The Grand PVC Stand
 

If anyone cares:

I finally have all the joints glued and screwed - took the better part of 3 days.
This thing is Rock Solid and SILENT!!

I was able to move and flip the stand over by myself (50lbs maybe?)
I climbed to the top and jumped around to test it out.
I still have to put the carpeted deck on, secure the steel guide wires, and paint.

For those that said it wouldn't be strong enough - it is.
and those that said it wouldn't be quiet - it is.
and those that said it was too expensive - well u were right there! :D

I should have the finished pictures setup at its semi-permanent residence by Monday.

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

You should be a cabinet maker:D:D. It looks really good. What are you planning for paint?

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

Looks great!! Now let us know how it holds up 2 yrs from now after the elements start attacking it. The sun is a beast on PVC. Any petroleum product (pvc) will weaken with constant exposure to the sun. Better get ready to paint that puppy every year if you want it to last.

Nonetheless.......good job!!!

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

Also, on your horiz. bottom runs, shouldn't you have turned the 45's up instead of down? Seems it would have been stronger that way. I probably would have run those vertical braces back to the main post because that horiz. bottom brace is taking alot of load. You may want to add a kicker under each one of those.

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

Good point on the kicker, might be something to consider before I finish it up. I had actually thought about those supports being upside down only after it was "too late" to change it. They should be pointing the other direction (top of and arch instead of bottom of an arch) but I built it upside down and overlooked it. There are a couple of minor flaws like that but really I'm just ready to get it finished and get it in position so the deer have as much time as possible to get used to it. But I might add those kickers! Thanks

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

For paint I was considering a handpainted rivers edge long grass pattern on the bottom half blending over a mossy oak on the upper half - but.... probably will just paint it black/grey

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

Is it just me or does that thing look like it belongs in a playground?:D

Or maybe the fun room at Mcdonalds:D

Really, it does look pretty good. Can't wait to see how it looks when you get it all painted up. Don't forget to sand it before you paint it or the paint won't stick very well.;)

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

I like to hear a report of how it works for you after season of use. Plus I'd like to know if it's also going to be quiet in weather of 30 degrees and colder. Looks really nice. Good job. I hope you glued all of those joints together in an enclosed area.

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

like i said hazcon, if it gets to noisy your kids will love it for at least a year or two :D

let me know what kind of finish you plan on putting on it, i woudl try to get a clear coat or something like rustoleum, to protect it from getting rain in the joints. did you caulk the joints? or put extra sealer around them all?

good luck!

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

Hazcon7---just a thought---It might be a little expensive but why not try the camo duct tape,will last and help silent the stand down even more.

How high did you make it---looks like a neet project:)

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

Stand dimensions currently are 7' 8" tall (just wanted enough to walk under and hang equipment from underneath) 6' 6" wide by 5' 5" deep.
I have the WigWam hunting blind that measures 5'x5' to put on top.

My experience with duct tape is that it does not hold up well in weather. I've left duct tape outside on another project and the elements essentially separated the outer coating from the woven part - looks terrible.

I'll probably just hand paint it with a thick coat of black or brown with lots of sand added for traction. If I had more time until season I would definately hand paint the stand a better camo but I'd like to get the deer as used to it as possible so its gotta get out soon.

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

That stand looks pretty good, should really do the job come hunting season. I just have a few ideas.

1st - Install a crapper in the back right corner so you can run it into the back leg and drain on the ground.

2nd - insullate the front right leg and fill the leg with your favorite beverage.

and 3rd bolt on lazy boy and magazine rack:D now you won't have to EVER go home:D:D

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

ALL THAT and $300 later.... to get 7 feet off the ground? Hmmmmm.... I'd have to think on that.[&:]

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

I would'nt consider it a "stand"if I could jump out of it and not get hurt[8D].

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

If a deer can jump over it.... it's not a stand.[8D]

I think it would have been cheaper to dig a hole.:D

It is different though. I guess it would get you the elevation you needed in brush country... or maybe to watch a parade.:)

It would keep the snakes off your feet.:eek:

It would work in the middle of a corn field.;)

You can always fill the legs with concrete and make it a duck blind.[>:]

I could use it as scaffolding to fix my fireplace chimney bricks.:)

If you put wheels on it it would be great for keeping up with the kids in a department store.[:@]

Put a motor on it and it could go anywhere the water is not over 7 feet 8 inches.[&:]

Great life guard stand.:eek:

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

I think it's cool, a little expensive, but I like it!

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

YIKES!!!!!!

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

What happens when the critters start chewing on it?

I commend you on your efforts... might want to add about 12' set of legs to the bottom of it though.

Wouldn't it have been cheaper to just buy a ladder stand?

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

hazcon it looks nice. looks like you put a lot of work into it. i would try to see if there were anyway to exttend the legs at least 5 foot. do you plan on putting it out in the open or next to a tree? either way nice work.

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

HAZCON7,

Damn good job on the PVC stand! Feels good to make something yourself with your own design. Maybe you could send a picture of the finished product in the woods?

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

Nice Stand:D

RE: The Grand PVC Stand
 

Did you get this idea out of a book? I saw a book on ebay for PVC projects, exspecially hunting, and stands.

looks awesome, send some finished pics.