Huntnma, if I built mine out of conduit, I would never make it up the ladder! (I' m a big guy. lol) I have seen some build like you are talking about and they are nice. Some of my welds used to look like chewed bubble gum but after a while and a book later, I can make pretty decent welds now. I used to have a few welds break in the beginning so I wouldn' t weld anything at first that supported anyone until I got better. I do have to admit, if my welds will support me, they will support the majority of everyone else. lol -- CDH