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Platform idea, anyone done it?

Darralld

Darralld

New Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2018
Messages
39
Location
Oklahoma
Has anyone made a platform that would slide into or over the square tubing of the climbing sticks that is exposed at the top? I think that would be a really good idea for someone that has welding skills.
 
I can recall seeing 2 different members who have explored this option.
 
A few design issues to be addressed with a proper Stickform would include minimizing stresses to the stick, and increased safety when side loading, as well as a few miscellaneous concerns . From what has been shared already, we have seen increased stress to a single tube design and bending when the platform is mounted to the top most portion. We have seen a design which uses a dual tube with increased spacing, which gives added stability. As always a concern would be mounting and lashing options, along with navigating onto the platform once set in place. The single tube design could benefit from the use of a milled stick. Where a dual tube is used, I would see backlash concerning packability.
 
Darralld said:
Has anyone made a platform that would slide into or over the square tubing of the climbing sticks that is exposed at the top? I think that would be a really good idea for someone that has welding skills.
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Is this something like you were thinking?
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Ya several of us tried it...stick bends like crazy just pushing with hand.
 
zer0 said:
@Xchaos
What material is that stick made from?
I'm baffled!
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It's a lone wolf stick and a tree seat (I think gorilla alluminum)that I had, the post that came with the seat fits over the lone wolf stick and I use a ratchet strap that came with the seat on the seat and haven't bent my stick yet. Been using this setup for about the past 5 years.

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Omitted lashing for the seat in the picture is what threw me for a loop.
 
zer0 said:
A few design issues to be addressed with a proper Stickform would include minimizing stresses to the stick, and increased safety when side loading, as well as a few miscellaneous concerns . From what has been shared already, we have seen increased stress to a single tube design and bending when the platform is mounted to the top most portion. We have seen a design which uses a dual tube with increased spacing, which gives added stability. As always a concern would be mounting and lashing options, along with navigating onto the platform once set in place. The single tube design could benefit from the use of a milled stick. Where a dual tube is used, I would see backlash concerning packability.
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If the platform had a strap that went around the tree I don't see how it would be any more stress than putting another climbing stick on top of it.
 
zer0 said:
Omitted lashing for the seat in the picture is what threw me for a loop.
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Sorry, yeah the strap for the seat isn't on it, I carry it in separate. It has loops that they connect to.
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Sooooo I still have the platform part of my first predator platform. One of the wings are broken off, but I'm toying with the idea of sawing the other one off and making a stickform.

Thoughts? Concerns? I know the post will have to be reinforced to keep the leveling bolt from crushing it. Do we think the leverage created by standing on the platform will be an issue?
 
That double tube makes this very interesting! The sleeve if you will, reinforces the sticks tube and with the strap around it that protects from pulling away from tree. Pretty cool
 
Travislsullivan said:
I may have to acquire some parts to give this a try. Looks like a winner to me
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I saw the same seat different maker at rural king a couple weaks ago. I think it is made by hawk now.

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How is it transferring from the stick steps up to platform? Since most of us have to put platform off to the side to step into it.


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Aeds151 said:
How is it transferring from the stick steps up to platform? Since most of us have to put platform off to the side to step into it.


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Yep. I really don't see how this design would be user friendly. Picture it...you are standing on the stick with the platform already attached to the stick?? How does that work? Or would the platform attach to the stick AFTER the stick is set? Either way, the platform blocks your climbing space.
I've been hanging platforms for over 35 years (using mostly screw in steps, but the concept is the same)...the platform needs to be at a 30 degree (or so) angle to the climbing space.
I cant tell you how many times over the years that I planned my climb route up the tree and screwed in a dozen steps, only to find out there is something about the tree (a knot or whatever) that prohibits where I planned to set the stand and the only place the stand could firmly set is directly above the last couple steps... and then steps need relocated.
A platform located directly over the climb space doesn't work.
 
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XChaos, I can see how this would help reduce bending, but you have added extra tube, extra strap. What are the benefits you find of this design, since you have been doing it for 5yrs. As I see it your only 2 V brackets away from a separate platform and stick. As Tom mentioned, climbing up and around the platform is not ideal, challenging for most.
 
I have a platform on top of a stick, and I can step onto it with no issue. I also climbe with a lineman’s belt that I keep taught and lean back into, so I have the support necessary to do so.

Two things come into play - you can’t have spacing between the step and top of platform at the upper limits of your stride, and the platform can not be super deep. However, in making this platform, I addressed both of those issues and still have enough room to be comfortable.

I’m not a platform guy through and through. But it is possible and functional.

The bigger issue in my mind is attachment and stabilization. I’m still working through making that 100% functional and efficient.
 
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