My wife wants a ladder in order to get up to a small loft area of our house. I’m thinking of something similar to a bunkbed ladder, that hooks up over a piece at the top. It has to hold 200 lbs + a comfortable margin (my wt., not hers <g>). The thing would be about 8′ tall. Any such plans around? Am looking for guidelines on sizing the thing for strength and also a source for hardware (for example, the rods that reinforce the steps of commercial wood ladders) if required.
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Bill I saw a ladder plan for a library ladder but can not remember were . a friend built one for high school play he might have the plan I will ask him were he got it
I appreciate the offer.
These magazine contain ladder plans
FINE HOMEBUILDING No.84
POPULAR WOODWORKING No.75
SHOPNOTES VOL.5 NO.25
COUNTRY FURNITURE BOOK
LADDER BACK CHAIR
FINE HOMEBUILDING No.84
LADDER
NEW YANKEE WORKSHOP #2
SHAKER LADDERBACK CHAIR
POPULAR WOODWORKING No.75
LADDER
POPULAR WOODWORKING No.81
LIBRARY STEP LADDER (PLANT STAND)
SHOPNOTES VOL.5 NO.25
UTILITY LADDER
WOOD No.30
SHAKER LADDERBACK CHAIR
WOODWORK #12
LADDERBACK ROCKER (PLUS INFO ON WHY ROCKERS ROCK)
WOODWORKER'S JOURNAL VOL.26 No.1
CANADIAN LADDERBACK CHAIR
The rods are usually 3/16" in diameter, you could use thicker if you like. If I were to make a ladder, I've only made temporary ladders for construction, I would use a hardwood like red oak. I would make the rails 5" wide, 1" thick. Lay the treads out on 8" centers like it was a stair. Dado 1/4" into the rails, counter bore and bore holes for rods,nuts and washers.The rods go under the treads, a block for tightening the rod between the rod and the underside of the tread. I also would nail or screw into the tread from the rail. I don't think glue would help much, you would be gluing into endgrain.The rods and metal hooks are available at any hardwarestore or HD. The hooks that I am thinking of are the type used for hanging stuff on a wall in a garage.
Might be cheaper to buy a ladder.
mike
Hi Bill,
I know this might be a little late/long in coming but I saw a library ladder plan on Rockler's site and remembered your post. Hope it helps.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2237
Thanks. It provided some hints on sizing, but I would like to make one, not buy one.
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