Scaffold question

[G Mulcaster]

I have to span 13'. Regular scaffold staging won't work in this case.

Would a 14' - 2 X 12 plank support my 200 lbs?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Gary

[serebel]

More than likely, yes it should support you. Even better, double it up for less bowing in the middle and this will support an enormous amount of weight.

[George]

I went out on a 2/12 about 20' up, and decided it wasn't for me.

So, I made planking with 2x4 rails and crossbraces, with 1/2" (5-ply) plywood for decking. I've been these same ones off and on for 15 years, no problems. OTOH, I'm a bit under 200 #.

G

[Ed]

Make it stiffer by nailing a 2 x 4 on end on the bottom of the 2 x 12.

[benick]

Or buy or rent one of these...They also have ones that reach out 16 feet...I have one for doing drywall in stairwells..I run it out from the top of the landing to a ladder sitting on the steps leaning on the back wall ......They are about 250 to buy at Homedepot or Lowes....Not sure how much it is to rent...

Werner

8-13' Telescoping Aluminum Extension Plank

[Mike Paulsen]

A 14' 2x12 plank of what? You could be fine with one #2 grade 2x12 and a goner if you pick the one right next to it. If you do get a 2x12 you want to make sure it's stamped (or labeled) as Scaffold Grade, which meets stricter requirements for knots, grain slope, etc. You may have to go to a real lumberyard to find one.

Rent an aluminum extension plank.

[Red Green]

G Mulcaster wrote in news: [e-mail]:

Double the 2x12's. You would only have a 6" on each end and with bowing you'll end up with less. Not good. Plus, you get a bad board and it could snap or split.

[Pete C.]

You most certainly can span 13' with regular scaffold components, they are available in every conceivable variation to handle any situation. Go to your local scaffold supplier (not Home Depot rental or the like) show them a sketch of your application and rent the scaffold components required for the application.

[SteveBell]

According to the Sagulator , a ponderosa pine 2x12 will sag almost 4 inches. If you bounce, it will sag more.

Adding a 2x4 brace reduces the sag to about 2 1/2 inches.

[fftt]

as per the other replies.....

when at mid-span the deflection would be about 4 inches & the bending stress above 1600 psi.

WAY too flexible & not strong enough (imo)

I would suggest a commercial scaffold platform piece or a homemade unit of 2x4's on edge with plywood skins

What would be the result if the system failed? fall a few feet or ????? be careful

cheers Bob