MMBA

by **G.Cook** » February 5th, 2008, 1:43 pm

Want to build some teeter totters for Sanford Park . So what is the best building method for the fulcrum(?) part of the project ? Whats the best method for attaching the "bridge" section etc . I'm looking for something that is sustainable long term . Any suggestions ?

by **mr_opjones** » February 5th, 2008, 3:10 pm

I'll post up a drawing as soon as photobucket is done with their maintenance.

by **Loren** » February 5th, 2008, 3:10 pm

Haven't done it, but using heavy duty farm gate hinges might work well:

Drive the lag bolt into the fulcrum log or structure and bolt the straps to the bottom of the ladder section...

by **black_knight** » February 5th, 2008, 3:34 pm

I would be hesitant using those hinges. I wouldn't trust them with the weight of my body, bike, the ramp, and the kinetic energy from rolling onto the ramp, on the little pivot points on those hinges. They may last awhile, but since this is at a park, with varying weights, speeds, and abilities, the chance shouldn't be taken in my opinion.

G2g now, but I'll post how I made my teeter-totter pivot later.

by **Loren** » February 5th, 2008, 3:39 pm

Maybe. But grandpa's farm gates were 10' long 200 lb wooden structures and held up to decades of cows and bulls bumping against them.

by **Loren** » February 5th, 2008, 3:45 pm

There's always this:

by **black_knight** » February 5th, 2008, 3:48 pm

Good point Loren. You may be right, but I assume the hinges were mounted so the pivot tenon was vertical with the weight down most of the time, whereas on a tt, the tenon is horizontal, the weight would be distributed differently and have more leverage. Also the gate is locked helping absorb the weight.

by **black_knight** » February 5th, 2008, 3:53 pm

Loren wrote:There's always this:

Okay, so you pretty much just showed him my teeter-totter

, where'd you get that?
Pipe's are harder to bend than solid rods in most cases. With a one piece pipe running all the way through, acting as both hinges, it should last longer than the rest of the tt.
Especially if it's designed like that.

by **mr_opjones** » February 5th, 2008, 4:04 pm

All treated lumber of course, attach legs to 4x4's that are cemented into the ground 42" (below freeze line), you can vary the height if you choose, and if you want you can add a piece of lumber to the inside of the ladder where the rod comes thru for extra support, I personally don't think it's necessary.

Offset the ladder by an inch or two or add a little extra weight to the underside of one end.

by **black_knight** » February 5th, 2008, 4:12 pm

How long did you make the axle? 50-52"?
I only ask because the diagram doesn't.

Nice blueprint. Did you make it?

by **mr_opjones** » February 5th, 2008, 4:16 pm

black_knight wrote:How long did you make the axle? 50-52"?
I only ask because the diagram doesn't.

Nice blueprint. Did you make it?

Long enough to go thru both ends with 2 jam nuts and a washer on each end.

by **Travis W.** » February 5th, 2008, 4:48 pm

nice...now i have to build some

by **mr_opjones** » February 5th, 2008, 5:23 pm

Or you can go ghetto style. Take a 2x6, nail a 2-3" tree branch in the middle and set it up on a couple blocks

by **G.Cook** » February 5th, 2008, 8:25 pm

Excellant ! Thats what I was looking for in plans and pics . This should be fun. Thanks for everybodies time and suggestions ( so far ? )

by **sworks88** » February 5th, 2008, 8:44 pm

Just make sure the base is wide enough to make it stable. I saw a guy ride over a tall one...unstable. If it was me...I would have been in a pile. Because he is a lightweight...he made it.

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