Even better would be a time frame! If it is soon, I will wait. If not, I may have to chop up a board and hope for the best. I started using the stepps for platforms because they are comfortable and I had them. Now they are all used up and only have the bolt system to climb. It is fine on presets but saw a new area and have no stepps...I cut one up today. I consider it a failed effort for me. I am 275 lbs and can get the stepps solid on the trees. When I tried this platform on a stepp, neither running the rope under the holes or over the holes allowed for the solid cam lock on the tree. I did get it to have a "weak" cam lock, but the top standoffs would pull away from the tree.
If you look at a stepp solidly set on the tree, the rope goes where the plywood sits. Either over or below the plywood, it is just not getting the proper cam lock for me. Maybe for you light guys, it'll be acceptable, but it doesn't work for me.
Andrew @SteppsbyWildEdge, please let us all know when you have a platform!
I use the stepps w/ a guidos web, and sit without needing a comfortable platform (sitter, not a leaner). Waiting on the kestrel and looking to enhance the platform to be comfortable for a leaner.
That is my 2 cents. Don't let my outcome dissuade you from trying this. Just be forewarned if you are on the bigger side weight wise.
I finally got to cut one up this weekend and was hoping to use it but I couldn't get the step into the holes! I think the reason is the two holes should be 7" on center vs the 6.5" on the pictured diagram! I did cut the holes 1" round. Any thoughts on using 1/2" plywood to adjust for the slight upward slant users are experiencing or if this wouldn't be strong enough using a different material all together like plastic or aluminum? I wont be able to cut another one up until next weekend so any other input is appreciated!
@Swampfox thanks for taking the reins on this as you seem to be making it work for yourself. I am also like yourself around the 180lb mark so hoping this will work out. Unfortunately i do not see wildedge releasing there platform in time for this season so until then I will be trying to make this work for this year.... and also because i have a bunch of plywood lying around. Are you able to do video of your platform?I personally plan to stick with 3/4". I think any smaller and I'll crack it. I'm ~180lbs.
Yes the holes needed to be reamed out to fit the step into the board.
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...That way we could focus on other important issues like how to climb 30 feet with a paper clip two rubber bands and some paracord. Without breaking a sweat.
@Swampfox thanks for taking to reins on this as you seem to be making it work for yourself. I like yourself am also around the 180lb mark so hoping this will work out. Unfortunately i do not see wildedge releasing there platform this season so until then I will be trying to make this work for this year and also because i have a bunch of plywood lying around. Are you able to do video of your platform?
Yes, youtube.I made a video but it does not show up in the low light. I'm working out of town this week, when I get home I'll make another one. What's the best platform to upload videos nowadays(YouTube?).
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I think depending on your weight 1/2 inch ply may work fine. You could always laminate a skeletonized piece of plywood to the bottom adding strength where you need it and leaving clearance for the stepp itself. That still leaves you lacking tension. Another thought is to lengthen the part that goes toward the tree and allowing the plywood to become the standoffs against the tree. That should allow you get the rope tighter also. Once you figure the right length you could always reinforce the contact points with a metal corner brace or something. I wish @SteppsbyWildEdgeInc would go ahead and give us a sneak peak at his platform and it would be good enough we could scrap the plywood idea. That way we could focus on other important issues like how to climb 30 feet with a paper clip two rubber bands and some paracord. Without breaking a sweat.