Need to build a stand

[linxdev]

I purchased a metal hammock stand from Hammocks.com and it is just too big for my office. It is usable but I have to remove the hammock and walk over the stand to get to my desk. I've been thinking about a design that uses 4x4

Normal stands look like this: \_/ That makes it too long.

I'm thinking of a design like this: I_I

My thinking is that if I can get the two vertical 4x4's distanced where my hammock is almost horizontal then I can get to a point where space is used most efficiently. On the current stand I use about 1' of chain on each end to attach the hammock to. That means that the stand is 2' too long. I'd like to get that down to 3" on each side.

My concern is the forces placed on the vertical 4x4s. I'm only 175 but want to target 400lbs.

I'm thinking of the below design

| |
|\____ /|


I will use 4x4 supports at 45 degrees to provide force against the 4x4 to keep them from collapsing. I'll use two feet extending 12" off each side of the bottom rail.

Does this idea make sense?

[Ramblinrev]

I've seen some stands where it would be possible to shorten the bottom horizontal tube but use the same materials. Is that possible on this one. Sure would seem to be easier if you could just lop off a couple feet and put the beastie back together.

[linxdev]

I've seen some stands where it would be possible to shorten the bottom horizontal tube but use the same materials. Is that possible on this one. Sure would seem to be easier if you could just lop off a couple feet and put the beastie back together.

If I cut the tubes then I'll need to drill holes to use bolts to secure it to the adjustment inner tube. I want to move them metal stand to the bedroom so I need two stands anyway.

[WV]

How about an overhead rail just below ceiling height?

[bigbamaguy]

WV that is what I was going to suggest, something like the one below that I just made for my daughters room..............

[linxdev]

Does your daughter use her bed anymore?

The only problem with the rail is that I have a long book shelf with about 200lbs of books in the area where the rail would me. I'm not going to rule out that element though.

[MAD777]

That's a sweet setup, BIGBAMAGUY! You're a good Daddy.
I think I'm jealous of your daughter.

[bigbamaguy]

Thanks guys:
She is contemplating getting rid of the bed. She still likes to use it.........as a place to push on so she can swing in the hammock. She has not been able to get a full night in the hammock yet. She has the ability to kick the covers off then gets cold. Thats when I start to feel the eyes on me and I wake up, move over and let her crawl in bed with me. Of course today she tells me she wants a rope hammock permantly set up in the yard, I will have to work on that one.

As far as the book shelf goes.....the base of the stand is 48". That puts the bar 24" from the ends of the base. Unless you have some really old encyclopedias or college text books on the shelf I think you should be OK. You can see the plans for the stand here:http://www.imrisk.com/hammockstand/hammockstand.htm. I hope this helps out and good luck with the stand.

[sarge1967]

WV that is what I was going to suggest, something like the one below that I just made for my daughters room..............

Now that is awesome!

My kids have been wanting me to buy hammock stands for their room but I didn't want to spend $100.00 a piece on them.

I could make those for about $20-$30 a piece I would bet!

[bigbamaguy]

Sarge:
It may cost you a little more than that. It would have been cheaper for me, if I had not used the 10' stick of EMT conduit. I could not find the chain link fencing top rail the day that I made this one for her. I got the plans from here: http://www.imrisk.com/hammockstand/hammockstand.htm. I modified it a little bit.......I used a solid 2X4 as the bottom runner since it is not going to be taken down for car camping.