DIY - Ladder Treestand

Demonical · #1 10-22-2016, 02:37 PM

Got an old trashed step ladder from work. Tossed the small side and added a platform to it, to make a decent treestand.

On the platform, I have a heavy duty L-bracket bolted to the deck plywood.

Once I stand it, I then screw it to the tree, with 5/16"x4" lag screws.

Add a chain around the tree, which I've got an I-bolt, through another heavy L-bracket, and then tighten that with a Wing Nut. Really cinches that stand up tight.

After looking at how the stand is sitting, I am going to cut a couple pieces of angle iron (or maybe just 1"x4" boards-??), and run them from the outside edges at the back of the platform, and lag bolt them to the tree. Just to give it some extra bracing.

But as it is, it's a very solid stand.

The platform measures 32"x48", cut out of 3/4" plywood, with a basic 2"x4" supporting frame.

Had to take it in two pieces and add the platform, once I picked out my stand location.

Winchester M1894 'Big Bore' .375Win... not like any animals were gonna come around today...'just in case'...

I used ratchet straps, to secure it to the tree until I could get the lag screws and chain done.

A number of game trails converge at this spot, following a small drainage...

Slicktricker · #2 10-22-2016, 03:26 PM

Looks awesome! One thing I've been wanting to try is tree stand or ladder stand

Demonical · #3 10-22-2016, 04:05 PM

The ladder is 10', add the platform and it's a bit of a workout to get that thing carried in and set-up.

Ideally, I would've gotten this done sooner, but just didn't find the time.

But at least it's up, and I can let the bush settle down.

A month from now, when the rut is in full swing, the deer will have gotten used to it.

I still haven't figured out what I will use for a seat... maybe one of those collapsible lawn chairs.

Slicktricker · #4 10-22-2016, 04:13 PM

Right on do you usually hunt from stands?

35 whelen · #5 10-22-2016, 05:05 PM

Nice job looks like a lot of work to move around though you can pick up ladder stands on sale for 99 bucks sometimes

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fordtruckin · #6 10-22-2016, 06:46 PM

That's mighty green of you to recycle that ladder. Hope it works well for you and don't forget to wear fall protection!

Vacation · #7 10-22-2016, 06:48 PM

Nice. I use an old wood ladder to get up to my tree stand. strap it to the tree and it works great. Tired of screwing in tree spikes.

Slicktricker · #8 10-22-2016, 07:26 PM

Do you guys use like a rope or something to carry everything up?

RandyBoBandy · #9 10-22-2016, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordtruckin

That's mighty green of you to recycle that ladder. Hope it works well for you and don't forget to wear fall protection!

I totally agree fordtruckin

I'll add that the newest trendy term (new to me today) is UPCYCLE used stuff

but yep..great idea

waterninja · #10 10-22-2016, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slicktricker

Do you guys use like a rope or something to carry everything up?

Nifty little stand OP.

Yes. Most people have a rope tied to top of stand. You can secure your bow, rifle, whatever at ground level then pull the stuff up with the rope once your in the stand.

Demonical · #11 10-23-2016, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slicktricker

Right on do you usually hunt from stands?

I normally still hunt through an area, and take stands, where the sign looks good.

In this spot, there are great deer trails that run right by this stand, on both sides.

No reason to go anywhere else, although I know I won't sit in it every day.

58thecat · #12 10-23-2016, 08:20 AM

I luv it, I just don't like the first climb up to secure the seat area, tree shakes too much or is that my knees!
Once in them a few times I am confident and go up and down like a squirrel.

3blade · #13 10-23-2016, 08:39 AM

Nice work!

I would build a seat for it, most lawn chairs get squeaky in the cold.

Demonical · #14 10-23-2016, 09:58 AM

Yes, I was thinking of something that will attach to the tree with lag screws, but it's also got to be warm on the butt, and comfortable so I can sit it for hours.

Seat is complicated.

SAFETY: Have to rig up something that's not gonna tip over, slide off, etc...

Big Red 250 · #15 10-23-2016, 10:02 AM

Could have plastic 5 gallon pail for hauling some supplies up, such as lunch, small propane heater etc. Then could use the pail to sit on. Could also have a cushion to sit on the pail.

Slicktricker · #16 10-23-2016, 10:09 AM

I went and bought one of those heat a seat pillows at can tire for 20$ I think it heats up pretty awesome and comfy I usually put it down and lean up against a tree and sit for hours

Demonical · #17 10-23-2016, 06:50 PM

Here's what I came up with, for a seat.

It still requires a few tweaks.

All the material was just scrap stuff I had kicking around. It folds flat.

It hinges on a simple 3/4" wooden dowel, which is just fit, without anything holding it. I left the dowel to stick out about 3" on each side.

I have an angle support leg, which just anchors against wooden stop blocks at each end.

There are two cross-members in the vertical part of the frame, which I pre-drilled, so that I can screw it to a tree with lag screws.

Pretty simple design really...

Demonical · #18 10-24-2016, 06:05 PM

I made a few minor changes to the treestand seat.

Added another 2"x4" cross piece in the frame, then added a plywood plate over the back of the frame, which I glued and screwed. Ties the frame together way better; far stronger.

It'll basically never come apart (without flame... haha!).

On the back plate, I pre-drilled the center of each mounting point, with a 5/16" drill... got my lag screws ready to go.

Also, I shortened the seat a few inches, and took a rasp to the corners. Smoothed it out.

Finally, I cut a small 'shim' block, so I can make adjustments to level the thing, when I screw it onto a tree.

Just need a chance to get back out there and mount it on the stand.