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Lone Wolf Saddle and Platform????

Gentleman,

I am currently in the process of developing a full customizable conventional hang-on in the LW and XOP design that would have interchangeable component parts (post, seat/saddle platform, trad platform) I am also developing sticks that can be customized based on the hunters individual height and spacing between steps. I have an engineer doing platform design and I am currently sourcing aluminum casting manufacturers and actively considering materials and process that could be used in the near future (3d printing new composite technologies, etc.) I am not an engineer. I am a CPA. Let me know if I can help in any way or if any of you would be willing to use my prototypes and offer suggestions as to optimal variable post lengths for stick and platform applications.

I'd love to give feedback on prototypes.
 
@bowhunter15 are you willing to CAD us up a version of the old LW seat with the built in tree bracket? We'll then find someone to cast it and do a low volume run.

Let's get this train moving.
 
The current design, we are developing, includes a hexagonal bar stock post with two and possibly three independent platforms. I thought my friend and I could whip a custom platform design in a couple hours. It is certainly not as easy as I had originally anticipated and I had to go ahead and order an Ernie XOP platform kit in order to be able to hunt with this year.
 
it's optimal because the seat/platform cam locks to the tree with the built in bracket.

With the design most of us are using, there is a bit of fiddle factor getting just the right amount of pressure on the rope before camming the seat over.

The old LW seat takes that out of the equation. You simply tighten the strap as much as you can and use the camming action of the seat to set it. It reduces time to install.

I show the process most of us are currently using here.
 
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@bowhunter15 are you willing to CAD us up a version of the old LW seat with the built in tree bracket? We'll then find someone to cast it and do a low volume run.

Let's get this train moving.
I can do CAD. I wouldn't want to machine out of my garage unless you guys would be willing to shell out like $300 each lol. But finding a low volume investment caster could work. If anyone would be able to send me one of the seats I could replicate it almost to a T. Otherwise I'm just guessing on dimensions based on pictures.

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I will ask the Engineer. Why is the Old Lone Wolf seat optimal? Does anyone have any suggestions on improvement on this design?
I don't know that it's sturdier or more prone to kick-outs than the XOP style kit. But it is faster and easier to setup. It's basically a Lone Wolf Assassin platform without the unnecessary bulk and weight.

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it's optimal because the seat/platform cam locks to the tree with the built in bracket.

With the design most of us are using, there is a bit of fiddle factor getting just the right amount of pressure on the rope before camming the seat over.

The old LW seat takes that out of the equation. You simply tighten the strap as much as you can and use the camming action of the seat to set it. It reduces time to install.

I show the process most of us are currently using here.
I think there would also be a demand for a slightly larger platform. Similar in size to the XOP, but cam locks to the tree. Resulting in something just under 4 lbs vs a LW seat that is under 3. But yes, cam lock is the end goal.

It would also be nice to have an adjustment bolt similar to the Assassin for leveling.

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Ok, we're moving.

@bowhunter15 is going to do the CAD.
@BassBoysLLP - can you mail a spare seat, or at least measure everything out for him?

Last thing we need is someone to handle the production. Who's good for that? I don't mind doing it, but I don't know jack about machining or casting.
 
Ok, we're moving.

@bowhunter15 is going to do the CAD.
@BassBoysLLP - can you mail a spare seat, or at least measure everything out for him?

Last thing we need is someone to handle the production. Who's good for that? I don't mind doing it, but I don't know jack about machining or casting.
I'll send a seat. @bowhunter15 sent you a message on FB messenger requesting address

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I have three key features that would address the issues I face with our homemade kits and any other platform option (not steps).

The platform needs to be on top of the post, or really close to it.

The back edge of the platform needs to be spacious, and close to the tree as possible (the usable space needs to butt up against the treeV or whatever edge will be close to the tree, and narrow as it moves away from the tree - the opposite of everything available)

Whatever mechanism attaches the platform to the tree is independent of the portion you put your feet on (ropes, whoopies, cam buckle straps, etc).

The big drawback to the XOP seat platforms is that your toes are 6-8" from the tree, or hanging off the platform to be next to the tree. I'm a leaner, and tall, and this puts me way away from the tree.

I also don't like anything on top of the platform that interferes with me moving my feet - being on top of whatever connection would be ideal.


I am in for whatever way I can help. I've got a couple ideas in the hopper right now that hopefully address the three issues above.


A 6 year old can do a sand casting for aluminum in their kitchen. We do need an ME to figure out the actual pouring, metallurgy, etc.


We are probably looking at several thousand dollars to have a casting done by a real company. My guess is XOP is going to be selling something for us before we get to the finish line. I don't think they're blind to the fact they are selling hundreds of seats that don't break...
 
Treetop Lover , I would be interested in a proto , or what you come up with!

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If we want to do investment casting, I have contacts here in MN. There would be a mold cost, but it would be cheaper than a poured mold. The piece parts would be higher though. It's a trade off. For big volume I'd use a poured mold, for low quantity, investment casting

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I'm new to the forum but have been thinking about a platform design based on the same ideas that you all are discussing. If you want feet closer to the tree the "seat" part could be wider and with a gap where the riser tube would cross through when you cam lock the seat over. This would put your feet with the bar in between them.The seats are tapered at that part where they wouldn't need to be. I'm not sure if this is clear or not.


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Gentleman,

I am currently in the process of developing a full customizable conventional hang-on in the LW and XOP design that would have interchangeable component parts (post, seat/saddle platform, trad platform) I am also developing sticks that can be customized based on the hunters individual height and spacing between steps. I have an engineer doing platform design and I am currently sourcing aluminum casting manufacturers and actively considering materials and process that could be used in the near future (3d printing new composite technologies, etc.) I am not an engineer. I am a CPA. Let me know if I can help in any way or if any of you would be willing to use my prototypes and offer suggestions as to optimal variable post lengths for stick and platform applications.

I would love to give feed back on prototypes and help in anyway I can.


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I think the Lone Wolf hand climber platform is the perfect size. It just needs the mounting holes added for the post.
 
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