Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by Adams
How to Make Portable Wooden Ladder?
An extension or portable ladder is a variant of the device for lifting and lowering where it is needed. It is often used for agricultural work (pruning trees, whitewashing/painting, other work) or to get to the roof or attic if a stationary ladder cannot be installed there for some reason. It differs from an ordinary product not only in mobility but also in lower weight. Besides, it is easy to make it with your own hands. How to Make Portable Wooden Ladder?
For a ladder, you will need wooden beams with a specific section. Experts prefer to make this type of structure from pine – it is strong enough and not particularly heavy, which is essential if you consider that, it will have to be moved.
You can make this structure out of walnut – its wood has almost the same properties as pine. Oak is not recommended for building stairs with your own hands – it is very durable but heavy to carry.
It is worth using bars with a 40-50 mm cross-section for the bowstring and steps – 30-40 mm. The number of steps and the length of the bowstring depends on the desired height of the ladder – to determine it; you need to measure the distance to all places where you plan to climb in the future. It is essential – the wood for the bowstring and steps must be equally dried. Otherwise, the ladder will undoubtedly creak and subsequently can become traumatic.
You can assemble parts with your own hands, both with self-tapping screws and gluing; however, for reliability, many artisans use both methods of connection. You can make the width of the ladder the same along its entire length, or you can “narrow” it to the top edge. In any case, the width of the finished product should be at least 50-70 centimeters. The recommended distance between steps is 30-35 centimeters.
Further, everything is quite simple – all the parts are made in the required quantity, grooves are drilled in each bowstring – the ends of future steps will be inserted into them – the so-called “thorns.” Do not forget that the spikes must fit into the grooves tightly enough, so the latter must be made slightly smaller in size. It is important not to overdo it – a track that is too small can crack the string.
Next, the thorns are greased with glue and alternately driven into the grooves of one bowstring. As soon as this work is completed – a second bowstring is put on the resulting structure – the tracks are pushed onto the thorns, also greased with glue.
It is not out of place to remind that, when drilling the grooves, they should be “synchronized” between one and the other bowstring; otherwise, the staircase will turn out to be lopsided.
Then, if desired, the steps can be additionally fixed with nails made of wood or iron. Alternatively, you can use self-tapping screws. The bottom edge of the finished product must be cut at an angle to make it as stable as possible.
Moreover, you need to attach rubber tips or metal spikes to the ends at the bottom. The second option is required if a self-made ladder is supposed to be used on the ground.
Finally, when everything is ready, it is necessary to cover the structure with water-repellent paint or varnish, in order, firstly, to give it an aesthetically pleasing look and, secondly, and to protect it from damage and exposure to precipitation if the device is stored outdoors.
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