This is a treestand that I built this week. My main concerns were the cables that get in our way when trying to get ready for the shot at a deer. Also weight and compact design were thought about when thinking about the way I wanted it to come out. A 15x15 platform, with a comfortable seat, and quietness were the next concerns. I stole Lone Wolfs concecting to the tree design. It came in at 17 lbs. Let me know what you think guys.
I hope you're good at welding. I would add another ratchet strap for good measure. Paint job looks good.
i think its awesome! especially for a DIY type of project. and i have to second the motion on adding a second strap, and 17LBS is nothing to carry, i like it. i think you just gave me an idea for a weekend project next time i go home.
Fats, thanks for thinking about the welds, I'm a welder/fabricator by trade. All welds are tig, with good penatration.
The base welded to the round tube makes my arse pucker as well as the strap to hold a stand to a tree. Mine are all chain type with a strap at the bottom to keep the stand from kicking out away as you enter and exit. Even cables break,I seen a 1/4 cable pull thru it's factory clamp one time on a hang on and almost kill a guy that hunts with me from time to time.
UpBowhunter I would rethink the bottom of the stand as you would encounter many times wishing you would have made the bottom wider at the front of the stand. Could lean towards a fall at the moment of truth as you lean out for the shot. Also do you hunt in a warm climate? Question comes from you using electrical tape to secure your foam seat. In cold weather your tape will come off on your 1st use. Try climbing cord and wrap it that way,you can buy the thin cord at a climbing store. This way you have nothing cutting into your butt.You'll wear out the foam way before any of the cord will have to be replaced. Like a few other's have said, use a chain up top for a secure hold and then use the ratchet for the bottom for tightness. Other wise looks good. Rocky
Kudos to those who make their own and trust their own. I like seeing TMA approved on mine and knowing that they have been tested to certain weight specs.
All great comments, the seat is comfy, The strap is a Lone Wolf strap. Here are some closer pics of the welds.. Keep the comments comeing guys all are great concerns so far. I'm getting beat up pretty good over on AT, but most guys are just trying to help and I need that.
I just don't know about not having cables or some sort of support on the platform. It seems like the weight would want to buckle the round upright or rip off the attachment. Especially if you got out towards the front of the platform, lots of force being applied to the back of the stand there. That's the part that has me worried.
Who's welds would you trust more; someone at a factory that supposed to know how to do it, or your own if you're a competent welder? Is that seat really comfortable for a whole day on stand? Probably saves on the hemorrhoids.
NYA, i'm not sure about all day sits, we'll see this fall, but I havent found a stand that is for all day sits yet! heres a video of my jumping and torqueing it, in a small diameter tree in my back yard..
UPB Those welds are pure art. Kudos. ANyone worried about the strap shouldn't be trying out an assault, I suppose. Great idea. Great craftmanship.
