Scaffolding is it worth it?

[dimichele]

I have 1 section of baker scaffolding. I had to remove painted over wall paper (including the celing) and repaint. Definately worth it. I use it as a shelf in the basement when not in use.

 

[4xdog]

I have two sections of baker scaffolding by BilJax. Seems to be heavier gauge metal than the Werner I looked at when visiting the paint store the other day. If I were to go any higher, OSHA (and I too) would want outriggers. As it is, it might still reassure me to get the safety rail kit for use when I'm standing at the highest level.

As others have noted, these make pretty decent storage or roll-around workbenches when not in use. I use mine for my router table or miter saw.

 

[mike93lx]

I have two sections of baker scaffolding by BilJax. Seems to be heavier gauge metal than the Werner I looked at when visiting the paint store the other day. If I were to go any higher, OSHA (and I too) would want outriggers. As it is, it might still reassure me to get the safety rail kit for use when I'm standing at the highest level.

As others have noted, these make pretty decent storage or roll-around workbenches when not in use. I use mine for my router table or miter saw.

Adding a pair of ratchet straps in an x helps stiffen them up a bunch

 

[Jackfre]

how is it joined?

We heated the pipe to cut it and rolled a bead on the end. Fittings were all ready beaded. A very substantial coupling, I guess we can call it a no-hub coupling. I did not work on that crew, but watched the process. “I think that was about ‘73.

 

[PoorUB]

Those are called baker's scaffhold and can be bought at basically any major hardware store for under $300. FYI.

Mine is werner. They come under a ton of different brands but all look exactly the same. They can also be stacked and you can get accessories like outriggers and leveling feet

I have one scaffold set up like that. I use it often. Anyone that does there own home repair or remodeling should own at least one set.

 

[Jawn]

I just picked up a couple of the cheap Baker types from Tractor Supply for $150 each... then the day after I unpacked it all and set it up, I noticed Home Depot had the Metaltech ones with the hatch floor on sale for the same price. Oh well.

Still need outriggers to fit. Bottom chord of my scissor trusses is about 12-14 feet up, and I need to do wiring as well as possibly ceiling finish at some point. Not tall enough to need the second one all the way up, too high to get by with a single unit. Might should get one of the railing kits too. I tend to be careful up high, but it would really, really hurt to fall from up high onto concrete.

 

[Toxictom]

I used to have three stages of old school scaffolding I bought at an auction for $30ea. with 3 aluminum planks and cross braces for ea. Over the years I used it as scaffolding numerous times painting houses and apt building I had, covered a stage with visqueen for an instant greenhouse which then became dry storage for bicycles, mowers, etc, in the winter. It also made a great climbing structure for kids and a stable launch pad for the backyard zipline. Loaned it out to friends a few times. Then after 10-15 years, I sold it for a healthy profit. It's versatile stuff. Buy is my recommendation.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I started out as an industrial carpenter, building scaffolding was part of the job sometimes. At a refinery, my pet peeve was why they only hired five foot tall pipefitter weldors, It seemed they always needed an extra lift.

I've never used Baker scaffolding, I had looked at them when I was working on resealiing the travel trailer. I bought a 10' step ladder instead. But knowing how important balance is on tall step ladders, I would caution about using Baker higher than a single lift with out out riggers. I would factor their price into the second lift cost.

 

[Slowbuilder]

+1 on the baker scaffolding. I bought 2 sets of the Metal Tech with the floor hatches, and set of outriggers. I used it for all of the ceiling work in building my metal building (bracing, guy wire, insulation, conduit, lights, fans, etc.) and anything that was above the 6' stepladder level. I definitely recommend the outriggers; on a smooth surface you can roll the scaffold around while on the second level if you are careful. It saved a bunch of trips up and down ladders! My only issue is with the end brace next to the floor hatch - if you aren't paying close attention and step on it while climbing (and if you are full grown and more), the brace will bend, which either prevents the hatch from closing all the way, or makes it a real pain to get open again. Welding a brace on the bottom is on my list... way down there somewhere.