I am planning on using ladder jacks on two extension ladders for a scaffold during a siding job. Using 2x lumber, laying flat, what kind of span can I run?
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Replies
The problem with 2x lumber as scaffolding planks is that they're not certified for that use. I'm not saying a nice, tite grained douglas fir 2x12 would not hold a moderate amount of weight especially over a relatively short span, but if it didn't and someone got hurt the liability would be enormous. Add in age and weathering and it could be a disaster.
I'm not saying I've never done it but IMO you'd be better off with either a real certified wood plank, or a small 10' - 17' extendable aluminum plank or even a home made box beam made with 2x4s for the sides and frame and skined with 3/8 or 7/16 plywood top and bottom screwed and glued.
If you've got time to look around there are deals to be had on Craig's List on real aluminum pics. I got two 24' x 20" pics in almost new condition last year for $200 each. I'd expect the scrap value would be close to that.
fingers is right
I'd hunt out the lightest wt. with the most strength answer. Manuevering a plank of any type on ladder jacks isn't easy solo, bearable with a partner.
And like him, I've used both the good and the 'what's laying around". I do have 2 2x10's that if they aren't, should be rated planking. Their beauty is their light wt and big time rigidity. They have to be more than 20 yrs old. Tho they've been outside on occasion, they have not seen much of the elements. When planks get wet and dry out enough times, the fibers don't have the association with each other they once had.
Realistically, about 8-10 feet. But that's if you're using two (or more) planks and you run 3-4 cross-ties across the bottoms. And you don't weight too much and aren't lugging cement bags or shingles or some such around.
Depends a bit on how much bounce you can tolerate -- the bounce is as big an issue as the real load-bearing capacity.
2x8 on edge with 2 layers 3/4" plywood 16" wide, length not exceeding 12', will give you a nice working platform without bounce. Nothing beats stability when you work off the ground. Think what it would cost if you fall off a flimsy plank just to save some meagerly $. Safety first!
not to mention...
...the ladder rating. 250#? 300#? One worker could even push the limit, two you can easily go over. This past summer they had a ladder fold out near here. Guy fell 16', broken legs, crushed ankles, and pelvis.
He don't dance no more.