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RE: build your own or buy?

I've built 5 wooden ladder stands and find them to be more
comfortable, generally more stable, and much much roomier than my
store bought stands. Three of my stands are 12' high with 40x30"
platforms and the other two are about 14.5' high with 35x25"
platforms. The 12' stands are very roomy. I made the taller ones
with a smaller platform because they would be too heavy to put up
otherwise. If you make these any taller, they tend to become a bit
too wobbly. 12 to 15 foot should really be the max on wooden stands
unless you use 2x6s but then you need several people plus a crane
just to be able to install it. :)

For my platforms: I make a frame out of 2x4s. The frame is screwed
and glued together with each piece fitted via dato (spelling??) cuts
for added strength. Important: make sure you pre-drill the holes
to avoid splitting the wood!!

These measurements are for the smaller platform, taller stand.

<pre id=code>


|-------------16"-----------|

------- <- -------
| | 6" | |
| | <- | |
| |---------------------------------| |
| | 17" ________ | |
| | | | | |
| |-------------| |------------| |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | 21" | | |
| | | | | 35" |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| |-------------| |------------| |
| | | | | |
| | -------- | |
| |---------------------------------| |
| | | |
| | | |
------- -------
</pre id=code>


At the end of the frame that would go against the tree, I use a 2x6
with a v notch cut into it. Sorta like this. Obviously I can't draw
it totally accurate but you should get the idea.

<pre id=code>

-------------\ /-------------
| |:::::: \ /::::::::| |
| |::::::::: \ /::::::::::| |
| |::::::::::: \ /::::::::::::| |
| |:::::::: 2x6 piece ::::::::| |
| |---------------------------------| |
| | ________ | |
| | | | | |
| |-------------| |------------| |

</pre id=code>

I then screw/glue tongue-and-groove boards to this frame from the
front to the point of the v-notch. The T&G extend roughly 3 inches
over each side of the frame. This is for added size and because I
use binder clips and a large garbage bag to cover the platform at the
end of each hunt. This helps keep the platform clean and dry.
You'll wind up with roughy a 35x25" platform give or take.

At the v-notch side, screw two large eye hooks into the 2x4 frame.
Attach a chain to one of the hooks. Attach a come-along to the other
hook. Use this to tighten the stand against the tree. You'll find
that it becomes absolutely rock solid when you level it and have
level ground to stamp the ladder portion into the dirt a little bit.
BTW, it's a good idea to bring a small level with you when you
install the stand. You don't want to feel like your always leaning
way forward.

For the ladder: It depends on how tall you want to make it. I
strongly suggest that if you make the platform fairly large like
three of my stands, (tongue-and-groove portion measures 40" long by
30" wide) don't exceed 12' high. For one it'll be amazingly heavy
and difficult to put up if you make it too tall. My 14' high stands
have platforms that measure roughly 32" long by 25" wide. Still
plenty large but verge on being too much for one person to put up.

Assuming you make the taller one: Get 4, 8' 2x4s and one 8' decking
board (the kind with rounded sides). Split the decking board down
the middle to make two equal 8' long halfs. These will be used to
make the rungs. You should have enough to make 8 rungs. If not just
get a second piece. Now measure the inside of the platform to
determine the overall width of the top section of the ladder. It'll
be the same width as the v-notched 2x6. Mine was 16".

<pre id=code>

------- -------
| |<---ladder top section---> | |
| | width. Measure inside | |
| | the platform. | |
| |---------------------------------| |
| | ________ | |
| | | | | |

</pre id=code>

You can then calculate the ladder bottom section width. The bottom
section should fit over the top section. You want the bottom section
to overlap the top section by at least 18". I set this size because
it seems to work out well in terms of distance between each rung from
top to top. Try to calculate it out so that when the top and bottom
sections come together, the rung spacing remains consistant.

<pre id=code>


| | | |
| | | |
|--------------------------------|
| |
|--------------------------------|
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
------|--------------------------------|------ <---
| || || | |
| ||--------------------------------|| | |
| || | | || |
| || | | || | 18" overlap
| || | | || | |
| |------ ------| | |
|--------------------------------------------| <---
| | |
|--------------------------------------------| |
| | | | 18" spacing
| | | | |
| | | | |
|--------------------------------------------| <---
| |
|--------------------------------------------|
| | | |
| | | |

</pre id=code>

Before installing the rungs, cut the top of the two 2x4s for the top
section at about a 75 degree angle. This is so that when you connect
it to the platform, the ladder will have a natural lean to it. It's
alot safer and easier climbing down.

<pre id=code>

------------------------ Cross section of stand.
| |
------------------------ <----top ladder section has about
\ \ a 75 degree angle to it. It will not
\ \ be as drastic as this drawing suggests.
\ \

</pre id=code>

For the rungs, rather than screwing them right to the 2x4 as you see
so many others do, I set them in dato cuts, glue them, then screw
them down. I feel it is much stronger and safer. It's very
important that you pre-drill these screw holes first. You do not
want the rungs to split! I use the decking boards for a couple of
reasons. One, the rounded edges keep the wood from splintering due
to footwear. Two, they help keep the weight down. You just don't
need a 2x4 sized piece for a rung.

<pre id=code>

| | side view of ladder and rung
| |
| |
| ----
| | |
| | |
| | |
| ----
| |
| |

</pre id=code>

I nailed a 2x4 at the bottom of the bottom section of the ladder. I
think this helps keep the ladder more stable because
individual "legs" can sink into the ground.

<pre id=code>

| | | |
| | | | bottom of ladder
| | | |
|--------------------------------|
| 2x4 |
|--------------------------------|

</pre id=code>

Fit the top ladder section to the platform. Drill holes through both
the platforms 2x4 frame and the ladder for the bolts to go. I used
5/8" x 3" bolts if I remember correctly. Next fit the bottom ladder
section to the top section. Use a total of 4 bolts.

After that, I used another decking board split down the middle to
make support arms that attach at the side of the ladder up to the
inside edge of the platform. I shoved mine into the corner of the
platform support frame...It'll be obvious to you. Just determine
where you want to anchor it to the ladder then get the length. I
think my last one was an even 4'. You'll need slightly shorter bolts
for these pieces since the decking board is thinner than a 2x4. I
think I used 5/8 by 2.5" bolts.

Finally, I stained my ladders with an olive green transparent stain.
Once that was dry, I used black and grey primer spray cans to create
a camo design all over the stand.

That's it. If you have any questions on this design, let me know.

-Mike

Edited by - mjl927 on 09/05/2002 10:36:11

Edited by - mjl927 on 09/05/2002 10:39:04

RE: build your own or buy?

This is a hang on I make. I made 7 of them for about $100. I make one seat that slips into pegs and wing bolts down. This way I only have to make one seat and bring it with me to any stand I choose. It is made with a 1 x 1 alu angle frame, and a plywood base.

But since 4 of them have been stolen I know use my summit climber.

RE: build your own or buy?

If you can find some scrap 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 planks one can be made for real cheap. Check out my stand below that I built between three poplar trees. I got the wood from my uncle.

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/memb...ks2/index.html

Be a stewart of the outdoors. Help to keep our heritage.

RE: build your own or buy?

Mike, Thanks for the detailed plans. Typing that in must have taken you forever. I may just try to build one of them.

Thanks again.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quotequote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>

Finally, I stained my ladders with an olive green transparent stain.
Once that was dry, I used black and grey primer spray cans to create
a camo design all over the stand.

That's it. If you have any questions on this design, let me know.

<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I'll take good luck over skill any day!

RE: build your own or buy?

I travel alot and have found out that if I stay at holiday inns and use my priority club points towards bass pros shop gift certificates then I can get about 4 or 5 nice stands a year. We have a few homemade lock ons that work good in cedars but I am really sold on the ole man ladder stands. They are really comfortable and lightweight. I know this doesn't apply to everybody, but look into freebies if you travel alot.

RE: build your own or buy?

i'm in the process of building a permanent stand using the sleeper off an eighteen wheeler, mounted on a steel frame. the floor should be approximately 13 ft off the ground, and the cab is tall enough to stand up in. it has built in shelves, and cabinets, lights, stereo and speakers, carpeting, and a place for a mattress if i want. i mounted it on 4x4 steel poles, and anchored it in concrete. other than time, i should get out this one for under 200 dollars. the sleepers can be bought for about 50-60, and then all your out is shooting windows, the cost of the frame your setting it on, and concrete to set the legs in. plenty of room in this thing to take others plus the sleeper is aluminum so i never have worry about anything rotting out. it is insulated, so when it gets cold or wet, i can still sit out there in comfort. biggest problem is getting it up in 13 ft off the ground (used a boom), and trying to decide whether to paint it green, or leave it white and slap on some nascar stickers.

RE: build your own or buy?

King Hugh, It definitely took me awhile to write that. The good part is that by the time I was done, it was lunchtime! :)

Mac12, a true REDNECK hunting stand!!! LOL!! I recall seeing a joke picture floating around the net of a similar stand with some sort of redneck comment under it. Kidding...it does sound pretty cool...or should I say WARM for the winter time. :)

Carey, I've often wondered about those Ol Man Ladder stands. I have an Ol Man original climber and find it to be very comfortable. The ladders have the same net seating right?

-Mike

RE: build your own or buy?

my uncle makes wood stationary ones and we have about 3 or 4 of em.. they got enough room in them for 2 poeople. its a big wooden box with 2 legs coming off of it. and the box screws into the tree. they are nice and last for ever if u coat them with water resistence finser.

<blockquote>Shoot Em, Eat Em, Mount Em
Build Ford ToughVisit My Website
and please sign my guest book

RE: build your own or buy?

i used to them all and now 99 percent of the time i use ground blinds.i'm in amost done with one the one i am building now it is four foot by seven foot.six 12 inch by twenty four inch windows complete with shelves to hold my stuff.cut the hole in the roof tonight and put in a dryer vent and then thirty foot of hose,tied a rope to the end of the hose and through it up in the tree,sat down in my comfy chair cracked a window a little bit.lit up a cig and watched the smoke go up the dryer hose like a chimney,now tell why would i want to climb a tree and freeze my butt off in the rain so i can be above the deer scent line when i can do the same thing on the ground.i cut a big oak limb off a couple of weeks ago so the leaves will stay on the branches for a couple of years.planning on making on it my personal brushpile.i know i have went to extreme on this and i won't be putting it on my back to carry it into the woods but i have the perfect spot for this and as soon as they get the beans out i am going to load in the truck and get it in there i am going to learn how to to post a picture of it and show it to you guys.i'm sure i will be my tripods and ladder stands some but the ground blinds are good hunting to.i have got about two hundred dolllars in it.