HuntingNet.com Forums

HuntingNet.com Forums (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/)

- Whitetail Deer Hunting (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/whitetail-deer-hunting-4/)

- - [Deleted] (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/whitetail-deer-hunting/8599-deleted.html)

RE: build your own or buy?

I build my own stationary stands and, for me, it's cheaper than purchasing the metal ones.
I get old, used pallets from my place of employment for free. The only components I have to pay for are the two 4x4 posts, one 2x4, and various nuts/bolts.

Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish.
Marcus Fabius Quintilianus (35 AD - 100 AD)

RE: build your own or buy?

I have two 15 foot metal stands from cabelas 69$ and 7 permanent wooden ladder stands. The 2 metal stands I use for both ny and pa. I put the metal ones up for only the 2 weak gun season. Or if I find a hot spot late in archery I might throw one up. If you leave them up much longer they start to squeak. The metal stand are probably more economical and a heck of a lot easier to put up. However I enjoy building the wooden ladder stands. After putting up several stands with regular wood a few years ago I converted to treated last year. It is well worth the extra money for galvanized nails and treated lumber. A 16' wooden ladder stand cost me 60$ that is using grade A lumber (The cull piles were all empty). I Would recommend rounding up a few buddies to help put them up, they get ungodly heavy. If you ask me I would build one rather than buy. Let me know what you decide to do.
EDDIE

RE: build your own or buy?

Build your own out of metal if you can weld.Cheaper,last longer and easier to move than wood.

Edited by - ret3006 on 09/04/2002 01:51:14

RE: build your own or buy?

Those of you who build your own wooden stands...Would you mind posting some plans, or pictures. I have been interested in building a wooden stand for quite some time, but don't really know how to go about it.

Thanks;

I'll take good luck over skill any day!

RE: build your own or buy?

Well ive done all of the above, and decided to invest in a climber.
thats all i use now. (API Grandslam Bowhunter)....cant go wrong

RE: build your own or buy?

I use both.I have a couple of portable chain-on stands,a couple of ladder stands I made out of 2x4'',2 homemade steel ladder stands and a permanent stand made of 2x4's.

RE: build your own or buy?

I have a climing stand. but next year I going to build some permenent stands. I end up hunting the same spots every year. I end up moving the climer 5 or 6 times.

RE: build your own or buy?

You can buy decent hangin stands for 40-70 bucks nowadays. It's almost cheaper just to go ahead and buy one of those.

My mind belongs to my work...
My heart belongs to my family...

But my soul...belongs to the woods.

RE: build your own or buy?

I either hunt from the ground using my own version of a portable ground blind, or I build permanent wooden stands. This year I plan on building a few wooden ladder stands if the guy who owns the property I just got permission on allows me to do it. Plans? I always wing it, it depends upon the tree/trees and how high it is.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

RE: build your own or buy?

I have a few wooden stands and I used 2x4x12s. I use braces about half way up the ladder to make it stronger. I am about 260 and it works for me. I make a platform out of plywood for a seat and then just use a sports form cusion.

RE: build your own or buy?

We use welded aluminum ladder stands. They are lighter and easier to move, safer, will last longer and the price is better in the long run. We have about 50 of them.

RE: build your own or buy?

Next year...check out the fall hunting classic at bass pro shops if you're anywhere near one. They take off like 10 bucks maybe even more on their stand prices. next year I'll probably buy one of the metal hang on stands.

RE: build your own or buy?

I currently have three purchased stands I have a sling seat that is one comfortable stand. It's got a 4 inch padded seat/back rest that reclines but I only use it during rifle season. To hard and noisy to stand in when bowhunting. I also have a chain on and a pop-up blind.

I'm making a few ladder stands this year as well.

RE: build your own or buy?

I use homemade ladder stands for gun and sometimes archery, I use store bought chain ons mainly for archery.
Build your ladder as high as you want. We use 16' 2x6's and 2x4's for the steps. Lean it up against your house to figure out the angle you want. Screw 2x4's to the top towards the tree and another across the back to lean against the tree. Cut 45's and screw them to your ladder and your platform to help with support. Screw in a piece of plywood on top. We lag ours to the tree but you can use a ratchet strap as long as you have a good base. We've made seats for them and put on shooting rails this year. They are heavy paln your route in and plan on taking someone strong to help.

RE: build your own or buy?

Building one sounds like alot of work. I bought the 15 foot ladder stands from Cabela's and love them. $69.00 a piece and you can put them up and move them by yourself. By the time you pay for materials and take into consideration the time it takes to make a stand it doesn't seem like it is worth the work to build one. Besides the fact that you have to check the wood stands all the time to make sure that they are still safe.

RE: build your own or buy?

I have went the whole route,I have ,loc-on's,climbers (4),I have metal ladder stands,wooden ladders,wooden permanent stands(built in trees),ground blinds, and I have an 18' tri-pod.

it all depends on you and where you want a stand.some places you need different type stands.
I use all of mine at different times,some have tops over them for rainy days( 4 different ones have tops)

all together I have apro. 26,000 acers I hunt,I have 7 metal ladders,2 wooden ladders,3 ground blinds,6 permanent stands,one tri-pod,one loc-on,and 4 climbers.

they all have there place and work good for where there at.

I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

RE: build your own or buy?

I use a climbing tree stand.Its much easier then buliding one and i can take it where ever i go ,but the prices is alot different.The price averages about $100 and goes up.

RE: build your own or buy?

i have several "home made" metal ladder stands that we build. they are about 16' and will hold about ten times the weight that store bought ones will. you just need a welder and plans and buy 1" box steel and 3/4" box steel for steps and some odds and ends for seat and standing platform. cost about 65$ to 70$ but well worth it . ............ one of the guys we hunt with returned his $300 cabellas stand for one of ours go figure just a copy of a ladder stand with heavier steel. pretty simple to build

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.

RE: build your own or buy?

I have invested in 2 climbers and 5 strap on stands my experience with perment stands is that deer get used to them being there and tend to avoid them... Not to say that one person has not killed a deer year after year in the same tree... just that to consistatly see deer of high quality you have to keep moving with the deer... and the stands out today are so affordable, quite, comfortable... and most of all SAFE...

RE: build your own or buy?

Since the boys around my place like to steal store bought stands. I have started makeing my own climbing sticks. I buy a 16' 4x4 and drill 3/4" holes every 14" apart. Then about 8'and again about a foot from the top I drill a 1/4" hole to put a cable thru and clamp it togeather, around the tree. When I know I'm going to hunt one of these stands, I carry enought one foot sections of pipe to get up to my stand. When I leave I take my pipe sections back in a bucket.

RE: build your own or buy?

MJL927,

Those stands sound great. Wondering if you had any pictures of them you could e-mail me?? Thanks

RE: build your own or buy?

I only use store bought climbers if I'm going up a tree. The only wooden stands I'll get in are shooting houses built on 4x4's. When I was younger and more foolish I built many a wooden stand hanging off of or between trees. They are mostly unsafe and only last a couple of years before they rot becoming completely unsafe. I've had a couple collapse with me, it's a miracle I wasn't seriously hurt. I know a couple of guys that are now paralyzed because wooden stands collapsed on them. It ain't worth it.