Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - swing set
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jimmgriffin
05-10-08, 06:14 AM
I finally built a swing set from scratch. I have 2 4'x4's on either end which are crossed, with a small x on top. Across the top I have a 16' 4x4 as the horizontal piece. One side overhangs by about three (3) feet..... so for the swings I have approx a 12' - 13' span.
I have two questions.
1) I plan on hanging the swings tomorrow. Any idea how far you space the swings? I think I heard 18", and I measured one commercial (church) swing, by eye.... it looks like about 18-20: for each swing, one chain to the other for the same swing AND about the same distance between two swings
2) When googling for this answer tonight, almost everywhere I looked, the swingset kits had a 4 x 6 horizontal cross bar, instead of a 4 x 4. Is a 4 x 4 - span of about 12 - 13 feet safe? Right now my kids are little (less than 60 lbs).
Thanks
I have two questions.
1) I plan on hanging the swings tomorrow. Any idea how far you space the swings? I think I heard 18", and I measured one commercial (church) swing, by eye.... it looks like about 18-20: for each swing, one chain to the other for the same swing AND about the same distance between two swings
2) When googling for this answer tonight, almost everywhere I looked, the swingset kits had a 4 x 6 horizontal cross bar, instead of a 4 x 4. Is a 4 x 4 - span of about 12 - 13 feet safe? Right now my kids are little (less than 60 lbs).
Thanks
Speedwrench
05-10-08, 07:40 AM
18 -24in. mostly it depends on the size of the users.
I woud say a 4x4 is marginal if your kids are real active it will not last long once the wood weathers some.
did you secure the bottom of the uprights to keep it from tipping? A 60 Lb. weight on the end of a swing will exzert a lot of force trying to tip the swing.
I assume you also ran a cross brace low down between your uprights to keep them from pulling together also. my personel oppinion is you should build the swing support bar from 2 2x6 and glue and bolt them together to make sure no knots or other imperfections line up to make a stronger cross piece.
life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies
I woud say a 4x4 is marginal if your kids are real active it will not last long once the wood weathers some.
did you secure the bottom of the uprights to keep it from tipping? A 60 Lb. weight on the end of a swing will exzert a lot of force trying to tip the swing.
I assume you also ran a cross brace low down between your uprights to keep them from pulling together also. my personel oppinion is you should build the swing support bar from 2 2x6 and glue and bolt them together to make sure no knots or other imperfections line up to make a stronger cross piece.
life begins when the kids leave home and the dog dies
jimmgriffin
05-13-08, 10:42 AM
Thanks for reply
In reply to your questions.
Yes the 4 supports are cemented in the ground.
I do have cross beams attached to the supporst approximately half way up (little less than half).
I put up one swing last night, and even with one child swinging, I could see the top cross beam (4 x 4) bending up & down. Kind of unnerving.
Instead of taking down the 4x4 and replacing with a 4x 6, I am thinking about putting an upright 4 x 4 in the middle of the span, with a brace to get me through the first year.
The distance from horizontal cross beam to ground is 9 '. So there mey be quite a bit of force/ (torque)?
In regards to the horizaontal 4 x 4 - If/ when it were to break, would it slowly start to deteriorate or would it just snap (ie - Can I monitor it for the first year - or should I just replace it now?)
Thanks again
In reply to your questions.
Yes the 4 supports are cemented in the ground.
I do have cross beams attached to the supporst approximately half way up (little less than half).
I put up one swing last night, and even with one child swinging, I could see the top cross beam (4 x 4) bending up & down. Kind of unnerving.
Instead of taking down the 4x4 and replacing with a 4x 6, I am thinking about putting an upright 4 x 4 in the middle of the span, with a brace to get me through the first year.
The distance from horizontal cross beam to ground is 9 '. So there mey be quite a bit of force/ (torque)?
In regards to the horizaontal 4 x 4 - If/ when it were to break, would it slowly start to deteriorate or would it just snap (ie - Can I monitor it for the first year - or should I just replace it now?)
Thanks again
czizzi
05-13-08, 04:39 PM
Regarding the 4x4 cross member, have your spouse set on the swing set and gently swing back and forth, increasing slowing as you sit on you ladder and sight down the lumber. You will be surprised how much movement will be in that piece.
My swing set has the double 2x6's bolted together and I remember one day how nervous I was when one of the "chubby" neighborhood kids came over to play. Thought it would snap in two.:eek:
My swing set has the double 2x6's bolted together and I remember one day how nervous I was when one of the "chubby" neighborhood kids came over to play. Thought it would snap in two.:eek: