The TurtleDog stand

**oldpappy** · 10-18-2013, 09:52

Originally Posted by peanuts

what is the size link???? and i just noticed where i made the mistake......

what size(length) hinge did you use???

I used 2" links, but even the smaller ones had a 1,000 lb weight limit.
My hinges are 4", but 4" or 5" will work. The important thing is that there is a hole in the center of the rectangle part of the hinge to hang your pole suspension from. I used a link here to prevent the hinge from cutting the pole suspension line (due to rocking/sawing).

**Nighthauk** · 10-18-2013, 10:29

Originally Posted by xtemplarx

I know I'm late with these pictures! My apologies.

The double hang worked great, actually. No extra creaking or groaning from the stand at all. Here are some shots we took prior to tarping so you could see what we did. The only downside was the additional swoop my hammock ended up with as a result of the lower hanging position combined with the length of the top rail. If I could go to a longer top rail that problem might be avoided somewhat.

http://i.imgur.com/kvr4aqW.png

http://i.imgur.com/p8GQ3Ug.png

http://i.imgur.com/Zri9Mmc.png

http://i.imgur.com/oYtkUmv.png

Feel free to ask any questions!

WOW!!! Were those regular line 2x2's? What size was the metal pole that you were using. There didn't seem to have any upward bend in the top rail.

**hppyfngy** · 10-18-2013, 11:55

Originally Posted by xtemplarx

I know I'm late with these pictures! My apologies.

The double hang worked great, actually. No extra creaking or groaning from the stand at all. Here are some shots we took prior to tarping so you could see what we did. The only downside was the additional swoop my hammock ended up with as a result of the lower hanging position combined with the length of the top rail. If I could go to a longer top rail that problem might be avoided somewhat.

Feel free to ask any questions!

That is awesome. A longer top rail would let you hang flatter, but that ... is awesome.

I'm without a speech for a change...

**xtemplarx** · 10-19-2013, 01:19

Originally Posted by Nighthauk

WOW!!! Were those regular line 2x2's? What size was the metal pole that you were using. There didn't seem to have any upward bend in the top rail.

Definitely regular 2x2s. The pole is the standard 10.5' chain link top rail that people like to use. No upward bend thanks to keeping our suspension attachment points close to the vertical connection point. Worked out well!

**samsara** · 10-19-2013, 12:47

That... is... frickin'... sweet

Dave

**Coldaddy** · 10-20-2013, 16:59

Finally put my TurtleDog stand together...love it. I lengthened the top rail to about 13' allowing the use of my Superfly. I also made my 2x2's 78''. Thanks for all the posts and to Turtlelady and OldDog for making all this possible.

http://sdrv.ms/1bMLFLO
http://sdrv.ms/1bMLTmh
http://sdrv.ms/Hc0bT6

Steve

**hppyfngy** · 10-20-2013, 17:29

Fine rigging you got going on there Coldaddy.

I think you're all set!

**Ol Grumpy** · 10-21-2013, 02:14

+1 Great setup @coldaddy

**Nighthauk** · 10-21-2013, 06:42

Made one up for this weekend for a scouting event. Same as everyone else's. This was sturdy getting in and out of it. It also took 20-30mph gusts of wind and didn't even move a bit. I love it the simplicity of it. It takes less than 5 minutes to setup and breaks down to 6'6".
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1382355609.496096.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1382355626.245592.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1382355636.995583.jpg

**FlaMike** · 10-21-2013, 19:21

OK, I've already made my first mistake. I decided to speed things up by stopping on the way home from work to buy the materials for my TD stand. Problem is, I'd just finished working the last of my usual three, 12 hr. night shifts and my thinking ability may not have been quite up to specs. Soem of the choices I made might not have been the best. But, I'll find out soon enough.

I think I managed to remember everything I'll need. So, first thing in the morning, I'll get it started.

I have thought about some of the things posted when I described what I wanted to do and I think I'll be altering my plans just a bit, as I have learned that the "voice of experience" generally turns out to be right.

I will use a spreader limiting rope. In fact, since I'm building one for camping, the angled top cuts on the legs might not be the best way to go when setting up on uneven ground. I think the angled cuts, as elegant as they are, would limit the ability to adapt the stand to uneven ground, and trying to avoid a leaning tripod.

As for the "feet" I want to put on the tripod legs, they are intended for use on soft ground. If they aren't needed, they won't get used. But if they are needed, I'll have them. They will be plywood disk, but the idea of 3 pairs of Crocs is interesting!

Couple of pics will be posted when done.

Mike S.
Spring Hill, FL