[Red Squirrel]

It's time I buy a ladder, but did not realize the telescopic ones were that expensive. I don't have a truck so I can't buy a standard size one.

Then I realized, I can probably build one for under 50 bucks. I can fit a couple a 8' pieces of lumber in my car if I get it in at the right angle. I need maybe 10-12 feet or so of ladder to get on my roof at a comfortable angle. So why not put two 2x6 together with a couple bolts, then nail in some risers, and boom, a ladder. Seems simple to me and it would be rather solid.

Am I missing something, is this a really bad idea from a safety perspective? I can't see how anything could go wrong... But that can also turn into famous last words. :laughing:

 

[joasis]

Craigslist, buy a decent used extension ladder, have it delivered, stay safe.

Home built ladders are typically heavy, awkward, and just are not as safe as the modern ladders we use.

 

[DangerMouse]

I've built 2 different custom ladders for odd jobs here. Not a big thing, and more than strong enough.
But yes, they're heavy and I wouldn't want to try to drag them all over town....

DM

 

[DexterII]

Not the best idea. Google "little giant ladder". I have no affiliation with them whatsoever, but a very versatile, compact ladder.

 

[WirelessG]

I agree with DM. If you are using this for around the house, you'll be okay with a home made ladder, but it'll wear you out after dragging it around a few times.

The little giants are not that light either, but they do fold nicely and they are expensive.

 

[fireguy]

Not the best idea. Google "little giant ladder". I have no affiliation with them whatsoever, but a very versatile, compact ladder.

There are 2 grades of Little Giant. The contractor grade is a very sturdy ladder. I have had 3 of us on mine, all pushing on a sprinkler head. Very stabil, but, it is heavy.

There is also a cheaper model.

 

[DangerMouse]

Here's a shot showing how I made mine 7 years ago.

DM

 

[Red Squirrel]

I was thinking of notching it too, probably stronger that way. We don't have craigslist here but forgot to look at the local classifieds, I might try that before I build.

 

[WirelessG]

Are you out in the sticks somewhere? Craigslist covers several cities in Ontario. You can also try backpage.com and maybe even ebay. You'll be a lot happier with an aluminum or fiberglass one, but I guess a wooden one will let you fool with your new miter saw, which you would probably enjoy.

BTW - did you start your woodworking projects yet?

 

[Red Squirrel]

No projects yet, I have to build my shop first, and that's low priority as I have to fix my weeping tiles first. Lot of things to do, not enough money!

The weeping tile project may end up leading towards a deck project though so that should be fun. I need to break up my current cement patio to dig.

 

[nap]

If you build a ladder, be sure to install some angle bracing to prevent it from racking.

 

[WirelessG]

When u get you're shop up and running, and if you're interested send me a pm and I can help you build some adirondack furniture. Its not really tough, but it does require some skill and its a good one to hone that skill. You'll need a bandsaw, table saw, router, and a drum sander. The chair is s modified version of norm Abrams design, while the table and footstool are my own. I make them out of cypress, which may be pricey in ur parts.....I don't know, but I thought you might be interested, so I mentioned it.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Cool, yeah I'd like to try out furniture eventually. I'll start off with simple stuff like the ladder, and framing my basement, and move on from there. The issue is I don't have a truck, I'm hoping to get one in the next few years, then I can really do some bigger projects.

 

[rusty baker]

I used a homemade ladder for years until I bought an aluminum. If built right, they ae fine.