Scaffolding 101

Do you ever get that feeling that nothing appears to be happening, but checks are still being written, trips to the hardware become a regular pastime and frequent delivering are arriving in large boxes at odd times during the day? I believe I’m experiencing a small money pit phenomena, something on the scale of a micro black hole. Time, energy and money go in, but with no progress to show for it. But I suspect this will change when everything is in place and set up.

A common problem with house restoration is getting your hands to where the work is. Since I’m starting on the exterior siding this year, it will require a minimum elevation gain of about 25’, performing detailed wood working. The front porch protrudes from the house by 5’ and extends 20’ along the front axis, which would require a system to support a 20’ span. After researching numerous scaffolding systems, I found that very few of them do. They are (listed in order of price):

• Do it yourself (wood, wires, etc.) - This might work, but would require numerous brancings along the span
• Two ladders with plank holder - Wouldn't support the span, unless a mid-join ladder was used.
• Traditional Frame (3' x 6' x 4') - Depending upon the source, it might span, but would require heavy anchoring
• Pump Jack - Would support the span, providing one uses four braces
• Commercial Grade trusses and poles - Would support the spam, but at an exorbitant cost.

With traditional frame (used) was as expensive as the pump jack system, I decided on the later. There are quite a few makers to choose from, ranging from Alum-a-pole, Werner, Qual-Craft, Falcon, (the majority being interchangeable with each other) but I chose Qual-Craft. Not because it was better than the others, but because it was 47% off on Amazon (of all places to buy) with free shipping. I was notified this morning it just shipped. (The local Seattle merchants would only sell at MRP.)

My hope is after getting this scaffolding setup, order knives for the exterior crown molding and running over to Bainbridge for the 1" x 6" cedar stock, it will finally appear something is happening.













Footnote: The only reason I bought was due to the $180 a week rental fee, and with a price tag of $879.99, it was a no bainer. Though I see Amazon has now raised the price to $1179.99, only after two weeks. I think someone initially mispriced this item...