We have one that has 1" expanded metal around the base. It is far enough away from the spinner that the coons arm cant reach it. The corn comes through the 1" fine.

Coons can climb all over it but eventually leave it alone because they cant turn the spinner. I had a 3 second game cam video that one was hanging on the feeder when it went off. Was funny.

I love my country, but don't trust my government.