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My platform prototype

B

Bradymakesstuff

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2019
Messages
40
Hey guys, just got my saddle last week, and so I found some time to finish my first platform prototype. This is cut from 3/8" aluminum. I'm using a buckle from Dano-o, and it has the familiar camming action. It gets rock solid on the tree, I think I will play a bit with the attachment point to make it easier to set.
Hanging from my mantis, I'm able to easily pivot and swing around the tree. The rounded wings give me a good place to push off no matter the angle of my body. It has a leveling screw on the bottom to adjust level on the tree.
Some improvements I think I will make for next gen:
1. I think I will make the top bracket straight so the platform can be angled on the tree.
2. It's a bit heavy still at 4 lbs 10 oz. I think the next gen will be thicker material but with bigger cutouts. I think I can get it down around 3.

I'd like to hear what you guys think. I'm a newb to saddle hunting so any feedback is welcome.IMG_20190627_120055_resize_64.jpgIMG_20190627_115928_resize_58.jpgIMG_20190627_115910_resize_65.jpgIMG_20190627_115905_resize_79.jpg
 

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Bradymakesstuff said:
Hey guys, just got my saddle last week, and so I found some time to finish my first platform prototype. This is cut from 3/8" aluminum. I'm using a buckle from Dano-o, and it has the familiar camming action. It gets rock solid on the tree, I think I will play a bit with the attachment point to make it easier to set.
Hanging from my mantis, I'm able to easily pivot and swing around the tree. The rounded wings give me a good place to push off no matter the angle of my body. It has a leveling screw on the bottom to adjust level on the tree.
Some improvements I think I will make for next gen:
1. I think I will make the top bracket straight so the platform can be angled on the tree.
2. It's a bit heavy still at 4 lbs 10 oz. I think the next gen will be thicker material but with bigger cutouts. I think I can get it down around 3.

I'd like to hear what you guys think. I'm a newb to saddle hunting so any feedback is welcome.View attachment 13015View attachment 13016View attachment 13017View attachment 13018
Click to expand...
Very nice job, how did you cut aluminum?
 
Nice man, looks great! I'm building one right now that is very similar. I ended up using 1/2" plate aluminum. I'm having a problem with its weight also. Trying to cut another 1 lb out of mine.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
Sorry I overcompressed the pictures. This one might show it better. I've just girth hitched the strap below a bolt drilled through the upright. IMG_20190627_115905_compress17_resize_56.jpg
 
I'm sorry, I didn't read your question well. It's welded to the top bracket, bottom bracket has two welded tabs and a 3/8" grade 8 bolt through the tubw that it pivots on.
 
Looks nice! My on concern would be the round side might get slippery. Just wondering if you need nobs or ridges so if you are hanging from the side your boot doesn't slip around the platform. Not sure if it will or not but it feels like there is a possibility.
 
Weldabeast said:
Use the correct process....the lower 2 tabs will 100% need preheat even if you have a 400 amp machine.
Click to expand...
Don't really want to start a welding argument, but I've been making a living doing metal fabrication for ten years now. I wouldn't call myself an aluminum welding expert, but I've never seen the need to preheat aluminum this size. I'm running a Syncrowave 351 on 250 amps with the balance at about 75% and just run more heat into the larger piece. Beveled the parts and make multiple passes. I haven't run into any problems with cracking. Am I missing something?
 
Gamover06 said:
Looks nice! My on concern would be the round side might get slippery. Just wondering if you need nobs or ridges so if you are hanging from the side your boot doesn't slip around the platform. Not sure if it will or not but it feels like there is a possibility.
Click to expand...
Yes, this will be something I will be looking out for as I test it more. So far I haven't been able to make myself slip on it.
 
I'm not trying to argue.....you asked what people thought. I've made enough different platforms to know those tabs are the failure point. They see lots of stress. Without some preheat you'll get cold starts. If your root pass dosent have full penetration it doesn't matter how many passes you put over it. That's why the ones companies are selling have those pivot tabs cast in to the platform. I am just trying to help you out....you're the one who'll be standing on it.
 
Weldabeast said:
I'm not trying to argue.....you asked what people thought. I've made enough different platforms to know those tabs are the failure point. They see lots of stress. Without some preheat you'll get cold starts. If your root pass dosent have full penetration it doesn't matter how many passes you put over it. That's why the ones companies are selling have those pivot tabs cast in to the platform. I am just trying to help you out....you're the one who'll be standing on it.
Click to expand...


I appreciate the feedback for sure. I can see where they would be the fail point. I'm pretty confident in the penetration I'm getting as I've tested these joints in similar thicknesses in the past. In my experience cleaning and weld prep as well as your balance settings contribute more to penetration than preheating does.
That said, I do agree that they are the weak point. I think in the next prototype I will be making that tab wider and thicker to provide a more durable connection.
 
Ok...i didnt see it in the OP, but it looks like you read my mind...I was thinking last year how i would like a platform that would also double as a "tree seat" at the base of a tree for ground hunting. Kinda looks like perfect place to set my rump lol
 
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