Primitive Ladder

by Bob Gillis

 

 

 

The photo above is of an early indigenous ladder displayed at the Oakland Museum in California.

 

I made a similar wooden ladder from a recycled 8" by 8" redwood beam.

 

We used a bandsaw to remove the bulk of the notches. The detail and finish work was done with a small adze. Other woods would work including sections of logs. Try to find well seasoned wood (standing dead for a long time) to reduce checking (large cracks forming in the wood - most extreme when green or freshly cut wood is used).

 

The finished ladder has a pleasing, sculpted look and is quite functional.

 

 

E-mail your comments to "Bob Gillis" at shelter@best.com

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