I want to build portable cabinet-like structure (3 sided.) It seems that a frame made from collapsible poles might work best for this. When I do a 'net search I get a lot of telescoping tree cutting handleI don't want the legs,just the posts. Any suggestions?

Try a search for military surplus tents...

-Bryan

Try a paint supply store. Most of them carry those telescoping poles for the purpose of attaching a roller to the end of.
Last time I was in a large paint store, they had them all the way from 3' up to 12', all of them telescoping.

The paint poles are between 15 and 60 dollars each depending on length.

Also there are golf ball retreivers in Wallmart. Do not know how heavy you need these. Also look at photographic light stand, tripods, etc.

Richard

Heavy enough to support a canvas/vinyl/cloth cover wrap. Kind of like a tent, but no front or top.

Somehow, the middle portion of my original post got cut off. I had said that I don't want to use photo stands as I don't need the base, just the telescoping post. I would assume that the base adds most of the cost.