two ladders and a board for scaffold?

[al]

Started doing some repairs and painting of fascia and soffit but my knees can't take going up and down a ladder. Would a 1X12X12 between two step ladders work alright for scaffolding?

[Mick]

yea, unless you fall off.

[builderb]

I wouldnt use a 1x board because dressed thats only 3\\4 of an inch .If It was me I would go rent a scaffold board of alum or what they may have. But be sure and let them know what u r using it for. builderb

[dpb]

A 1x12 ain't even close to being strong enough to be safe as a walkboard...

A sound 2x12 would be adequate depending on the weight but will still be pretty "springy"...

As someone else noted, renting or purchasing a walkboard would be a reasonable solution. Also, there is a class of lumber that is ANSI-stamped as "scaffolding-rated" but if OP can even find it locally, it will probably be as expensive if not more than Al scaffold walkboard.

[Sev]

I've done it this way, but make sure those ladders are adequately rated for the load, and brace them or secure to house in some way if they seem at all tippy.

[DT]

A 2x12 will work fine, not a 1x12. If you want to make an excellent plank, use the 2x12 and screw a 2x4 or 2x3 under each edge. This is way stiffer than most aluminum planks. I have a pair made that way that I use when I don't want to get out my 24' aluminum plank.

Run a rope between the ladders to act as a catch rail, or better yet, clamp a

2x4 between them as long as you can get it high enough so it doesn't become its own trip hazard.

Be aware that using a plank between step ladders does not provide sideways stability like ladder jacks would do. Don't push off on the house or the whole thing can topple if not otherwise restrained.

[DerbyDad03]

re: If you want to make an excellent plank, use the 2x12 and screw a

2x4 or 2x3 under each edge.

I'm sure Dennis meant to add this:

Turn the 2x4 on edge for strength. Lying it flat won't add much stabilty at all.

[HeyBub]

You can use four milk crates cobbled together with wire like this:

X XXX

A lightweight, easily moved, stepping device.

[ransley]

Scafolding is not as safe as having a ladder infront of you, your knees are weak from not being used. a 1x12 is not enough. setting up scaffolding is alot more work than moving a ladder.

[dadiOH]

Only if you glue/screw/nail two or three 1x3x12s on edge underneath it.

[B King]

Al,

Just make sure someone is video taping you, if you decide to go this route. You may be eligible for a $10k prize, on America's Funniest Videos.

I don't know if $10K would cover the hospital bill though.

[nicksanspam]

I = bh^3/12 = 11.25x0.75^3/12 = 0.396 in^4, s = 1000 psi, c = 0.375", M = sI/c = 1055 in-lb = 6x12W => W = 15 lb.

I = 11.25x1.5^3/12 = 3.16 in^4, s = 1000 psi, c = 0.75", M = 4219 in-lb => W = 59 lb?

Nick

[Steve Barker LT]

YEP.

s

[Steve Barker LT]

YEP if it's a TWO by 12. I mis read that.

s

[Phisherman]

Sounds a little risky. The genuine scaffolding is the best choice and well worth the rental fee.

[Caesar Romano]

On 7 Sep 2007 14:32:10 -0400, [e-mail] wrote Re Re: two ladders and a board for scaffold?:

Is "c" the deflection at mid-point?

[Wayne Whitney]

"c" is half the height of the beam, i.e. the distance from the centroid to the extreme fiber.

Cheers, Wayne

[Not]

Scaffolding would be a much safer option, but wouldn't help with your knee problem. I think it would be very difficult to get good stability with a plank and stepladders, and on a plank you have to rely on agility that your knees may no longer have. I do use a 1x12 on an articulated ladder to work on my boat, but I am not going very high to do that. The articulated ladder supports the board about every three feet. For a longer span, I would want a plank (the planks I have seen flex far less than dimensional lumber, but I suppose adding a strengthening rail to a

2x12 would give good stability, too. The advantage, to me, of a plank is that the length can be varied to fit the job, or the storage area.

Rent> Started doing some repairs and painting of fascia and soffit but my