My platform prototype

[Bradymakesstuff]

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

Lol I do make furniture for a living so I guess that comes through whenever I design something.

 

[cmbetke]

This looks awesome!

 

[Bama_Xander]

That’s looks great. Way above my pay grade and skill!

 

[Psomeone]

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

Any chance of posting a dxf, I have access to plasma table would love to try

 

[Bradymakesstuff]

Yea I'll post it later when I'm at my work computer

 

[Psomeone]

Any thoughts on thickness if Steel? Our table cuts better in steel and if it works nice I'll be making several for presets, not lugging for run and gun setup.

 

[Bradymakesstuff]

Any thoughts on thickness if Steel? Our table cuts better in steel and if it works nice I'll be making several for presets, not lugging for run and gun setup.

Sorry, I missed this post, but I would do maybe 1/4" steel. I'm posting from my phone but if you DM me an email address I'll send you the dxf.

 

[Bradymakesstuff]

I finally got around to drilling out and countersinking some more holes in this platform. Got the weight down to 3 lbs 6oz. Hit with some self etching primer, then some rubber coating spray, then a camo paint job. I think she'll hunt.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I am so envious of you guys with skills!

 

[lardy125]

Looks great, man! Kind of hard to tell from your first pics, but are you just using a strap with girth hitches to put it on the tree?

 

[Bradymakesstuff]

Looks great, man! Kind of hard to tell from your first pics, but are you just using a strap with girth hitches to put it on the tree?

That's right, it's a strap and buckle from Dano's website girth hitched to the post.

 

[robertreed711]

I dig that!