18' Ladder Stand

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Somebody mentioned a few weeks back about tree/deer/ladder stands.I probably won't be hunting this winter so I pulled mine back up to the house. Here are the pics, for what they're worth. The total weight I'm guessing is 35-45 pounds a lot lighter than it seems by any rate. It's all thin walled galv. steel. The uprights are 1 3/8" steel fence post, the horiz. part that goes across the top. The rungs are 1" electrical EMT. The bracing is all 1/2" EMT. The thing is solid as a rock, no flex. It's 18' tall so in one of the pics you can see where I had to butt two pieces together where one fits inside the other and make a plug weld to reinforce it. And dig the fancy no slip, shin saving tape on the rungs and the padlock to keep it from taking a midnight stroll. Attached ImagesI'm not a Engineer, I just play one on the weekend.
Reply:Thats pretty good, I just bought some of the same stuff to make mine with. What rods did you use? My posts are $8.49 each from Home Depot in 10' lengths. What are the measurements between the posts and the steps? Where did you get the seat?Thanks  Kraftymate
Reply:Hmmm, that was about 4 years ago. I used the Lincoln wire feed welder. With flux core. I think the posts were about 6 bucks at Lowe's, but that's before the prices skyrocketed.The seat is just a piece of expanded metal, so remember to bring a cushion or the argument between that metal and your hind end will cut your trip short. I think the top is about  16" wide at the top and 24" at the bottom. I tacked the end rungs first and cut the rest of them to fit equally spaced. And dont forget to pick up a ratchet tie to secure it to the tree and a safety belt for yourself. I sat it against a pole when I first finished it and I could look DOWN on my basketball goal. If you want I can get some better picture so you can improve on it. Maybe you can give me some ideas on caps for the legs to keeep it from sinking into the ground.I'm not a Engineer, I just play one on the weekend.
Reply:dl- I would like to see some more pictures please.
Reply:Re: legs sinking into the ground.   If you were to add a new bottom step, about 2" up from the ends of the side rails, the 2" ends would bite into the ground, and the "step" would prevent the ladder from sinking in too far.  Also, this would protect the side from bending if dropped on it's sideJust my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:More pics. Hope they're usable. Attached ImagesI'm not a Engineer, I just play one on the weekend.
Reply:The extra leg at the bottom is the way to go. I use 6" before the step, it sinks into the ground and helps to keep the bottom from sliding out and taking you for a ride. Just my experience.Brett B & B Fabrication and Welding Inc.Spalding, MI.