ORIGINAL: JeramyK
I've always bought my own stands. But this year I think I'm going to try my hand at making one. Recently got myself a new Miller mig welder with the accessories for welding aluminum. I think I might first make one from steel and, if successful,see if I can make a lighter version using aluminum.
I build mine out of 3/4 electrical conduit. You would be surprised how strong and light it is. I put one of them a foot off the ground in a tree. I could stand on the end of the platform like a diving board and jump up and down without any signs of failure.
Plus conduit is really cheap, but tricky to weld. It's round and galvanized!!