LooyvilleLarry's XOP Platform - Solid Alum

[LooyvilleLarry]

So, I'm a bit larger that others here (I've had more time to accumulate it too ) and like solid things.
So I took a piece of 1.25 sq (1' L ) 6061 and milled out some of the less stressful areas.

I may come back and mill out some more at the end of the season, but for now, its done.

I have LoneWolf brackets 'cuz thats what I had handy. Amsteel 5/16 woopie sling ( and an extension piece for larger trees). All in, 4.3 lbs.

I'll paint it up and quiet it down in the next day or so.
Enjoy, and be safe.

 

[LooyvilleLarry]

This should do it. wrapped in some ASAT felt and I'll hit it with water repellant next week. The edges, I put hockey tape, need to get some grip tape for the top. I've left the option for a versabutton in the middle , we'll see how this works.

 

[JWS]

I never tried lone wolf brackets but did try a similar steel bracket off a tree stand and it bent. Think i read someone on here (maybe Davet) had lw stick brackets bend on them that's why people use the 6 point bracket from xop.

 

[LooyvilleLarry]

the XOP brackets are on order.. Thanks JWS.

 

[kenn1320]

Nice, but you can take a lot more weight out of it

 

[LooyvilleLarry]

Nice, but you can take a lot more weight out of it

I am thinking that basically all the way from the top/bottom to the tree bracket can be "I-Framed". probably end up around 4# I'd guess. I wish I'd weighed the piece before milling, but such is life.

 

[kenn1320]

You could slot holes clean through as well. Bowhunter15 could run an analysis on it

 

[LooyvilleLarry]

First Hunt Report : It did very nicely. I do wish I'd put the seat down a little more. At the end of the weekend (15 hours in the tree in 2 days ) the platform developed a creak. Its either the position "button screw" or where the XOP brackets attach to the main (literally got those in 10 min before leaving). Other than that, I can tell you it's plenty strong, and made those long days much more manageable!