kenn1320
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2015
- Messages
- 2,753
Ok guys, hats off to Dave for his idea to use these parts and BB for sharing his thoughts/ideas. I ordered some parts and have started piecing one together that meets my criteria. I havent tested it yet and as with anything, testing results in evolution. I may end up back where Dave is, although he has changed his design several times in the pursuit of what works for him.
FIrst issue encountered is mismatch fitment of the batwing to the I-beam. Bolting this down tight would induce stress, so Ill round off the corners of the I-beam to eliminate any potential issue.
Im looking for a solid platform and what makes the LW stands solid is the ability to cam action the platform to lock them to the tree. Playing with other platforms, its obvious using the ears of the platform to cam lock makes them solid! I accomplished this by mounting a batwing to the platform. I believe the threaded adjuster on the xop seat is metric, but I didnt have metric, so used a 5/16-24 bolt. I used a 3/8 coupling nut as a spacer and welded a 1/4-20 allen bolt to the head of the 5/16 bolt to facilitate mounting the batwing. This ensures when the platform is rotated down, the batwing sticks out further than the I-beam. This also applies the cam action forces directly to the batwing, eliminating any stress on the I-beam. Part of the problem with other platforms using these type seats was denting of the main tube. If this works well, I might have an aluminum 3/4" solid round bar stock cut to 1 7/8 long and drilled/tapped to accept the proper thread on each end. This will reduce weight and add additional stiffness given its larger foot print on the mating parts.
Since I had bending issues using the seat as intended(using bolt stop) on previous attempt at a platform, I will stick with Daves idea of using a rope to help support my weight. Im currently using 550 paracord which ironically gets its name based on its strength of 550lbs. Yes knots reduce its strenght and I may end up using something heavier after testing, but I had it and used it. More pics of that will get added when I put it on a tree. I like the LW cam buckle strap for quick and easy attachment and adjustment, not sure if I will use 2 for this or just 1 and use a whoopie sling for the platform cam over. Whoopie slings are so light its crazy, but they do require some adjustment that may not be easy in the dark or close to bedding.
I also found that while not perfect, my Hawk sticks stack exceptionally well on this platform and will be how I transport this system. I used 1 LW cam buckle strap to lock the platform to the I-beam and then 1 raptor strap to connect the sticks to the platform. No modifications or velcro added and it passes my shake test. In the interest of stealth I will fit some velcro at key contact points like I did on my sticks.
FIrst issue encountered is mismatch fitment of the batwing to the I-beam. Bolting this down tight would induce stress, so Ill round off the corners of the I-beam to eliminate any potential issue.
Im looking for a solid platform and what makes the LW stands solid is the ability to cam action the platform to lock them to the tree. Playing with other platforms, its obvious using the ears of the platform to cam lock makes them solid! I accomplished this by mounting a batwing to the platform. I believe the threaded adjuster on the xop seat is metric, but I didnt have metric, so used a 5/16-24 bolt. I used a 3/8 coupling nut as a spacer and welded a 1/4-20 allen bolt to the head of the 5/16 bolt to facilitate mounting the batwing. This ensures when the platform is rotated down, the batwing sticks out further than the I-beam. This also applies the cam action forces directly to the batwing, eliminating any stress on the I-beam. Part of the problem with other platforms using these type seats was denting of the main tube. If this works well, I might have an aluminum 3/4" solid round bar stock cut to 1 7/8 long and drilled/tapped to accept the proper thread on each end. This will reduce weight and add additional stiffness given its larger foot print on the mating parts.
Since I had bending issues using the seat as intended(using bolt stop) on previous attempt at a platform, I will stick with Daves idea of using a rope to help support my weight. Im currently using 550 paracord which ironically gets its name based on its strength of 550lbs. Yes knots reduce its strenght and I may end up using something heavier after testing, but I had it and used it. More pics of that will get added when I put it on a tree. I like the LW cam buckle strap for quick and easy attachment and adjustment, not sure if I will use 2 for this or just 1 and use a whoopie sling for the platform cam over. Whoopie slings are so light its crazy, but they do require some adjustment that may not be easy in the dark or close to bedding.
I also found that while not perfect, my Hawk sticks stack exceptionally well on this platform and will be how I transport this system. I used 1 LW cam buckle strap to lock the platform to the I-beam and then 1 raptor strap to connect the sticks to the platform. No modifications or velcro added and it passes my shake test. In the interest of stealth I will fit some velcro at key contact points like I did on my sticks.
