I’m all through with those freakin wooden poles. My current setup has 2 poles with splits the full length of the 16′ sections(22′ total height), and this lumber was from a local yard with good quality too. I even got to sort through the pile for the best ones. Sheesh…shoulda stayed with Home Cheepo’s junk, it lasted longer!
Anyhow, I’m going the Alum-a-pole route now. Granted, I’m just a DIY/HO whose a tad bit slow… but I figure when I finally finish this project I’ll just sell the whole set up. Here’s the deal and the question I have. btw…I’ve no experience with this aluma stuff.
I’ll be using 4 24′ poles spaced at 13’OC. I also want to get the aluma-gang planks…I think the’re called ‘picks’? Unless I misunderstood what my supplier was saying, or he misunderstood me, he said 3 16′ ‘picks’ will work and there will be no 1 1/2″ heart attack…<g>learned that from good ol’ Mr Smith. What I still don’t understand is HOW? With the jacks at 13′ OC, there’s 6′ of total overlap. Are the rungs(sp?) on the ‘pick’ removeable? I just don’t see/understand how all 3 will connect and be level on the same plane. Maybe I should get 2 20′ ‘picks’ instead?…the total wall length is 41′. I could always continue using my DF 2X12’s with the 1 1/2″ heart attack, but would rather not. I want to eliminate all the wood.
Any help or guidance on how to join these aluma ‘picks’ for my situation would be greatly appreciated. I’m going to place the order Monday, and hopefully understand this system better, so I can order the right length ‘pick’
Thanks in advance!!
Replies
know nuttin' about "picks" but I just climbed off my scaffolds a few hours ago.
Alumapoles are the way to go. I have four. +Two 20' aluminum planks and one 16' for little jobs.
I keep my poles 19 1/2' apart with no problemos.
One thing thats nice when I'm only using two of the poles is to have one 20' plank to stand on and the other one on the other side of the poles on the same jacks as my work station/saftey rail.
I can set up all four poles alone like I did last week with ease and pretty fast too. Feels totally safe up there but then again I've been doing this for over thirty years.
HEy...have fun and...
Be safe!
andy...
If Blodgett and Gunner say, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!
TipiFest 06~~> Send me your email addy for a Paypal invoice to the greatest show on earth~~>ABUILDS@OPTONLINE.NET
Do you actually connect the 2 20' planks when used together? or just butt them on the jack?
You can't really butt them together on the jacks cause theres not enough room... BUT...don't tell anyone this or they may sic OSHWA on me.
I butt them (the planks) together and I've even done this with one plank end off the jack in the air. I take my major heavy duty crow bar and slide it through the handles on the ends of both planks while they're pushed together and feel safe as can be.
Now do not tell anyone I said that or I'll simply deny I ever said it.If Blodgett and Gunner say, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!
Count em'..THREE MORE WEEKS and we get the band back together !!!!!!!!!!!!!
TipiFest 06~~> Send me your email addy for a Paypal invoice to the greatest show on earth~~>ABUILDS@OPTONLINE.NET
...said what? <g>
I ~think~ I've got the gist of it and it's sorta? like what my guy said too.
I may just order the 3 16' ones and see how it works out. I can always swap the 16' for 20' if needed or just return them for credit.
Are there different styles of aluma planks? Is one better than the other? or is it like comparing Ford to Chevy? The ones I've seen are like the attachment I included. Yet I think Mike Smith has another style...?
>>>>>>>>>Do you actually connect the 2 20' planks when used together? or just butt them on the jack?My stuff is Werner brand (the poles and jacks are made by alumapole, but the picks are Werner and the ends on them are different. We've done it Andy's way and we've butted them on top of the jack. Mine came with chains that slide thru the rungs and attach to the jack resting plate. The crowbar trick will work on mine by also extending thru the front of the support plate so the picks can't move left or right.As far as setting up several poles 13' apart, you can do it once without putting a heart attack in it with 16' picks.
Are we there, yet?
http://grantlogan.net/
cave... why 16' pics ?
why not 24' pics , which are fairly standard ?
a 41' set up we woud do it like this: one center pole and two flankers
the two 24' pics mate on the center pole and stick out 3 1/2' past the end poles
to stage that i would use two 20' x 24' pics for the walkboard & two 14" x 24' pics for the work platform
or.... if you want 16' pics.. then buy some dedicated ones like seeyou's ( werner )
or better yet.... buy the Alum-a-pole ones..
both are made with male /female ends that mate over the jack and lock to each other with the chain ....... all your planks wind up on the same plane.... so no 1 1/2" ( or 6" either ) heart attacks
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Edited 7/29/2006 8:57 am ET by MikeSmith
>>>>>>>why not 24' pics , which are fairly standard ?Yeah, i meant to ask the same.
Are we there, yet?
http://grantlogan.net/
I just bought a used 24' pick a few weeks ago... it's 14" wide. Do you guys find that 14" is a bit too narrow to be comfortable? View Image
I've got several of them, but after we got used to the 20", we seldom stand on them. We use them for the workbenches/guardrails. They're not as heavy to move around, so there's a trade off.
Are we there, yet?
http://grantlogan.net/
Brian,
We've got a plank the same size and one that is 20" wide. That is called the "6 pack plank" because you couldn't fall off it :-)
The narrower plank is a bit small, but you get used to it :-)
http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL293/2163851/9094915/128942324.jpg
Mike, since this is a one man show, I figured the 16' would be easier for me to maneuver. My back is much better after that wreck I was in this past Spring, so I don't want to push it. But after giving it more thought today, I think the 20' would fit my needs better.
HOWEVER<G>...Now that you toss out that scenario...3 poles and 2 24' picks...I kinda like that even more. Especially with the pick connection on a jack, that I like!! Call me paranoid...but swaying in the wind here, 20'+up, is no picnic. Since I used 4 poles with the wooden poles, and it was solid...for the most part<g>...I figured I'd use 4 again. Rememeber the pictures I posted last year, using the pipe scaffold to support the end pole?...that's what I'm replacing(told ya I was slow!). Gonna have to think about it, no doubt. 3 poles sounds a little weak for 41' and high winds, to me anyways. But since your the pro, and you use this stuff everyday, your input has significant value.
oh yeah...20" pick width is a must for me. I got spoiled with my side by side 2X12's(24" total)
Know anything about the merger between Aluma and Werner?
Same for me...Werner, except all of it is. I was told that Alum-a-pole and Werner merged, so it's supposed to be one and the same now. Anyone know if this is true?
Hey...whataya know, I was right:-) They are called picks by some of you guys.
Today I got some info via snail mail, and now I see how they connect. I also just realized the pic of the pick I posted was from Amazon and the product was Qual Craft, not Werner.
"As far as setting up several poles 13' apart, you can do it once without putting a heart attack in it with 16' picks." sorry, ya lost me there??
I'm anxious to get these picks so I can see and feel how it works. Remember...this is the first time I've used this product! Still having a difficult time picturing a 16' pick resting on jacks 13' apart and then connecting another 16' pick to that pick. That will leave one end of the outer pick unsupported by a jack...right? Meaning if I get 3 16' picks and connect them end to end as designed, the total length will be about 48'. I guess it works, according to you guys.
>>>>>>>>>>"As far as setting up several poles 13' apart, you can do it once without putting a heart attack in it with 16' picks." sorry, ya lost me there??You have to connect the picks together at the poles. If for some reason, the poles have to be 13' apart and you have 16' picks, the could but on one pole, but any other joints would have to ovelap.I don't know what you're using this setup for, but I can't imagine any scenario that the work bench doesn't make things easier and it definately makes it safer. I didn't think I needed safety equipment either, until I hit the ground going about 80mph. The net also makes a great place to store stuff out from under your feet as well as often keeping you from having to climb down to pick up something you dropped.
Are we there, yet?
http://grantlogan.net/
" I didn't think I needed safety equipment either, until I hit the ground going about 80mph."
I know the feeling, got free skydiving lessons once when I fell from about 25' up. No idea what speed I hit, but my dislocated shoulder, bruised ribs and 'home alone' while laying on the ground unconscious was something I'll always remember. But not enough to scare me. Guess I'm just thickheaded.
If I do go to with the 3 pole setup, I'll heed the warning from you guys and get the brkts and the workbench. With 13' spacing, a pole to grab on to isn't far away when it gets windy. But at 20' spacing...wow, I just had a visual...that IS alot of open space!!
Thanks for your input...
The planks can be butted to each other on a jack. The 'handles' go side by side and then you run the supplied chain thru them to secure them from tipping and if you have a lock to keep them from being stolen.
The poles come in 6' increments, I would suggest you consider getting a couple of 12' with a splice kit, instead of a single 24'. Much easier to maneuver, transport and store. Also get the jack staging brackets. They act as a safety rail and a work platform.http://www.alumapole.comhttp://www.alumapole.com/product.asp?ID=68&nPage=1
I wanted the 12' poles, but that added about $700 to the price. This stuff ain't cheap!! and 18' is too short, so 24' will have to do.
I passed on the staging brackets. No need for a work bench and even though many of you won't agree, I never felt any need for a safety rail. Maybe I should reconsider them though...
If you've got high winds like you say you do..... the work bench/ safety railing and net is a much better investment than a fourth pole IMO.View Image
the net too?
I actually thought the net was just for when you dropped something, in case someone is underneath you. Never had that problem...I work alone 99% of the time.
Well you know better than I what you're comfortable with... it was just a suggestion. I spend a load of time on wall brackets myself.... and that's an awful lot of empty space back there without guard rails of some sort.View Image
Yeah your absolutely right...and I appreciate the suggestion too!...41' is alot, but it never bothered me. When the winds pick up, I just hang on to a pole...or climb down if it's severe.
Many yrs ago, while painting the peak of the gable wall(~30' up), a wasp started to buzz me. In fact he seemed to be out to get me. Then the wind started to pick up...naturally from the wrong direction, and I'm on a ladder too! I had a choice, use both hands to hang on to the attic vent so I wouldn't get blown sideways, or fight with some stupid wasp. Guess what I did?
btw...I left him alone and he still stung me!
Edited 7/30/2006 1:08 am ET by caveman
Glad to hear you're a one man show. You sound dangerous to work around. I have to agree with diesel. I'd get the set up table and net. 41' would be a pretty good fall.
Dangerous? No, not even close. Remember, I'm just a DIYer. You guys do it everday and production rules. I can take my time and think about what I'm doing with no worry of how much gets done today. I'm not underestimating safety one bit. I just pay attention. The fall I took from 25' while climbing pipe staging, was due to my being too comfortable with my surroundings. I climbed the pipe staging so many times, that I could do it in my sleep. That one time...I know...THAT"S all it takes!...I was careless and lost my grip and slipped.
The 41' is length not height. The height is about 21' from grade
5175107054
Werner, Aluminum Pump Jack, #PJ-100
$359.97
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5175107055
Werner, Aluminum Work Bench, #PJ-WB
$179.97
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5175107057
Werner, Foldable Brace, #PJ-SBF
$164.97
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5175107071
Werner, 24' Aluminum Pole, #PJ-24P
$983.97
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5175107103
Werner, 14" x 16' Aluminum Task Master¯/Nestable Stage, #WNS-2416
$322.99
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5175107105
Werner, 14" x 24' Aluminum Task Master¯/Nestable Stage, #WNS-2424
$519.99
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5175107109
Werner, 20" x 24' Aluminum Task Master¯/Nestable Stage, #WNS-2524
$659.99
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5175107107
Werner, 20" x 16' Aluminum Task Master¯/Nestable Stage, #WNS-2516
$399.99
Remove
Total: $3591.84 Tax/Shipping not included
That is a quote from ABC supply, I am sure you could do better on price...
I don't see why you would need 4 poles when 3 would be perfectly safe. I also dont see why you would not spend an extra $1000 to get the workbenches/safety rail. It allows you to keep additional materials and tools at working height and out of the walking path where they present a tripping hazard.
Technically...working above 6' without a guard rail is dangerous according to OSHA. I have done it without a guard rail on wooden pole jacks and with guard rail and safety net on aluma poles. There is no comparison in safety and comfort level. 21' on a 20" pick and no guardrail isn't my idea of a good time.
Obviously you must place your own value on your safety.
thanks for posting that price list... i can buy Alum-a-pole from several sources cheaper than that... i'll see if i can look it up
here's a set up with two 24' pics that don't mate... and no work bench and no net
View Image
here
s a set-up with two 24' x 20" pics & two 24' x 14" workbench pics with the nets
View Image
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Edited 7/30/2006 11:18 am ET by MikeSmith
Edited 7/30/2006 11:20 am ET by MikeSmith
Mike - I hang my nets differently. I hook 'em to the bottom of the pics which creates a pocket by the bottom pic to keep stuff in. Your method looks quicker and easier.
Are we there, yet?
http://grantlogan.net/
grant , we still wind up with a great big pocket
View ImageMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike, what was the reason that you didn't use the nets on the first picture?
blue
good question , jim..
lessee
we have six 24' pics and two nets
we set up the Hollywood side ( the front ) with the 4 pics & two nets and the back with the remaining two pics
there are not too many jobs that we get that require all of our staging .. heck we even bought a new 20" x 24' & a 14" x 24' just for this job.. which is what i've always done... try to bury some of our equipment purchases in every job.. to smooth the cash flowMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
It looks like the prices are higher than what I'm paying, but I don't know anymore specific other than $2100 for the 4 poles, jacks and braces and $365 each for the 20"x16' picks.
The 3 pole setup that Mike mentioned did appeal to me, but after checking, it won't work. The center pole would end up sitting on the precast concrete steps right in front of the back door. It could work if I moved it over a foot or 2, but that doesn't suit me. I don't want a pole that close to the door. So my plan now is to stick with 4 poles and use 2 20"x24' picks instead of the 20'. If I don't like how it feels...which I now doubt will happen...I can swap them back for the 3 16' picks. My supplier said he'd do whatever it took no problem, including delivery, so I'm covered if I don't like what I get.
Safety is a serious issue with me, but will admit I have my priorities mixed up at times. Like you, I have no problem whatsoever with no rail in place, even 20' up. But I got lucky once and shouldn't push my luck. The fall I took should have been a wake up call and it wasn't...from now on it will be.
"There is no comparison in safety and comfort level."
I'm looking forward to seeing the difference.
Edited 7/30/2006 11:10 pm ET by caveman
Say no more...
after thinking about it all day, {particularly what MSA said "You sound dangerous to work around."} it dawned on me that here I was willing to drop $3K due to my own safety concerns, and yet I was ignoring the additional safety items required due to being cheap. Cheap in the sense that I wanted to try and limit the costs as much as possible by skipping some of the bells & whistles. This all started with me only dropping $2100 for the 4 poles, jacks and braces. Fine...no problem there. Then I decided that I wanted to eliminate the spring board planks I was using, so that jumped it up to $3300. Now I'll probably hit $4K when I add the bench/rail brkts and the workbench picks. OUCH!!
So yeah, I guess I look pretty foolish to some of you for my way of thinking. It's not the first time I've been hammered here about safety. Last year Mike gave me a failing grade for eguipment safety...for the exact same issue too. But MSA's comment is what really hit home this time and stuck in my head all day. Thanks MSA for saying it!!
I came here seeking guidance from the pros, and that's what you gave. Thanks!
You'll do fine selling it in the end caveman. Whatever the difference is, I'm sure you'll feel it was money well spent dude.View Image
No doubt I'll sell them. These things must be a hot item seeing how your offering to buy a set from a guy before he's even done with them;)
The sad part is I should have done this in the begining instead of wasting the time & $$ building a few wooden setups like I did. Live and learn...
Didnt know I could have such an impact on someone. I just hate to see anyone take a fall. We all try to "save time" or "just this ome time", but if you're going to make the investment might as well get the safety equipment too.
Does matter is your just a weekend warrior or a pro when you smack the cement.
"Didnt know I could have such an impact on someone"
Trust me when I say it...
You DID!! View Image
using 24' pics would also eliminate 1set of jacks and poles.
$$$$$$
no doubt...
If your a DIY/HO, try to find some used first. If you can find some of it used, you should be able to get what you paid or slight less for the resale.
If you do a 3 jack set up with two planks/pic's (20"x24'), your looking at a fair amount of money, $3k with out the plank for the work bench. Depending on your area, you would probably get 2/3 for resale at the very best.
I looked at ebay, craiglist, local auctions, and local classifieds...nothing used.
Interesting you say $3K...
for $3300, I'm getting 4 24' poles, 4 attaching brkts, 4 jacks and 3 16' picks, all Werner products and that includes $29 delivery...which is cheap IMO!! I'd spend all of that $29 and then some, for fuel and the case of beer to borrow my buddies trailer to go get it myself. The place I bought from is about an hour or so away from me...in Glastonbury CT. I'm thinking I got a pretty good deal based on what you say
Maybe my supplier was blowing smoke, he said if I sold this stuff in a couple/few yrs, to ask 10% less than what I paid and I'd sell it no problem. Around here, demand for used exceeds supply, so it holds its value.
Here in MA that stuff seems to hold it's value really well too. It comes and goes in the Want-Ad, Craig's List etc all the time. If you don't call the first day, you missed it. And it usually seems to sell for just around 10% less than new if it's in good condition. Maybe as low as 25% if you're looking in the winter when everyone's hungry. Pipe staging seems to be that way too. I found a bunch of it once really cheap and sold it the next weekend on Craig's List for twice what I paid for it after I realized I didn't have a place to store it.View Image
Good to hear that 10% is a real #
I also figured this is the wrong time of year to be looking for used. I'm sure everyones using it right now.
The price here in MA does hold its value very well. I looked on Craigslist, want ad, etc. and most was pricey or was sold in seconds. Every once in a while, I'll check ebay just to see whats selling and where. I saw a full two pole set with a pic for something like $800 in MN, I think it was HO used for his own house.
I ended up getting a 3 yr old set without the pic for $850, from an Irish contractor that was moving back to Ireland and didn't want to pack the 24' poles, etc. I think I might get a bit more for them when I'm done with them next month. If not, if I get the $850 then I leased them for nothing.
So you got two 24' poles, two pump jacks, two work benches, and two tie-off for $850? If that's the case, let me know when you're done with them, would you? View Image
> I'm just a DIY/HO ....
Me, too. What are you using the staging for? I looked at alum-a-pole, JLG and Genie lifts, and ended up going with conventional Bil-Jax pipe. It was a lot less money, at least as safe, and I get more exercise. It takes longer, but time isn't money when it's a hobby.
-- J.S.
A picture is worth a thousand words...
I posted it here last year, so give me a bit to find it
Here's what I used it for and here's the thread 55144.1
View Image
Well, it's a done deal and everything will be here Sat AM. Probably gonna have to get used to peanut butter sandwiches for awhile too.<g> This stuff ain't cheap!! Meanwhile I spent the last 2 nights tearing down the setup I was using...Good riddance!...and a couple other questions come to mind.
1) Cross bracing or X bracing the poles...is it required? I've never seen any aluma stuff with extra bracing. The only info I could find was poles over 24' required additional standoff bracing. After removing the upper horizontal braces from my wood poles, as expected the whole setup ended up with some serious 'bowankus' to it. Just walking from one end to the other it wobbled like jello. I knew it would, which is why I braced it that way. Last year Mike did suggest I X brace it, but I believe the X bracing on the scaffold took care of the lateral movement since it was all tied together. From what I understand, the jacks on the aluminimum setups put the load straight down on the pole and not laterally, so there is no 'bowankus' factor to deal with. Is this legit?
2)Jack maintenance...? I imagine that some periodic lube should be done, but is required often? The junk I've been using required it on a regular basis if you wanted smooth operation. The last time I was up on my setup was before that car wreck...about 5 months ago. I figured it would be stiff, but not as bad as it was. One other thing I noticed, I won't miss the BS you get with the wood poles when lowering the jacks. I'm not sure if it was wear or soft spots in the wood, but I always hated when you hit a dead spot...you could crank and crank and it wouldn't move. Always had to manually trip the arms to get passed those spots...hard to explain, but I'm sure anyone that's used wood poles has BTDT.
Stay tuned for caeman's post raving about the new set up and wondering why he did'nt do it sooner. =-)
Raving is an understatement...if you only knew! <BG>
Believe me, I'm pumped!! I already know I should have done this awhile ago, just didn't want to drop the coin. Can we say--Cheap? Yep!! I spend enough on tools for my day job, that doing the same for home is tough. Then again, you end up spending just as much replacing cheap tools that break or wear out, as you do buying top quality once in the first place. I should have known better.
Now after a few yrs of dancing on tooth picks, I've definately had enough. Wood setups do work great, but as I learned...it don't last long.
I'm still LMAO at what you said...
If you get up past 24' you need to add a brace below the pics. This stuff is a lot more stable than pumpjacks and doesn't have as much shake as pipe scaffold can have when it's not tied off. There's a couple of lube points - I probably ought to service mine. As reinvent said, you'll kick yourself for not doing this sooner.
What ever you do, don't flip the red switch on the dashboard, Gunner.
http://grantlogan.net/
"As reinvent said, you'll kick yourself for not doing this sooner."
You want the honors instead? ;)
Nope - I've already moved on to the next step and bought a boom lift.
What ever you do, don't flip the red switch on the dashboard, Gunner.
http://grantlogan.net/
Holy Guacamolee!...Hummina Hummina Hummina!...This stuff is SWEET!!!
I'm seriously impressed with how this aluma pole stuff works so effortlessly. Especially when winding down. No more getting all jerked off because of soft wood or whatever that caused no movement sometimes when cranking down on the wood poles. I'll never go back to wood, that's for sure. The 6" tall pics are just as SWEET too. Not a bit of flex. It's like walking on solid ground. Again...no comparison to wood. I was a little surprised with the weight of the poles though, with the jacks and workbenches installed. I tried to walk the poles up with the base against the foundation. Got a little too wobbly, so I had to find another way... and a bum back don't help either. I considered using a pulley and hoist them up. Then I decided to try walking them up the ladder instead. My DW and daughter dragged/pushed the bottom of the pole on a plastic skid I had, while I carried the top up. Worked like a charm.
I got 3 poles up so far and the fourth will be attached to the scaffold like it was previously, which is shown in the pix a few posts back. Now that I have some REAL equipment to work with, I moved both end poles out to the corner...14' span from the next pole instead of 13'. That also required moving the scaffold over a foot. So after I re-level and secure the scaffold, I'll attach the last pole. Then I'll add some additional cross bracing at the top of the poles to suit my analitical needs. I did run 2 jacks all the way up and back down with the 24' pic and workbench...man I'm stylin<BG> the stability is like night and day. So when I get the last pole up and connect the two 24' pics together, I'll be in business. This stuff is exactly what I needed to give me a much needed motivational boost!!
Oh yeah...almost forgot, now I know what a 6" heart attack is, YIKES!!! No, I didn't trip on one, but I can see how it could easily happen. Fortunately I won't be dealing with ANY heart attacks anymore. Both 24' pics will be mechanically attached and on the same plane. I'm 99% certain it will work fine. Basically, it will work like this. 4 poles and 2 pics. One pic will be supported by 2 poles. So I'll actually just have two 2 pole setups side by side. The center connection of the 2 pics will fall between the 2 center poles and will cantilever out about 6 1/2'. After securing one pic to the jacks with the chains, I walked out on that 6 1/2' cantilever. No problem at all. So I imagine when the 2 pics are mated together, it should work just as good. If it's too shaky for my liking, then I'll have to just use the overlap and operate the 4 jacks like 2 separate sub platforms. Make sense?
Well, that's about it for my RAVING review for now. I need to pick up some more steel cable tomorrow and finish with the setup. Then I'll really be RAVING! ;)
One last note...thanks Mike for the suggestion of using two 24' pics instead of three 16'. This is gonna be one SWEET catwalk, that's for certain. It may not be as sweet as CU's new boom lift, but for me, it's like going from a Kia to a Caddy.
sounds like fun.. where's the pictures ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Fun??? Yeah right! I should have been on the ground moving the base, considering the weight, but neither of the 2 ladies had any interest in climbing the ladder and setting the standoff braces on the roof eaves. The 20 mph winds were really the fun part when your up 20' aligning the poles.
I'm still trying to figure out why my DW keeps saying we should have had a boy instead of a girl? ;-)
I'll take a few pics sometime this weekend when I finish the setup.
Exscuse the delay for the pix Mike, had to finish up some trench work for drainage and electrical before I could move the pipe scaffold over. Then got tied up with some unexpected motor vehicle repairs for a few days.
Finally it's all in place and it's the cats azz!!
#1 & #2 are end shots and nothing fancy. Same set up as before.
#3 & #5 are 48' of catwalk...Nice!! and no heart attack either<g>
#4 just another shot...
I ended up passing up on the 24' alum work benches. I dropped $3700 for what you see delivered to my door. Tough pill to swallow considering I made the decision to buy this stuff at the drop of a dime....and NO regrets either! The extra $600 for those work bench pics is going towards the 500 galllons of fuel oil I need...ol man winter is just around the corner as you know.
Next year I'll spring for those alum work benches. For now I have a couple 16' 2x12s that I keep out of the weather just for use on the pipe scaffold. Blocked in place so they don't slide around, the only difference is their wood instead of alum. I also couldn't use the work bench on the last pole attached to the pipe scaffold either since it would interfere with my up and down travels. So I'll just slip a 12' 2x12 on the scaffold rungs instead. I gave it all a trial run and it's SWEEEET!! I'd like to try and keep those 2x12s out of the weather still, but it's gonna be a PITA to pull them down everyday or when the weather is bad. If I leave them out all winter, worse case...they rot cup or curl and I'm out about $50.
I still have a few more loose ends of other projects to finish, including swapping that leaky POS steel Bilco door for the one piece fiberglass one I located earlier this year. After that, I can finally get back to work on the siding and windows. It's been a tough year considering everthing including that accident I was in last spring, but I'm ready now. And this aluma stuff is one he!! of a gift to myself to start back up with. Besides that...I'm getting sick of looking at that Tyvek. It's been exposed for over a year and it's shot.
Here's a couple more. I saved these for last since I got a slight feeling I might get some slack about what I did here. I tried a few different ways to attach and secure the 2 24' pics and this was what I came up with. I'm curious as to what comments arise.
The blocking underneath is just to keep the pics from shifting when raising or lowering the whole 48' catwalk. The ratchet strap is rated for 1K #s . The only thing I have doubts about are what the weather will do to the strap over time. I'll keep a close eye on it for sure, but I just don't know what the long term durability of it is.
So, what you guys got to say...<g>
I have done that sort of connection before, but I put the 2x4 through the handles straight up and down. Then put the strap action to it.
Your handles might not be big enough for a 2x4 to fit through either. I'm only half as dumb as I look.
as long as your happy, i'm happy
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so, this is all Werner equipment , right ? i mean the pics too ?
looks like you're ready to rock & roll.. go get 'emMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
oh yeah...we happy alright<g>
yep everythings werner, pics and all
Yeah the opening wasn't big enough. I was going to plane one down, but decided to go this way.
on this set-up ....View Image
i would have used 3 poles.. you can stll set up the left & right just as you did but the two middle poles would be one center pole right under the junction of the two picsMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
no argument from me there, 3 poles woulld have worked. But the added stability and support by using 4 poles gives me peace of mind. Especiall when I move around the corner to attack the upper gable wall. Being able to tie that free floating pole on the pipe scaffold directly to another pole that close made more sense. Maybe it's just the visuals of the end result, but seeing how I don't don't have as many airborn hours as some of you veterans<G>overkill works for me.
Ya know Mike, thanks to you and several others posting pics of your jobsites is what motivated me to get this aluma stuff. Probably never would have gone that route if I had never found BT. So tip of the hat again to you and the others that posted or boasted about the product. View Image
As others said, it is much more stable (its not 2x4's spliced together).
The only thing I notice is if you have a lot of weight on the setup, in my case me alone with a bunch of hardie planks and some tools, the poles will have more sway. They'll never collapse or anything like that but when it is top heavy it will move more. Considering what you were on, I don't even thing you'll need to get used to that. Not having to think about the safety of what your on will make things go much faster.
"They'll never collapse or anything like that..." "Considering what you were on, I don't even thing you'll need to get used to that."
Nice!! Just what I want to hear...