New Platform Finished- Predator clone

[TeamCanada]

Weighs in at 4lbs 3oz.
Using standard cam strap for now. May change to some sort of versa strap in future.
Parts list:
1/4”x3/4”x12’ aluminum flatbar
3/8”x3/4”x6” aluminum flatbar
1 1/4” square tubing x9”
1 1/2”x6” aluminum sheet 1/4” thickness
3/8” x 2 1/2” x 2 bolts with washers and lock nuts
5/16” x 2” bolt with washers and lock nut
1/4-20 x 1 1/2” machine screw with 2 standard nuts
Cam strap
Paint
12’ paracord
1/

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

Just a question: teeth? Doesn’t look like it has any. Is that on purpose?
Follow up question: why the disclaimer? Guys on here call their DIY stuff “clones” all the time. Just call this a Predator “clone” or something like that. Don’t be afraid to admit the clearly purposeful similarities. Tethrd has based pretty much all its products off of cloned ideas and hybridization; look for posts from their guys and you’ll see diy clones by them before Tethrd was started. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, and I don’t think Tethrd is worried about the “purely coincidental” (which is purely false) similarities in the least. I think you should be proud of cloning one of the best pieces of saddle gear out there. I’m 99% sure Tethrd is proud you tried.
Anyway, great welding, and great eye for symmetry! Good luck with this in the tree, hope you shoot a toad out of it.

 

[Bwhana]

No disclaimer is necessary, imitation is the best flattery. You can DIY all you want but cannot and should not sell them. Nice work on the build though.

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[PaTrout1]

No disclaimer is necessary, imitation is the best flattery. You can DIY all you want but cannot and should not sell them. Nice work on the build though.

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk

Unless theres a patent on it, selling an "aftermarket" is completely ok. It's done all the time. I wouldnt have job if that were the case. I'm in the business of selling aftermarket auto parts that in some cases are indistinguishable from the OE. The OE always has an advantage though because they did it first, have the bugs worked out and the efficiencies and volume purchasing power. I'm guessing a DIY exact knockoff would be 2-3x the amount of $$ if they were really trying to start a business. Just sayin.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[TeamCanada]

Didn't put any teeth on it because I'm guessing they are just superficial. I think the edges it does have on the tree side should be plenty when my weight is applied. Seems like half the teeth on my stands don't touch the tree unless it is a perfect fit anyway.
The best way I could think to design teeth was a bit complex and would add a touch of weight as well. That being said if I'm wrong and do find teeth are necessary I will add them.

The disclaimer in the title was just a bit of dry humor on my part.

 

[EricS]

The teeth help it grim the tree as you are camming it over. That pulls the whole thing down making the strap even tighter. You may or may not find it necessary.

 

[mattsteg]

If you find that you want them..
Maybe weld some spikes on the back.

 

[EricS]

Possibly just use just the welder to make the teeth.

 

[celestialproduct]

If you find that teeth are necessary, would welding a short flat bar to make a "L" shape work? Keep it contoured with the back of the platform of course. That way the horizontal would grip the tree to pull the platform down and out as you stand on top when caming over?

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[TeamCanada]

Ya I think that would definitely work especially with shallow teeth as long as I left enough material for a strong weld.

 

[TeamCanada]

First hunt with new saddle and platform filmed my brother get a nice 8.

 

[TeamCanada]

Ended up adding teeth after a couple unwanted platform shifts. Welded 3/4"x3/8" flat bar on base and upright post and used angle grinder to cut teeth. Added a couple ounces at most. Hopefully fixes the issue.
Had an awesome first saddle season filming my brother shoot his first with a bow Oct 4 then a couple days later I took a doe and finally Nov 18 tagged a nice mature 8 myself. Going to attempt a turkey with saddle and bow when season opens here in a few days.

 

[TeamCanada]

 

[MI_Tom]

Wow, that impressive, great work!