Calling all Carpenters

[kccougar]

Our Stake has been asked to build a float for the Days of 47 Parade this year, and somehow I've managed to let myself get roped into the committee overseeing the project. I am the resident "engineer".

What those with the inspiration to make that call don't quite understand is that I'm a DIRT engineer. I can tell you how to keep a 12-story building from sinking into the San Francisco Bay Mud or keep a 180-ft high earth dam from failing and wiping out the townspeople below, but my kids are still waiting for me to build the clubhouse I promised them we'd put up in the backyard 5 years ago.

The design folks have put their heads together and come up with some great ideas for the float and then expect me to figure out how to make it all stand up (just like an Architect). My main problem is the tree.

They want a 14-ft tall tree (taller if I can build it in sections that can be put together after we transport it to the parade route) sticking up out of the middle of the float platform.

"Oh, and can you put a treehouse or swing in the tree that someone can sit in?"

"And I really think the people on the float should be on a platform that rotates around the tree."

So far, I feel like the grinch - shooting down all their ideas. I'll use this thread to update my involvement of the float building. Any ideas for supporting a free-standing 14-ft tall tree are appreciated.

I'm an engineer, not a carpenter.

[creekster]

Do you have money? You can build anything in this world for moeny.

[TripletDaddy]

Have you asked the Master carpenter?

[Katy Lied]

How about starting with a market umbrella? They come in lengths of 13 feet.


Chicken wire and paper mache around the base for the trunk, the leaves can be suspended, or you can have someone sew a stuffed green canopy for the tree top.

Of course it couldnt support a swinger, but you can design the swing to be supported from below (basically just a chair) with the legs hidden under the skirt of the swinging lady, and a chain snaking up to the tree covered with flower garlands.

[SeattleUte]

We've only just begun, to liiiiiiiive.....

[creekster]

We've only just begun, to liiiiiiiive.....

Jeez you picked the dead one!

[TripletDaddy]

Jeez you picked the dead one!

technically, he is calling ALL carpenters. which means that by association, he is also calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft!

We are your friends!

[pellegrino]

When you say freestanding, what exactly do you mean? If the tree is going to withstand a turn, much less hold someone it will have to be bolted to the trailer. If it were me, I would build a sturdy trunk out of 1x8 material. Bolt the edges together and make a box, stand it on end and then attach it to the trailer with some good supports (think triangles) that give it lateral stability. A platform could be built up around it, but the only way I can think of making it rotate is to have a merry go round thing attached to the platform. Motorizing that would be a hassle.

You could then make extensions to add to the top for branches that extend up and out, but you'd want to make sure they are securely attached to the trunk. A swing to the side would be easier than a tree house, simply because of the supports. You can cantilever one of the branches out and suspend a swing from it. Chicken wire, paper mache and paint around the whole thing, get some ficus or fake plants for extra branches and voilà. You're a professional float builder. I hope they pay you well, none of this eternal blessings crap.

[kccougar]

When you say freestanding, what exactly do you mean? If the tree is going to withstand a turn, much less hold someone it will have to be bolted to the trailer. If it were me, I would build a sturdy trunk out of 1x8 material. Bolt the edges together and make a box, stand it on end and then attach it to the trailer with some good supports (think triangles) that give it lateral stability. A platform could be built up around it, but the only way I can think of making it rotate is to have a merry go round thing attached to the platform. Motorizing that would be a hassle.

You could then make extensions to add to the top for branches that extend up and out, but you'd want to make sure they are securely attached to the trunk. A swing to the side would be easier than a tree house, simply because of the supports. You can cantilever one of the branches out and suspend a swing from it. Chicken wire, paper mache and paint around the whole thing, get some ficus or fake plants for extra branches and voilà. You're a professional float builder. I hope they pay you well, none of this eternal blessings crap.

It will definitely need to be bolted to the trailer, which has a flat plywood deck. Our design people are still trying to decide if they want a canopy or individual branches.

If we do a swing, we'll go with individual branches, and I think I'd put a ladder or something near the end of the branch that could act as a support.

[Babs]

I can't believe you guys won. After all, Sooner's been requesting a do-it-yourselfers forum for years now.

Anyhow, I can only assume this means The Closet will be debuting soon?

[TripletDaddy]

I can't believe you guys won. After all, Sooner's been requesting a do-it-yourselfers forum for years now.

Anyhow, I can only assume this means The Closet will be debuting soon?

it was my personal request that did it.

[Babs]

it was my personal request that did it.

uh huh. Isn't it about time you weatherproofed your toaster oven, or rotated your smoke detectors, or something? Just make sure to shut off the hot water first.

[TripletDaddy]

uh huh. Isn't it about time you weatherproofed your toaster oven, or rotated your smoke detectors, or something? Just make sure to shut off the hot water first.

If it will help, I will go nominate you for something in the Cuffy thread.

[Babs]

If it will help, I will go nominate you for something in the Cuffy thread.

You call that wit?

[TripletDaddy]

You call that wit?

please stop threadjacking kccougar's carpenters inquiry. this thread is all about pooling our talents to build a parade float. It shouldnt be about nonsense.