utility pole fort begun with pics

[tornadowatchranch]

My neighbor came over to help start the utility pole fort this morning before the KU game. We dug the holes with a tractor so it counts as a tractor project (no camera for that). We used his TLB to lift them into the holes. We first cut them to length and then brought them 2 at a time to the job site. I put a 5 inch spike in the pole to keep the chain from slipping and lifted them using a chain. We actually put them in small side down due to the hole size. These are 46 inches deep. I used some 2x4s as temp cross bracing. The finished size will be 10 x 10 about 8 feet up. I will use eddie's suggestion for a double 2x12 as a header on each side and 2x10 as joists on hangers. Storms this week so hopefully next week my nephew will be able to come up to help with the rest (he wants to turkey hunt out of it). The pic is decieving--the posts are plumb-- my camera and the surrounding trees are not. The last pic is to make my wife nervous and the reason for the project.

 

[charlz]

I'm curious as to where you got the poles and how much they cost? I've been thinking of using some as logs on my sons dirtbike track if they don't cost an arm and a leg

 

[tornadowatchranch]

My neighbors son is a lineman. These were old poles that were removed about six miles from the house to widen a road. The "good ol boy network" got me 11 poles delivered to my yard for $100 and a case of beer. I have heard that you can by them from your local utility for about 40 cents per foot. The problem is getting them home!!!

 

[PILOON]

You are lucky to even get some.

Around here that's a no-no due to 'environmental issues' as creosote and or other preservatives.

Funny that hydro can use but we can't.

 

[Willl]

Sure looks like a hunting stand.

 

[afish]

Looks good I had the same question about where and how much for the poles. I fixed your 3rd pic before someone falls off of their chair

 

[tmiller]

my friend works for the power company and he brings about 10 twenty foot poles home on a gooseneck. He gets them FOR FREE!! and he gives me some whenever I need some!

Taylor

 

[Wis Bang]

When I worked in North NJ, my boss got free poles that were too short to be re-used. We lined the fenceline with them so backing in a trailer would keep from hitting and bending the fence.

Eventually we had to stop them from bringing more...

 

[WilliamBos]

Looks great. Keep us posted.

 

[2manyrocks]

...The last pic is to make my wife nervous and the reason for the project.


Build it well since you may end up living in it.

 

[tornadowatchranch]

Have been making steady progress as my schedule allows but haven't updated. We are almost finished with what we can do now. I got up all the framework and yesterday put up the roof headers and joists. My wife is happy since it has the fence around it. We still have to add a small trap door for a bucket and pulley system to get things up--you know like soda and snacks... The area where the roofing tin is at my friends house is very muddy so it will be a few months until we get to that portion. Thanks for looking.

 

[workinallthetime]

Craigs list around here has poles on a regular basis

 

[schmism]

I'm curious as to where you got the poles and how much they cost?

my uncle caught the local utility linemen replaceing all the poles on the highway outside his house. HE stoped and asked if he could get some. They said how many do you want? He asked how many can i get. The linemen looked down the road and pointed "see all those".

Each day after the end of the day they would stop at his house and drop off a load of about 8. In exchange he sent them home with a case of beer.

he would up with like 30 poles in all.

 

[EddieWalker]

I just came across this thread and was wondering how it turned out? Did you finish it?

Eddie

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

hmmmm, another great idea......

thanks for bringing it back up...

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I just came across this thread and was wondering how it turned out? Did you finish it?

Eddie

Eddie, he told me in my thread that it is finished. All that is different is that he put some old tin up on the roof. The rest is open as it is more of a fort then a hunting stand for his kid.

 

[tornadowatchranch]

All I did after those pics was to put up the rafters and put some old barn tin on the top. It is in the trees so we have been out there in a downpour without getting wet. I hung it over the sides about 8 inches on all 4 sides. It is about 100 feet from the house.

It is withing 10 yeards of a heavily used game trail so we should be able to get some turkeys from it too. We aren't into deer hunting right now but may in the future.

I have also added an alarm system (old fashioned dinner triangle to be used while under attack from "enemy forces") a provision replenishment system (bucket and pulley for snacks and drinks) and a sheild system (scrap wood). a girls OK/no girls reversible sign and also some bb gun holders. My son is 8 if you can't tell. I also set up an area between the rafters separated by years. Whenever he has a new buddy up there they sign it. I figure over the years this will be pretty cool to see who all enjoyed it. I imagine in the teenage years there might even be some girls names too!

 

[tornadowatchranch]

I wanted to build the roof stout as I know that someday when I am not around he will be up there. I thought about spray painting on the roof "if I catch you up here you are grounded!"

He plays up there (the fort--not the roof) often. I have had 3 wasp nest built underneath this summer so try to check often. I would hate him to have a friend over and then have to call a parent with that.

 

[tornadowatchranch]

Here are some pics from this am. the last one shows the proximity to the house. Directly behind the fort is a game trail that is on the edge of 10 acres of timber.

 

[PA hayseed]

Very nice. Lucky kid. Not every parent goes to those lengths for their child.