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DIY mini platform

dbennett

Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2019
Messages
53
Location
Isabella county, Mi
So the attached PDF is my concept drawing of a mini platform. I've sourced the necessary materials, Platform post and stand offs from DanO, the 6061 aluminum 3" x 3" x 1/4" angle from a local fab shop and the grade 8 bolts from local hardware store. I have $80 into it. I plan to start the project this week. I'll post pic of progress.
 

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A lot of people just put that on the top stick. Why make a whole separate platform with extra hardware, tubing, and tree brackets just to have the same thing?

Not trying to be negative. It’s always good to be inventive, but it seems counterproductive to me with this one


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I agree with @shwacker unless you currently use three climbing sticks and plan to make this your fourth. It would be lighter to use three sticks with the top stick using the platform and a aider combo, but it’s all preference. You already bought the stuff so I would finish the project out. Let us know how you plan to utilize it in your set up and also how it turns out.

I am currently contemplating 3 vs 4 sticks (1 having the mini platform) as well. I won’t know what I like until I try both.
 
A lot of people just put that on the top stick. Why make a whole separate platform with extra hardware, tubing, and tree brackets just to have the same thing?

Not trying to be negative. It’s always good to be inventive, but it seems counterproductive to me with this one


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I like the the extra tubing height above the platform, I feel like it gives me more options for foot work. Just my personal preference.
 
I like the the extra tubing height above the platform, I feel like it gives me more options for foot work. Just my personal preference.

Roger, it would be an easy changeover to a LW seat platform if you don’t like the mini-platform




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I like this, I think the "flatness" of the tree brackets might be an issue. But I am all for the separate platform, you get at least an extra foot or two above your highest step if you set up that way.

Love that DIY spirit!!
 
Roger, it would be an easy changeover to a LW seat platform if you don’t like the mini-platform




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my current set up is 4 LW sticks and a modified Hawk tree seat (post and stand off from DanO), which i like, just a little heavy. I like the size of the mini for packing and weight, but not the limited room. The added foot hold at the top gives me both features I'm looking for, light weight and room for different foot positions. Win win for me.
 
Always pluses and minuses. My LW seat with double step is 3.75lbs. Has the extra foot positioning etc, little more bulky obviously. Foot comfort is your trade off, depends on what a pound is worth to you...


3cb3bb7e230f2a65e363c716896670d2.jpg



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Always pluses and minuses. My LW seat with double step is 3.75lbs. Has the extra foot positioning etc, little more bulky obviously. Foot comfort is your trade off, depends on what a pound is worth to you...


3cb3bb7e230f2a65e363c716896670d2.jpg



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Nice set up. I rarely if ever stand flat footed on my platform. always on the edge, So I feel like I have a lot of additional platform (which translates to weight) that I don't use or need. However I do use the added foot position.
 
Good idea @dbennett.
I tried a few DIY platforms. I climb SRT now so don't carry any sticks. I am now using the Primal step with the aluminum platform on top since it is smallest and fits in my pack. If I was carrying a stick, I would try the simple aluminum platform on top of stick, not the LW one.





 
Personally i hate a platform on top of a stick. If you run one enough on wonky limby trees, you will eventually run into a problem. The stand alone platform is just a more flexible system. We all have our preferences.

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Here's a few pics of my build so far. I haven't put it on a tree yet, I'll try it around lunch time today. I'll let you know how that goes.
 

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Here's a few pics of my build so far. I haven't put it on a tree yet, I'll try it around lunch time today. I'll let you know how that goes.
It looks nice. I was thinking I might try this except with the platform on top. I have some aluminum tubing I bought at at a discount at Lowes that I should use. What type of strap are you going to use?
 
I

It looks nice. I was thinking I might try this except with the platform on top. I have some aluminum tubing I bought at at a discount at Lowes that I should use. What type of strap are you going to use?
I'm going to start with a 1/4" amsteel daisy chain and see how it holds side pressure.
 
Good idea @dbennett.
I tried a few DIY platforms. I climb SRT now so don't carry any sticks. I am now using the Primal step with the aluminum platform on top since it is smallest and fits in my pack. If I was carrying a stick, I would try the simple aluminum platform on top of stick, not the LW one.





That is money right there! I love my primal steps! I use one or two for a platform and a lot of times leave my spurs on. This would allow me to ditch a step
 
Here are some pics on the tree using a 1/4" amsteel daisy chain.. Easy to set and holds good with side pressure. It'll work great with my LW sticks. Ready for paint!
 

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Here are some pics on the tree using a 1/4" amsteel daisy chain.. Easy to set and holds good with side pressure. It'll work great with my LW sticks. Ready for paint!
That'll work. It looks pretty light. How much does it weigh with Amsteel?
 
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