[Jim F]

I'm looking for ideas to build a basic swing set, nothing elaborate but has to be sturdy enough to accommodate children who are near adult size.

The second picture shows what I have in mind. I think the first picture looks to be of more sound construction. I like the fact that the joints can be made, rather that using expensive brackets for the joints in the second swing set.

As you can see the angle in the first picture is very steep at the top which would not leave much room for the platform in the second picture. Could the construction in the first picture be used for the set in the second picture?

Another pet peve is those belt swings that come in the kits. They have never worked well for bigger kids. They used to make swing seats out of a solid wood plank which I could do but have no idea where to find the brackets that will attach the chain to the wood seat.

Any help at all is much appreciated.

 

[user1007]

Is this for residential or a commercial type special needs care facility of some kind? If the latter, there will be some specific insurance liability issues you should look into in choosing plans.

I would look online for plans if you are going to build this yourself.

 

[iamrfixit]

This kit, it is exactly like the second picture. It includes all the brackets, plans, material list, swings, rings and hardware, everything is in the kit but the slide, screws and wood. It is a nice quality setup, the connecting brackets are a much better solution than they might seem. I built one exactly like this that withstood my 3 boys and every kid in the neighborhood for over 20 years. I gave it to a friend several years ago and as far as I know it is still in use. I just recently bought and built another for my grandsons. I think I had about $125 worth of lumber in addition to the kit. The belt swings on this are very heavy duty and work extremely well, even a 6' 250lb "kid" like myself can still swing on it.

 

[joecaption]

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=wooden+swing+seats&qpvt=wooden+swing+seats&FORM=IGRE

 

[Willie T]

http://www.buyswings.com/commercial-mega-swing-seat-with-a-brackets/

 

[Jim F]

Is this for residential or a commercial type special needs care facility of some kind? If the latter, there will be some specific insurance liability issues you should look into in choosing plans.

I would look online for plans if you are going to build this yourself.

It is actually for my home use but my daughter has special needs. She is a 17 year old with Autism who likes to swing. That is why I need some heavy duty accomodations and why the little kid sling swings will not work.

 

[Jim F]

This kit, it is exactly like the second picture. It includes all the brackets, plans, material list, swings, rings and hardware, everything is in the kit but the slide, screws and wood. It is a nice quality setup, the connecting brackets are a much better solution than they might seem. I built one exactly like this that withstood my 3 boys and every kid in the neighborhood for over 20 years. I gave it to a friend several years ago and as far as I know it is still in use. I just recently bought and built another for my grandsons. I think I had about $125 worth of lumber in addition to the kit. The belt swings on this are very heavy duty and work extremely well, even a 6' 250lb "kid" like myself can still swing on it.

I was checking that kit out also and it's nice to have a personal recommendation. Do you remember if the length of the legs? Obviously, they are 4x4. Also, do you remember if the top beam was a 4x6? I'm assuming it is a 12 foot length. I probably will go ahead and buy the kit and maybe modify the swings.

 

[oh'mike]

Yep---4x4 posts and a 12 foot 4x6 topper----
I built one just like that,25 years ago----gave it to a neighbor when the kids grew up---It's still in use.

Many aftermarket swings are available---so finding one comfortable for a young adult should not be to difficult.---Mike----

 

[iamrfixit]

Here is a link to the detailed specs showing the lumber package. Noticed the build time, 2 people and 6 hours! I built it by myself in about 2 hours, had help from #3 son for about 10 min to get the beam on top of the double leg assembly.

http://www.swing-n-slide.com/11-Pioneer-Custom-DIY-Play-Set-Hardware-Kit.aspx#detailedSpecs

 

[Jim F]

Here is a link to the detailed specs showing the lumber package. Noticed the build time, 2 people and 6 hours! I built it by myself in about 2 hours, had help from #3 son for about 10 min to get the beam on top of the double leg assembly.

http://www.swing-n-slide.com/11-Pioneer-Custom-DIY-Play-Set-Hardware-Kit.aspx#detailedSpecs

Wow 16 ft total length! I'm thinking I can cut my length down to 12 ft by omitting the third swing and the boom arm on the end. Thanks, it' given me a lot to think about.

 

[jagans]

Do you have a large tree on your property? They really make the best swing, because you can get some serious pendulum action going.

 

[Jim F]

Do you have a large tree on your property? They really make the best swing, because you can get some serious pendulum action going.

No big trees. The neighbors had a tire swing but they had to take that tree down. I do want a little more height than a lot of the kiddie swings have to get better pendulum action. Plus, I wand to set the legs in concrete in the ground so I'm thinking 10 or 12 ft posts for the legs.

I hope to get this project under way before summer ends and post pictures in the project section.