Ever Build A Stage Before?

JustaFramer

Put a bunch of milk crated together fasten some 3/4 ply and call it good. Just joking. Though there is or was a bar in Seattle that use this set up for a stage.

mikeswoods

Just tossing out a few possibilities--

If the decking were made of two layers of 1/2" ply(instead of 3/4)

Glued together offset by ,say, 1 1/2 inches you would have a ship lap joint-

T-nuts or threaded inserts could be placed into the lower side of the lap--

corresponding holes in the mating sleets top-- screws together at the seam. This will support the seams as there is no 'joist' to center.

A 2x2 cleat around the out side perimeter would keep the deck in place-
Like a box top.(a few screws would keep it from lifting)

I'm still trying to figure out a way to easily tack the center down so it doesn't 'clap' as people walk on it.

I'll be back.--MIKE---

KentWhitten

Yeah, see that's where I'm stuck trying to figure how to have a tool less system for securing the top. I don't want some band members mosh pitting on stage and tripping over the lip. Right now I have purchased 3/4" MDO and is in my shop waiting to be cut up.

The box crate idea is genius, no tools necessary.

I just didn't want these guys to have to get out a cordless screw gun and zip it down. They will lose the screws or screw gun. I just know they will.

__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

naptown CR

use these
http://www.norcostco.com/coffinlock.aspx

Made for the purpose

mikeswoods

NAPTOWN--Those are similar to the CAM LOCKS --That would work--I didn't know where to find them.

Framerman google portable dance floors--You will see how they work.

Good detective work,Nap--Very good!

naptown CR

My old business partner had his degree in theater arts Went to school with Calista Flockhart He told me about them and it took my senior mind a while but I remembered what they were called

mikeswoods

The outside cleat I spoke of would not be a tripper--I meant for it to be attached to the underside of the decking,on the outside edge. (like the top of a shoe box)

One of these days I'm going to have to learn how to post a picture.

naptown CR

bump

mikeswoods

I'll see your Bump and raise you one.

KentWhitten

Alright, I'm finally starting. I'm still messing with the securing issue. Rockler doesn't have cam locks or coffin lock that will work and they are the only ones around. I may have to order some.

Here's the design. 16'x8'. (2) 8'x8' sections

__________________
If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place ~Lao Tzu

Custom Cabinetry - Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Kennebunkport, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, Ogunquit, Maine

Salmon Falls Cabinetry

mikeswoods

Nice clean work.

parkers5150

might be a little late "started" but..., ( and this is w/out seeing your layout or knowing your dims.) i was asked to do one many years ago with the crux of the job being space availability. the stage only needed to be 12' tall so i presented the client with a design where the stage (when not a stage) was actually" Bookcase" type shelving. it was bottom hinged to the wall and would fold down when stage was needed. simple design, but met all of clients needs and exceeded expectations so i was able to charge an extra nickel for that one