Turtledog Question

[Flash Grundelore]

Is there a reason that the crossbar needs to be as heavy as chain link fence pipe [looks to be what most instructables use] ?
Could you not use 2x2 stock for it?

It appears to my non-engineering mind that all it does is keep the tripods stable and at the correct distance apart. The weight loading is nearly directly downward at the ends under the tripod points.
All weight/force would seem to be on the 2x2 legs...

[responses ASAP would be appreciated.... it's a beautiful day here, I've got clean 2x4s out the ying-yang, and a ferocious Jones to hang the new Chameleon!]

[Kallorne]

The top rail is loaded with quite a bit of horizontal force... It's also the thing that keeps the 2 tripods from being pulled toward each other by the dynamically loaded hammock. In short I wouldn't skimp there. When I built my turtle lady stand, I had visions of the chain link fence top rail snapping in half and skewering me before I learned to trust it hope that helps.

[devoncloud]

Actually, the amount of force on the ridgepole on mine is not that strong (and I weigh 285 pounds). I would think you could get away with a smaller one but there would be a lot of flex unless you used a carbon fiber pole that would cost you a few hundred bucks. Personally I don't think I would like there to be any flex in my design... better to build stronger than needed instead of not strong enough.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[oldpappy]

For the $10 the fence pole can't be beat (and cut it in half for handy storage).
If you need somethig right away - try using a 2X4 with the crown pointed down - should be strong enough until you get the fence pole.

[gmcttr]

...Could you not use 2x2 stock for it?...

Keep in mind that a 2x2 will actually be a 1 3/8"x1 3/8" and sounds a bit thin to me...especially if there are any knots or other imperfections.

The ridgepole in this photo is a poplar sapling, 16' long, 1.5" at one end increasing to 2.125" at the other and was in use for many years.

There is always some flex induced into the ridgepole.

IMG_1897 (Medium).JPG

[Tyler883]

Is there a reason that the crossbar needs to be as heavy as chain link fence pipe [looks to be what most instructables use] ?
Could you not use 2x2 stock for it?

It appears to my non-engineering mind that all it does is keep the tripods stable and at the correct distance apart. The weight loading is nearly directly downward at the ends under the tripod points.
All weight/force would seem to be on the 2x2 legs...

[responses ASAP would be appreciated.... it's a beautiful day here, I've got clean 2x4s out the ying-yang, and a ferocious Jones to hang the new Chameleon!]

I am 360 lbs, and i use a 2x3 with no problems.

However, the length of the pole, the angle of my hang, the length of my hammock,and the condition of the wood all play a factor.

In my case case, it is a 10ft pole, and a 108 inch hammock. My angle at the biners is about 30 degrees below horizon. The wood is less than a year old

Sent from my SM-A500W using Tapatalk