Can you tell me where you sourced the solid aluminum insert for the platform bolt? I just ordered all the parts from eastern woods outdoors.Some parts came tonight so even though it’s dark outside, I had to try it out.
My first platform! I jumped up on it and it held all 225#s of me without a problem.
Tube is 9” 1.25” square with a solid aluminum insert at the platform bolt. Using a 6” dyneema runner on the one side with a carabiner connected to a Lone Wolf strap. It cammed right over once I found the sweet spot.
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Hey Camacho, welcome to the forums!Well, this thread sold me on the idea. Any guidance on drilling? I don’t have a drill press, but I do have a vice.
Also like the quick release pin idea for mounting the platform to the tube. Any tips on best source?
Finally, for those putting solid aluminum in the tube where the platform bolt goes through. . .how are you doing that?
Get yourself a drill guide off Amazon. Like $30 and will help immensely. Or just build one. Measure 10 times, drill once. Since it's aluminum you get the hole offset just a fraction and you gotta start all over.Well, this thread sold me on the idea. Any guidance on drilling? I don’t have a drill press, but I do have a vice.
Also like the quick release pin idea for mounting the platform to the tube. Any tips on best source?
Finally, for those putting solid aluminum in the tube where the platform bolt goes through. . .how are you doing that?
Awesome! I’m 180’s so that saves me a step. I’ll forego the insert. And I think I found a 5/16 3” quick release pin that will work. Thanks for the reply, and thanks for the quick turn on my order! Your website is great.Hey Camacho, welcome to the forums!
Drilling: I basically put the brackets/standoffs near the end and marked for drilling. The hole is about 5/8" - 3/4" from the end. For the platform bolt, dry fit the platform and extend it to deployed position. Put it about dead center top to bottom and then mark the hole. No drill press necessary, but it does make it easier to get the holes centered on the tube. You could mark each hole and drill from both sides with a hand drill too.
I must have picked up that pin locally at Tractor Supply or something. I'll see if I can source some more just to have on hand.
I only put aluminum inserts in my first platform build and didn't use them on my next 3 builds. I don't think they are necessary unless you are on the larger side (300 and up). I haven't had any issues with mine that don't have inserts. My machinist can custom make these or you can pick up scrap aluminum from a fab shop or purchase from Online Metals and cut them to size with a chop saw / table saw.
That’s what I needed, Thanks. Yeah I was hesitant about screwing it up.Get yourself a drill guide off Amazon. Like $30 and will help immensely. Or just build one. Measure 10 times, drill once. Since it's aluminum you get the hole offset just a fraction and you gotta start all over.
McMaster Carr has a pretty extensive catalog, I'll bet they'll have a pin that fits your needs.
I don't know about solid aluminum but any metal store or online will have it. I didn't use it in mine and I weigh 230lbs, never had an issue.
You want the surface of the platform centered. Post up pics of your build when done!Awesome! I’m 180’s so that saves me a step. I’ll forego the insert. And I think I found a 5/16 3” quick release pin that will work. Thanks for the reply, and thanks for the quick turn on my order! Your website is great.
Do I want the hole dead center (top to bottom) or the surface of the platform?
Got a picture?I just finished my build and followed the recommendations in this thread but I still seem to be getting a bit of separation by the upper bracket when I apply weight. It isn’t much. Less than 1/2” but still concerned me. Is this normal?
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I just finished my build and followed the recommendations in this thread but I still seem to be getting a bit of separation by the upper bracket when I apply weight. It isn’t much. Less than 1/2” but still concerned me. Is this normal?
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Correct. The top bracket is separating from the tree 1/4-1/2” when I stand on it. I don’t think it’s unsafe and seems stable under side load. I was just checking to see if this is normal.
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Same as @GCTerpfan I am able to get mine tight without any separation. I've used XOP 6-point standoffs, LW batwing standoffs (not a fan), and my EWO standoffs which all seem like they would be better choices than the API standoffs you have. Not sure if those are preventing a better cam over because they put the platform farther away from the tree.