18' Scaffolding - Thoughts

[vrinner]

So now that I have the garage built, thinking about buys a used scissor lift but those things are pricey around here...I was thinking about getting an 18' scaffolding. I've been up on a 12' one before and it was fine.

My building is 20' at the eves so it should be just the right height for the center areas to put up lighting and electrical.

Anyone have any thoughts/concerns about 18' scaffolding for doing this type of work?

 

[kbs2244]

My boy has been working daily on a 5 story scaffold for 4 years.
Union, professional assembled,, downtown Chicago, but he trusts it.
It is 3 blocks from the lakefront, so he watches the wind forecasts.

 

[vrinner]

I'm thinking about something like this. I cant imagine going 5 stories...yikes!

https://californiatoolsandequipment.com/collections/scaffolding/products/cross-bar-system-18-ft-scaffolds-tower-package-with-safety-rail-and-outriggers-osha-ansi

 

[b-boy]

Just looking at it makes me dizzy.

I have the 6' version of that. It's pretty solid, but it still sways a little. I can't image the swaying at 18ft.

Still, it's 100x better than a ladder.

 

[mike93lx]

So now that I have the garage built, thinking about buys a used scissor lift but those things are pricey around here...I was thinking about getting an 18' scaffolding. I've been up on a 12' one before and it was fine.

My building is 20' at the eves so it should be just the right height for the center areas to put up lighting and electrical.

Anyone have any thoughts/concerns about 18' scaffolding for doing this type of work?

That's going to eat up a lot of space. I would rent a scissor lift for the initial installation of lighting and electrical and then deal with it the next time a need comes up. Could be years before you need it again

 

[The Cobbler]

I'm thinking about something like this. I cant imagine going 5 stories...yikes!

https://californiatoolsandequipment.com/collections/scaffolding/products/cross-bar-system-18-ft-scaffolds-tower-package-with-safety-rail-and-outriggers-osha-ansi

they are commonly referred to as bakers scaffold.
I have 2 sets with outriggers. They are good inside on smooth floors but have no means to adjust for rugged or unlevel terrain, also @ 2 sections high they become quite wobbly & not a comfortable feeling on them.
used as a single section on a smooth floor, they're great.

 

[Higgins]

I use to have 4 5 ft sections, and a 4 ft section that i used as a guard rail. We used 3 aluminum decks with plywood that stiffened the top deck up solid.

Used some planks at the 2nd level and clamped them to the staging helped as well.

I use to loan out the scaffolding to our local church to change out the MV lights in the ceiling which was at 28 ft. And it worked out well. The only problem was finding someone willing to climb to the top to do the work. LOL.

If your really concerned about the movement, use 2 come-a-longs and strap both tops to something adjacent to the scaffolding.

It's amazing as you go up, how small the 5 x 7 ft platform becomes...

AL

 

[Kaizen]

I have the single and can’t imagine the triple. I’d want outriggers at least a few feet out in all directions. I’d use a ladder on the trusses before this.


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[techieman33]

Just looking at it makes me dizzy.

I have the 6' version of that. It's pretty solid, but it still sways a little. I can't image the swaying at 18ft.

Still, it's 100x better than a ladder.

Once every couple of years we go 4 sections high in the theater to get to some of the lights over the audience that can't be accessed any other way. 2 layers isn't bad, 3 gets pretty wobbly. The 4th layer gets scary.

 

[Stuart in MN]

This is just for putting up the lights inside the building? Unless you have other needs for it in the future, rather than spending a lot of money on something that will just take up a lot of space, I'd rent some scaffold for a day or two and call it done.

 

[bad_idea]

Not a chance in hell.

 

[vrinner]

Thanks for all the replies and scary thoughts! Going up 18' does seem a little sketchy. My next post would probably be "FS: 18' Scaffolding, barley used"

My problem with renting something like a lift is it's going to take me a year to get what I want done in the shop. I'm not an electrician so even getting my buddies who are to come over and help me out is going to take some time. I figure if I buy a used scissor lift I can probably turn around and sell it a year or two later for a reasonable price and get most of my money back. Scaffolding I'd probably loose half the cost but it's only $500 bucks.

 

[JamesW84]

I have 3 tiers of baker scaffolding and outriggers. I also have a 4x10 deck scissor left that goes 25 ft. The scissor lift is wobbly when you're 18 ft up as well, but it has more weight to keep it from actually tipping.

My brother used the scaffolding (up next to the wall, using 2 outriggers and no guard rail because it got in the way) and I used the scissor lift setting my trusses on my 18' walls.

I've used it at 18' also. Having the guard rail on and all 4 outriggers would really take some of the fear out.

A guy from work borrowed it and then put an A-Frame ladder on top because it didn't go high enough.

Scissor lifts are awesome. I got a great deal on mine and will probably make money on it if I sell it. However, unless you spend 4-5k or more, you better be prepared to possibly have to troubleshoot it, replace hoses, etc. I was stuck in mine 18 ft up because a fuse blew.

 

[Higgins]

OK, Gang, Im 72 and sold my scafolding 2 yrs ago when we moved.

I'm in need of something so I can clean our windows that go to 28 Ft. So i'm looking at purchasing a used skylift or Equiv. Scaffolding would work better, however, i'm 72 and putting up all the staging together is tough by your self. The problem around here is everyone of our frindes has either heart conditions, can't lift anything, etc. So a moble skylift it will be.
Looking at $4,500-$5000. People say that is too much. However it's $400 to clean windows and they do a ****** Job. Same with siding....
So at $1,500 - $2,000 a yr, a lift would pay for itself rather quickly!!!

AL

 

[wssix99]

We've used three options at our place. Fortunately, I have a wife who isn't afraid of heights and goes up all these things to do the work. (I also keep the life insurance policy current...)

We rent the lift, we own the scaffolding and the ladder.

We have a bigger step ladder, which we keep in the garage. It's really easy to pull out, but not as stable as the other options.

This may be a better option for a 18' ceiling. (If you have the storage space.) They make them with outriggers, also:

In the City, we also have places that sell used scaffolding for a reasonable price. That may be a great option, but setting the stuff up and tearing it down is a PITA.

 

[Kaizen]

We've used three options at our place. Fortunately, I have a wife who isn't afraid of heights and goes up all these things to do the work. (I also keep the life insurance policy current...)

We rent the lift, we own the scaffolding and the ladder.

We have a bigger step ladder, which we keep in the garage. It's really easy to pull out, but not as stable as the other options.

This may be a better option for a 18' ceiling. (If you have the storage space.) They make them with outriggers, also:

In the City, we also have places that sell used scaffolding for a reasonable price. That may be a great option, but setting the stuff up and tearing it down is a PITA.

Is that her at 12 feet with one foot in the ladder and a grinder in hand? Lucky man


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[vrinner]

....

...


This may be a better option for a 18' ceiling. (If you have the storage space.) They make them with outriggers, also:

In the City, we also have places that sell used scaffolding for a reasonable price. That may be a great option, but setting the stuff up and tearing it down is a PITA.

OK...18' doesn't seem so bad looking at that picture...cant imagine setting that thing up.

Another reason I like the scaffolding idea is that I can tear it down to take up a little less space...I can probably put it on the top of some cabinets or something out of the way...a scissor lift will have to take up floor space.

 

[JamesW84]

The scaffolding in the picture that you quoted is 6 sections of 6 foot scaffolding, which is 36 ft.

 

[matchew2008Z]

I'm currently working off scaffold at 12' with no issue (2 sections high), no wobble, on a stone surface. I put 2x12 boards under the each frame post to make them stable and use extra stone were needed to make it level. I would have no problem or concern going to 18' with a third section. I keep a dedicated set of 2x12's to stand on in the corner of the barn and the scaffold all disassembles into a fairly small amount of space. It's hand-me-down from my father so don't know the brand.

Mine has frames and cross bracing that bolt to the frames. Torque 8 nuts and one section is assembled and gets you to 6'. I don't find it to take much time and for as little as I use them it's nice they store in a corner pretty well. The set-up I have includes 2 sets of larger frames for the base, and a 2 set's of smaller frames for levels further up. Gives you a sturdier base. I don't have handrails on mine but I could buy some accessories to fix that if I want in the future.

Just my $.02 for what it's worth.

 

[OneOfEm]

To answer the OP, I have that exact same Baker setup. I've used two sections (with outriggers and safety rails) so much that it's no big deal. The third section adds some wobble for sure, but it's still safe unless you push the side to side limits.

It's surprising what you get used to. We first used a single 6' section while painting the interior of the house, and it was terrifying at the time.

 

[Innovate1]

If you watch for deals and aren't in a hurry you can get that type scaffolding at Menards for $99 a section on sale but I see that they are only in the midwest. I put up two sections on a concrete floor and it was a bit wobbly. I ran straps to some supports to help stabilize it. Three would be even worse - I doubt it's likely to tip over with careful use but some larger scaffolding would be much more stable. And I use one section as light duty pallet racking since I only need it occasionally.

 

[Samh]

I have that version in 12' with the outriggers It is a little wobbly, but as some have mentioned, you get used to it. I did purchase the leveling feet since I will need to use it off concrete.

 

[wssix99]

Is that her at 12 feet with one foot in the ladder and a grinder in hand?

It depends. Do you work for OSHA???

 

[wssix99]

OK...18' doesn't seem so bad looking at that picture...can't imagine setting that thing up.

The setup is the thing that really ***** with the scaffolding. If you have a 2 section system, then it's manageable. (You can use a step ladder to get the second section on. Any thing more than that has a high potential to become a high wire act.) If you have a good platform and stable outriggers for the system, you can stand up on top of the stack, which gives an extra 6-7 feet of reach on top of the scaffold.

 

[mrobins297aaa]

they are commonly referred to as bakers scaffold.
I have 2 sets with outriggers. They are good inside on smooth floors but have no means to adjust for rugged or unlevel terrain, also @ 2 sections high they become quite wobbly & not a comfortable feeling on them.
used as a single section on a smooth floor, they're great.

this^^^^, 18' on a baker, hahaha noway, one section with wheels is shaky

 

[techieman33]

this^^^^, 18' on a baker, hahaha noway, one section with wheels is shaky

It's one of those things you get used to. And if you use some ratchet straps as cross braces as someone else posted above then it helps to tighten it up a lot. I don't find it really necessary for 2 sections high, but for 3 or 4 it's necessary.

 

[Dagny]

I have 26 rings of scaffolding but 5 high is the highest iv'e gone it seems like you get what I call scaffold legs. They are way more stable with no wheels.

 

[mrobins297aaa]

It's one of those things you get used to. And if you use some ratchet straps as cross braces as someone else posted above then it helps to tighten it up a lot. I don't find it really necessary for 2 sections high, but for 3 or 4 it's necessary.

Boy I don't know how that's going to keep it from falling over. Even a guard rail at the top is not much use if the thing falls over.

I've been on them before but we never really used them much for hanging ductwork, we had the 5' x 7' scaffolds with the alum planks, at 18' with wheels without the cross braces (which we never used) they were stable.

If the OP is considering getting a scaffold he should look at getting a 5' x7', there very stable and you can just leave it setup with some wheels. you can put the alum planks at various heights and use it for storage, that's what I have, I have my miter saw on the bottom run, makes a nice table.

when I say cross braces I mean horizontal braces not the vertical ones

 

[Toolfool]

This https://californiatoolsandequipment...age-with-safety-rail-and-outriggers-osha-ansi is only 30" wide and is basically "baker's scaffold" stacked on top of each other. I'd invest in commercial scaffolding.

 

[techieman33]

Boy I don't know how that's going to keep it from falling over. Even a guard rail at the top is not much use if the thing falls over.

I've been on them before but we never really used them much for hanging ductwork, we had the 5' x 7' scaffolds with the alum planks, at 18' with wheels without the cross braces (which we never used) they were stable.

If the OP is considering getting a scaffold he should look at getting a 5' x7', there very stable and you can just leave it setup with some wheels. you can put the alum planks at various heights and use it for storage, that's what I have, I have my miter saw on the bottom run, makes a nice table.

when I say cross braces I mean horizontal braces not the vertical ones

I never felt like it was going to fall over. It was just wobbly. Then again I'm only 145lbs and wasn't really doing more than standing on it and changing light bulbs.

 

[kwb]

I have 3 sections of safeway? (2 6' and 1 4') and a set of wheels. I absolutely hate heights but once I get up onto the top where I have 100% coverage with planks I can work up there inside the shop or if not on wheels up tight to the side of building. It is very stable.

Since I bought it I have gotten a forklift. I prefer the man basket because it is faster to setup and get to work but sometimes the help (wife or kids) running the forklift up and down could be a bit more careful on the controls.

 

[MushCreek]

I have three sections of 5X7 that I bought(used) to build my house. I recently broke it out again to work in my barn, which has a 21' ceiling. It's fine, but I can't imagine going up that high on narrow Baker scaffolds. My problem is setting it up. It's heavy, and that third stage is downright scary. I can JUST barely hang the corner of the third stage over the second stage. Then, you go up there and lean way over to haul it up on top. You carry it around and set it in place with no guard rails. Then, you have to get the planks up there, and the guard rails. Once set up. it's fine. I've had vertigo in recent years, and don't much care for heights any more. I sold my extension ladder, and once my barn is finished, I'm gonna sell the scaffold. No sense in tempting fate!

 

[CitadelBlue]

Scaffolding I'd probably loose half the cost but it's only $500 bucks.

Go for it. 12 years ago 4 sections of scaffolding with 4 platforms, 4 wheels and levelers cost me $1700.

 

[MushCreek]

Used scaffolding is on CL all the time around here. I saw some this AM for $80 a stage. Usually only the full-sized (5X7), though. I don't know if you have room for that or not. Personally, I like the stability and room to work on the bigger stuff.

 

[vrinner]

Used scaffolding is on CL all the time around here. I saw some this AM for $80 a stage. Usually only the full-sized (5X7), though. I don't know if you have room for that or not. Personally, I like the stability and room to work on the bigger stuff.

Yeah...maybe that's the route to go. I see some of that bigger aluminum looking scaffolding locally. He says it goes to 15' high. So adding my 5'10" + about 1'6" additional arms reach gets me to 22'4".

So that means with my 20' eave and a 12:1 pitch and 20' to the center of my building the max height should be about 21'8".

I think that would actually work. Yeah?

 

[MushCreek]

My scaffolds are 5' each stage, but the wheels add another foot. Wheels are nice if you need to move them around once set up. I also have levelers that add a fair amount of height. My property is sloped, so I had to get the leveling jacks. Right now, I have them set up to work inside my barn, and have the wheels on them so I can move around the entire room.