Robert
Active Member
I realize that I could purchase a WE perch, or a Tether'd platform and be very happy. But I like to design and build things, and I recently got the opportunity to do so. I work at a waterjet and machine shop. My boss said he would be willing to let me run a piece or two on the waterjet if I came up with the mechanical drawing and specs.
The relevant stock we have is 1/4", 1/2", and 1" extruded 6061 aluminum sheets, along with various tool steels and foam products. Ordering a different thickness would be out of the question, as our orders are measured by the truckload. I think the 1'' 6061 aluminum sheets are about $650 for a 4x8, even with the volume we purchase, so I will likely make a small piece that's great for long walk in, hang and hunt situations. Currently I climb with WE steps and use 2-4 steps as a platform, and my only real complaint is foot comfort, as I seem to always rest my feet on a very small portion of the step.
A hang on platform would likely solve my foot discomfort, and a climbing platform along the lines of the modified top portion of a climbing stand would add versatility to my climbing methods because of the straight, nearly branchless creek bottom sycamores I tend to frequent in my hunting area in addition to providing a platform for when at hunting height.
What options should I consider for my design/build? I was thinking I could make one of the following, listed in order of increasing difficulty to build:
-A platform that snugs into a Wild Edge step, much like the WE perch platform, but likely larger
-A stand alone platform similar to Tether'd's
-A climbing foot platform along the lines of the Lone Wolf hand climber platforms I've read some guys modify from a climbing stand.
Thanks in advance for the help!
The relevant stock we have is 1/4", 1/2", and 1" extruded 6061 aluminum sheets, along with various tool steels and foam products. Ordering a different thickness would be out of the question, as our orders are measured by the truckload. I think the 1'' 6061 aluminum sheets are about $650 for a 4x8, even with the volume we purchase, so I will likely make a small piece that's great for long walk in, hang and hunt situations. Currently I climb with WE steps and use 2-4 steps as a platform, and my only real complaint is foot comfort, as I seem to always rest my feet on a very small portion of the step.
A hang on platform would likely solve my foot discomfort, and a climbing platform along the lines of the modified top portion of a climbing stand would add versatility to my climbing methods because of the straight, nearly branchless creek bottom sycamores I tend to frequent in my hunting area in addition to providing a platform for when at hunting height.
What options should I consider for my design/build? I was thinking I could make one of the following, listed in order of increasing difficulty to build:
-A platform that snugs into a Wild Edge step, much like the WE perch platform, but likely larger
-A stand alone platform similar to Tether'd's
-A climbing foot platform along the lines of the Lone Wolf hand climber platforms I've read some guys modify from a climbing stand.
Thanks in advance for the help!
