Scaffold tower assembly

[6ply]

I picked up a used scaffold tower/platform for cheap. No instructions and I don't know if it is complete. I've slotted a few sections together and looking at the mortar splats it appears I'm assembling the same way round as the previous owner, ie not upside down.

I can't figure out the purpose of the 4 poles. Are they outriggers of some sort? Am I correct in starting the first course with long frame sections?

Assume I am less intelligent than the average scaffolder...

Thanks

 

[Agroshield]

The four poles are for the handrail at the top (above your working platform).

One standard frame above the working platform would be too low to act as a handrail so those posts put the rail higher up relative to the platform.

There are likely to be instructions online for this type of scaffold as it is very common.

It is not a good idea to build anything permanent directly onto slabs - a spreader foot is better.

 

[6ply]

The four poles are for the handrail at the top (above your working platform).

One standard frame above the working platform would be too low to act as a handrail so those posts put the rail higher up relative to the platform.

There are likely to be instructions online for this type of scaffold as it is very common.

It is not a good idea to build anything permanent directly onto slabs - a spreader foot is better.

Thanks for that... handrail. I'll try that.

Don't worry about the slabs - this is just a trial assembly. It will be used elsewhere and I'll probably make some feet to spread the load / help leveling.

 

[6ply]

If there's no outriggers I'll have to sort something out. I've used builders trestles before and I don't enjoy the wobble factor!

 

[Agroshield]

Measure the spigot on the frame. Hopefully, it is standard scaffold tube size, so a pair of aluminium poles and three swivel clips would make a good outrigger or maybe you can buy a pair of outriggers for an aluminium tower.

Fred Dibnah use to chisel out the mortar joints, drive in a wooden wedge and then drive a steel hook into that. Rope the ladder/tower to that hook. Remove and point up on the way down.

 

[MoreWellie]

when building the tower I would start with the small side frames to the right in the bottom picture as they will be less inclined to fold under slightly angled weights

I have seen other lightweight scaffolding that used to be sold as you have "sample built" it and they then brought out short sections to be used at the bottom to make them more stable

 

[Agroshield]

When building the tower I would start with the small side frames to the right in the bottom picture...

How you start affects how you finish at the top. And how you need to finish at the top depends on how the boards span.

Most of the aluminium systems have a table that for a given platform height, it tells you what pieces to use and in what order. For this one, the owner might have to make his own table.

 

[6ply]

How you start affects how you finish at the top. And how you need to finish at the top depends on how the boards span.

Most of the aluminium systems have a table that for a given platform height, it tells you what pieces to use and in what order. For this one, the owner might have to make his own table.

No problem making my own table.

Btw, all the frame components are galvanised steel. Decent thickness too.

 

[wyn]

I used a similar setup against the gable end of a house.
I made permanent brackets bolted to the wall then ratchet strap the scaffold to the brackets.

 

[brightspark]

just make up 4 x 6 inch 125mm plates and weld some round collars on to fit over the size of the tubing i have simlar heavy duty steel one 5 foot x 5 foot but mine goes over 30 foot . i dont bother with outriggers on flat ground its as heavy as hell and you can climb up the outside without it tipping . unlike the ally ones that need outriggers cos there flimsy and you have to climb up the inside , by rights your suposed to have out riggers with it at 3 times its whith so over 15 foot . ive. got wheels for mine as well

 

[MoreWellie]

How you start affects how you finish at the top

I cannot argue with that but my comment was made solely because the tower will be more stable with those small pieces at the bottome

 

[brightspark]

mines a 5x5 tower and theres 2 bars that drop on to the bottom rail to stabilize it those smaller ones would be better on the bottom without a crossbar to keep them apart having said that its only a small towerrand not verry high

 

[6ply]

mines a 5x5 tower and theres 2 bars that drop on to the bottom rail to stabilize it those smaller ones would be better on the bottom without a crossbar to keep them apart having said that its only a small towerrand not verry high

I'll reassemble in a different order when I get a chance. Should be nice this weekend.