SloMo`s DIY Saddle Hunting Platform

[Wesjames]

Is there a reason for mounting your platforms close to the middle of the tubing opposed to mounting flush to the lower offset?

 

[dalton916]

Leverage. I think mounting the scooter platform in the middle is best for camming over as that puts the platform about 2” below, but keeps the leverage centered. If you’re using a strap on a versa button then I think you could go lower.

A shorter post on a cam over platform solves the leverage issue, but it doesn’t solve the profile issue....you’re still going to have some of the tubing and the offset sticking out.

 

[Camacho]

Well, this thread sold me on the idea. Any guidance on drilling? I don’t have a drill press, but I do have a vice.

Also like the quick release pin idea for mounting the platform to the tube. Any tips on best source?

Finally, for those putting solid aluminum in the tube where the platform bolt goes through. . .how are you doing that?

 

[Camacho]

Some parts came tonight so even though it’s dark outside, I had to try it out.

My first platform! I jumped up on it and it held all 225#s of me without a problem.

Tube is 9” 1.25” square with a solid aluminum insert at the platform bolt. Using a 6” dyneema runner on the one side with a carabiner connected to a Lone Wolf strap. It cammed right over once I found the sweet spot.



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Can you tell me where you sourced the solid aluminum insert for the platform bolt? I just ordered all the parts from eastern woods outdoors.

 

[DanO]

Well, this thread sold me on the idea. Any guidance on drilling? I don’t have a drill press, but I do have a vice.

Also like the quick release pin idea for mounting the platform to the tube. Any tips on best source?

Finally, for those putting solid aluminum in the tube where the platform bolt goes through. . .how are you doing that?

Hey Camacho, welcome to the forums!

Drilling: I basically put the brackets/standoffs near the end and marked for drilling. The hole is about 5/8" - 3/4" from the end. For the platform bolt, dry fit the platform and extend it to deployed position. Put it about dead center top to bottom and then mark the hole. No drill press necessary, but it does make it easier to get the holes centered on the tube. You could mark each hole and drill from both sides with a hand drill too.

I must have picked up that pin locally at Tractor Supply or something. I'll see if I can source some more just to have on hand.

I only put aluminum inserts in my first platform build and didn't use them on my next 3 builds. I don't think they are necessary unless you are on the larger side (300 and up). I haven't had any issues with mine that don't have inserts. My machinist can custom make these or you can pick up scrap aluminum from a fab shop or purchase from Online Metals and cut them to size with a chop saw / table saw.

 

[Exhumis]

Well, this thread sold me on the idea. Any guidance on drilling? I don’t have a drill press, but I do have a vice.

Also like the quick release pin idea for mounting the platform to the tube. Any tips on best source?

Finally, for those putting solid aluminum in the tube where the platform bolt goes through. . .how are you doing that?

Get yourself a drill guide off Amazon. Like $30 and will help immensely. Or just build one. Measure 10 times, drill once. Since it's aluminum you get the hole offset just a fraction and you gotta start all over.
McMaster Carr has a pretty extensive catalog, I'll bet they'll have a pin that fits your needs.
I don't know about solid aluminum but any metal store or online will have it. I didn't use it in mine and I weigh 230lbs, never had an issue.

 

[Camacho]

Hey Camacho, welcome to the forums!

Drilling: I basically put the brackets/standoffs near the end and marked for drilling. The hole is about 5/8" - 3/4" from the end. For the platform bolt, dry fit the platform and extend it to deployed position. Put it about dead center top to bottom and then mark the hole. No drill press necessary, but it does make it easier to get the holes centered on the tube. You could mark each hole and drill from both sides with a hand drill too.

I must have picked up that pin locally at Tractor Supply or something. I'll see if I can source some more just to have on hand.

I only put aluminum inserts in my first platform build and didn't use them on my next 3 builds. I don't think they are necessary unless you are on the larger side (300 and up). I haven't had any issues with mine that don't have inserts. My machinist can custom make these or you can pick up scrap aluminum from a fab shop or purchase from Online Metals and cut them to size with a chop saw / table saw.

Awesome! I’m 180’s so that saves me a step. I’ll forego the insert. And I think I found a 5/16 3” quick release pin that will work. Thanks for the reply, and thanks for the quick turn on my order! Your website is great.

Do I want the hole dead center (top to bottom) or the surface of the platform?

 

[Camacho]

Get yourself a drill guide off Amazon. Like $30 and will help immensely. Or just build one. Measure 10 times, drill once. Since it's aluminum you get the hole offset just a fraction and you gotta start all over.
McMaster Carr has a pretty extensive catalog, I'll bet they'll have a pin that fits your needs.
I don't know about solid aluminum but any metal store or online will have it. I didn't use it in mine and I weigh 230lbs, never had an issue.

That’s what I needed, Thanks. Yeah I was hesitant about screwing it up.

 

[DanO]

Awesome! I’m 180’s so that saves me a step. I’ll forego the insert. And I think I found a 5/16 3” quick release pin that will work. Thanks for the reply, and thanks for the quick turn on my order! Your website is great.

Do I want the hole dead center (top to bottom) or the surface of the platform?

You want the surface of the platform centered. Post up pics of your build when done!

 

[WhitDVT]

I just finished my build and followed the recommendations in this thread but I still seem to be getting a bit of separation by the upper bracket when I apply weight. It isn’t much. Less than 1/2” but still concerned me. Is this normal?


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[PastorKen]

I just finished my build and followed the recommendations in this thread but I still seem to be getting a bit of separation by the upper bracket when I apply weight. It isn’t much. Less than 1/2” but still concerned me. Is this normal?


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Got a picture?

 

[WhitDVT]

Sorry for sorry pic. All I could find to hook it around. The platform is centered on the post per recommendations. The brackets are muddy off an old set of climbing sticks. Xop seat platform.


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[WhitDVT]

Another angle.


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[PastorKen]

Looks better than mine. Where is the separation? If you mean the top bracket is coming away from the tree, I think it is still safe, because the bottom bracket is really digging in. On slicker bark it may be a little unsteady. I’d hunt with it. But others on here may be able to offer more insight.

 

[PastorKen]

In full disclosure, I haven’t used a cam over style. I use a ratchet strap.

 

[GCTerpfan]

I just finished my build and followed the recommendations in this thread but I still seem to be getting a bit of separation by the upper bracket when I apply weight. It isn’t much. Less than 1/2” but still concerned me. Is this normal?


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The key to cam over platforms is getting the correct tension. If you get it tight enough it will be rock solid. There were times when I first started using that style platform that I thought I had it tight enough, would climb up on it and realize it was pulling away. I would climb back down and reset it tighter and it would be solid. Eventually, you will figure out the correct tension and hit it right the first time. Also, the angle of the strap plays a big role. The closer to horizontal the more stable mine seemed to be.

 

[WhitDVT]

Correct. The top bracket is separating from the tree 1/4-1/2” when I stand on it. I don’t think it’s unsafe and seems stable under side load. I was just checking to see if this is normal.


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[GCTerpfan]

Correct. The top bracket is separating from the tree 1/4-1/2” when I stand on it. I don’t think it’s unsafe and seems stable under side load. I was just checking to see if this is normal.


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What I was meaning is if you get the strap a little tighter and a little more horizontal you should be able to keep that top bracket tight against the tree. The only time I have any separation of that top bracket is when it's not tight enough.

 

[DanO]

Same as @GCTerpfan I am able to get mine tight without any separation. I've used XOP 6-point standoffs, LW batwing standoffs (not a fan), and my EWO standoffs which all seem like they would be better choices than the API standoffs you have. Not sure if those are preventing a better cam over because they put the platform farther away from the tree.

 

[WhitDVT]

Same as @GCTerpfan I am able to get mine tight without any separation. I've used XOP 6-point standoffs, LW batwing standoffs (not a fan), and my EWO standoffs which all seem like they would be better choices than the API standoffs you have. Not sure if those are preventing a better cam over because they put the platform farther away from the tree.

Ok. I have one xop stand-off, I will try to find another similar and try that option. Thanks.


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