DIY Platform (2.5lbs w/strap)

[Ghilie]

Welding cast aluminum is super sketchy long and short term FYI. I'm mostly a lurker on here but I can't help but offer professional advice on this.

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Can you elaborate on sketchy? Sketchy health wise? Sketchy for the integrity of the weld? I'm a total novice welder.

 

[Ghilie]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! Glad everyone thinks the platform is sweet (minus the buckle!).

 

[T.Clarke]

Something worth noting is that your welds are actually at the most stressed parts of any platform. Be extra careful while testing this, stay tied off and use it repeatedly at ground level before using it at hunting height.

 

[Ghilie]

Something worth noting is that your welds are actually at the most stressed parts of any platform. Be extra careful while testing this, stay tied off and use it repeatedly at ground level before using it at hunting height.

I test welded several cut off pieces of cast (from the stand) to 6061 with 5356 filler before finalizing the platform. A vice and a hammer yielded plastic deformation on the test pieces, but no cracking or failure of the welds. I actually used 1x1 .125" angle before I switched to the 1x1 .25" angle. There was just too much flex in the platform which prompted the thicker brackets, however even the .125" angle did not crack or deform after lots of stress testing.

 

[DanielB89]

I understand that it is not the intended design of the buckle and it likely is the fail point. I'm being safe about it and only stepping on and off the platform while still tethered. However, to push innovation someone has to try something to get away from that dreaded (for me) cam buckle.

I love the idea of using an amsteel rope mod, but the platform just isn't solid that way. I'd be open to any other ideas you guys have!

by all means, please search for advancements. But, regard your life as more important than advancements. Be sure your top step is within reach of your platform. I don't want you to be hanging there should the buckle snap.

 

[Ghilie]

by all means, please search for advancements. But, regard your life as more important than advancements. Be sure your top step is within reach of your platform. I don't want you to be hanging there should the buckle snap.

I genuinely appreciate all of the concern. You're a bunch of good dudes on here.

I always clip on to my tether before ascending to the platform and maintain the lineman belt until my tether is just right. My last step is always quite close to where I hang my platform.

I'll be totally transparent and report on any failures this platform incurs during the season.

 

[Patriot38]

by all means, please search for advancements. But, regard your life as more important than advancements. Be sure your top step is within reach of your platform. I don't want you to be hanging there should the buckle snap.

Great advice, I almost learned this lesson the hard way over the weekend when my platform unexpectedly fell down a foot or so.

On the build...sweet platform! It looks great

 

[HappyChappy]

Very impressive! Yeah I might would keep a close eye on that buckle, but great job on the platform!!

 

[Tapeworm]

Yes. That buckle is not designed for the kind of loads that will be placed on the platform. It looks dangerous to me.
The platform looks nice.

Per Tethrd the T-hooks aren’t rated for life safety



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[Labonte.r]

It’s a great start for sure I agree with others and would ditch that buckle immediately and another stress point I see is on your offset bracket. Because it’s on opposite side of stick it’s going to put all the stress directly around that small section around bolt and not disperse it into the stick at all.

 

[Ghilie]

Update - I've used the no buckle method this past week. Shot one doe out of it to date. So far so good. I have no worries of the friction hitch slipping. It does take a bit more effort to get the platform cammed over, but it can be done.