Setting up tall baker scaffold?

[Innovate1]

I have a 14' ceiling and have two sections of baker scaffold so can get to the ceiling. Have the outriggers for the height and it is working great for installing all the wiring in the ceiling.

My question is about setting up the upper section and adjusting the height. It was inside and I had a sturdy, tall ladder so used that against trusses to install the upper section. Worked well and the pieces were light enough I could hold them in one hand and hang on to the ladder with the other. I kept the ladder right next to the scaffold so I wasn't leaning out from the ladder. felt more solid than standing on the platform and balancing parts. Now I would like to lower it a few feet to work on things around the tall garage door.

I can take the top section apart (starting with the safety railing) reversing the assembly and then assemble it at the lower height but wondering if there is an easier way to do this.

Also wondering how this is best done without a ladder and without a helper. I am usually working alone. A helper wouldn't seem to help much except for handing up parts. I could lean the upper stage pieces against the lower section platform and put it up while standing on the lower platform. That's how I installed the upper platform. It worked ok.

Just wondering if there is an easier way to do it or any tips on this...

 

[vavet]

I had to do the same thing. I leaned the parts for the second section against the first. Then I stood on the 1st stage platform and installed the 2nd stage end ladders, cross beams, and platform. They make some that has a trap door in the platform, if you don’t have that, it can be really awkward if you need to set your second stage platform at like 9 feet, well be,ow the top of the end ladders. I’m not sure how you’re supposed to do it.

 

[HoosierMark]

Not sure of an easier way but when I was working on my ceiling of same height my scaffolding was shaky. We used some light weight ratchet straps from lower rails to upper rails at each corner. It really helped make it feel more secure. It might also help with a height adjustment.

 

[greg13]

What's wrong with working from the platform below the one you are assembling/disassembling ?

 

[OneOfEm]

I have the exact same setup, but always use it either one section high at 6' or both at 12'. I stand on the lower platform to assemble the upper. Just make sure you put the outriggers on and lock the wheels before you start adding the upper parts. I place an 8' ladder next to the 6' platform so that I can more easily go up and down retrieving the upper pieces.

 

[The Cobbler]

I have 2 sections of baker scaffold. it;s not a warm & comfy feeling on the second stage. I agree on the ratcheting straps to stiffen a bit. ( it's not that it will come crashing down, it's just wobbly)
I've thought of making up some small flat-bar cross braces to stiffen it up

 

[Innovate1]

What's wrong with working from the platform below the one you are assembling/disassembling ?

That works ok - just easier/more steady working on a ladder alongside IMHO. And wondering how the guard railing is put on that way. It has to go above the top platform. I'd have to look again but I don't think the platform can be put in after the guard rail. I think you have to climb to the second platform to put the railing on or use a tall ladder.

The first time I used it at the 12' level it felt very wobbly even with guys to solid supports with ratchet straps. I didn't have the outriggers at the time. This time I put the outriggers on and it felt fine. No additional bracing or guy straps. Think it's a combination of the outriggers and getting used to the wobble.