder must be mobile since the mast can't be transported to a facility ...
Russ Bowen contacted August 21, 2023.



ABOUT US





Industrial Inspection & Services (II&S) is a group of highly-skilled AWS Certified Welding Inspectors, educators, consultants, and ASNT NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) professionals. Our mission is to assist metal fabricators develop their businesses through improved quality management and efficient, cost-effective fabrication methods.



John Bailey



[email protected]