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My new saddle DIY

Benny8

Benny8

New Member
SH Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2019
Messages
35
Location
New Hampshire
Hey everyone. I recently made my wife and I a couple saddles. Hers was a pleated saddle and mine was a phantom clone. We recently tried them out at ground level and my wife really likes hers. I like mine ok, but I'm a chubby fella and I felt if I could get it to not hammock my hind end more, it might be more comfortable. So, I set out to make a saddle that utilizes a pc of plywood for the part under my keister. I saw a thread on here where someone had made one similiar to a JX3. Well, I purchased a pack frame off Sportsmans guide for $6.74. I scavenged some back pack straps off an old backpack. I purchased some 800lb tie downs and some parachute buckles(?). This is the mock up so far. Straps will go under the seat and up thru slots in the plywood. These will allow me to adjust with the tie down buckles. There will also be an adjustable strap that will go from the bridge buckles, around the back of the pack frame. We'll see how it works.saddle.jpg
 
If you are going that route, add an extension that goes between your legs out toward the tree, to keep your knees off the tree, similar to the JX3
No knee pads required then, and only a ROS for your feet.
 
JC3 said:
If you are going that route, add an extension that goes between your legs out toward the tree, to keep your knees off the tree, similar to the JX3
No knee pads required then, and only a ROS for your feet.
Click to expand...
Thank you JC3. I'm going to try it out this weekend and see if I need the extension.
 
I've got a couple of MOLLE packs and have thought about doing the same. Please keep us updated!
 
Putting the finishing touches on my saddle. Took some ideas from the JX3 but went with a smaller "seat" under my hind end. I like the Phantom Clone I made except for the bridge cutting into my gut and feeling like I was being folded into a taco. I used a half inch thick piece of oak plywood for my seat and the cargo straps make it so there is no pinch and tacoing. I added a couple pieces of EVA foam to the seat for comfort. I can lean with it and I can sit with it. Yesterday I worked on climbing up one stick high and attaching the platform. Very happy with the way it has turned out. Now hopefully I can utilize it with the wife and be more versatile.
jx3 1.jpgjx3 2.jpgjx3 3.jpg
jx3 4.jpg
 
I started on a similar concept a couple years ago, but have been lacking motivation to finish. Instead of wood, I used PVC for the seat and heated it up to form the side ends up. I also bought a foam cushion and some canvas to sew the cushion in, but I haven't gotten around to doing a final assembly. I epoxied in a nut to thread on some all thread rod with a fork welded on to be the adjustable hold off. I've done test fit ups but need to work out how to attach the molle frame. I also want to be able to flip the seat around and attach it backwards to make it a frame pack for hauling quarters out of the woods.

Do you have a link to where you purchased those parachute buckles?

I like the concept of the JX3, but don't like the size/width and weight of it.

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sureshot said:
I started on a similar concept a couple years ago, but have been lacking motivation to finish. Instead of wood, I used PVC for the seat and heated it up to form the side ends up. I also bought a foam cushion and some canvas to sew the cushion in, but I haven't gotten around to doing a final assembly. I epoxied in a nut to thread on some all thread rod with a fork welded on to be the adjustable hold off. I've done test fit ups but need to work out how to attach the molle frame. I also want to be able to flip the seat around and attach it backwards to make it a frame pack for hauling quarters out of the woods.

Do you have a link to where you purchased those parachute buckles?

I like the concept of the JX3, but don't like the size/width and weight of it.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
This seat flips and can be attached to the Molle slots. The parachute buckles I found on Ebay.
 
Benny
Attach a piece of material to the bottom side of the seat, so it comes out between your legs.
Make it long enough, so that when the stick touches the tree, there is room for your legs.
It will eliminate the knee pads and platform, only need a ROS.
Then you we be very close to the JX3
 
Benny8 said:
This seat flips and can be attached to the Molle slots. The parachute buckles I found on Ebay.
Click to expand...
Do you have a link for the buckles on ebay, or was it a one off sale part and not a stocked part at a store? When I search ebay, I can't find anything similar to what you have.

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JC3 said:
Benny
Attach a piece of material to the bottom side of the seat, so it comes out between your legs.
Make it long enough, so that when the stick touches the tree, there is room for your legs.
It will eliminate the knee pads and platform, only need a ROS.
Then you we be very close to the JX3
Click to expand...
Thanks bud. My seat is really small compared to the JX3. I made it that way so I can stand and lean or sit with knee pads.

sureshot said:
Do you have a link for the buckles on ebay, or was it a one off sale part and not a stocked part at a store? When I search ebay, I can't find anything similar to what you have.

Sent from my SM-G973U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
www.ebay.com

Parachute Harness D-ring PS22046-2 Bourdon Forge 5000lbs Proof Tested Phosphate | eBay

Military spec. hot forged alloy steel. Condition is New. Will fit up to 1-3/4" Wide Webbing.
www.ebay.com
try this link
 
Here's my concept. I need to figure out my straps, die the pvc green/brown/gray, sew the canvas to hold the cushion in place, and weld my fork onto the threaded rod.
d435c20b9d0a5ec67c28d78d0d000b33.jpg


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What is the tan strap with the orange end doing on yours and where is it going to?

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sureshot said:
What is the tan strap with the orange end doing on yours and where is it going to?

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Click to expand...

Sureshot-the tan strap is my waist belt. The Orange strap is tubular webbing over another tan strap attached to a black 1.5" cargo strap that goes around the back of the molle frame. The orange strap folds over itself and is used with my linesman belt.

Nosaj said:
That really looks like it fits you well and allows for a wide range of movement.
Click to expand...
Thanks Nosaj! It does allow quite a bit of motion. Not quite as much as my Phantom clone, but a lot more than a tree stand. Where you out of? I'm in Lempster.
 
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