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| List tree in use. |
Components:
12' of 3/4" PVC pipe.
393" of 2" x 4" board.
~6 8ft boards off the shelf.
~180" of paracord.
1 - Steel target stand brackets. https://a.co/d/03Ewx1vr
2 - 5/16" x 3 1/2" bolts.
6 - 5/16" x 2 1/2" bolts.
10 - 5/16" fender washers.
8 - 5/16" wingnuts.
Assorted framing spacers. https://a.co/d/0becsgMg
Board measurements:
1 - 58" board for top rail.
1 - 55 1/2" board for middle rail.
5 - 48" boards for bottom rail and legs.
2 - 39 1/2" boards for uprights.
I built the tree using a steel target stand bracket kit I found on Amazon. The stand kit included 2 leg brackets, 2 right angle brackets and 12 hanger hooks. One of the strange things about the kit was that the brackets were all true 2" x 4" measurements. This means that a modern 2x4 board would have slack in them since a modern 2x4 actual measurement is 1 1/2" x 3 1/2". I had to add shims some of the boards to prevent racking when the fame is assembled. I found some plastic framing spacers on Amazon that fit the need. Ironically, the hanger hooks are measured for a modern 2x4 and required no special allowances. The are adjustable and can be moved left/right as needed.
I used lumber I had on hand. This is why my legs are 48". The wood I had was already cut at that length, so I used it. I allowed for around 14" space between the vertical rails for the list shields to hang freely. This should accommodate most list tree shields. There are 2 rails to accommodate the standard setup of 'On the field', 'Armoring up' and 'Making ready'. The width can handle a 2 list setup. The frame is stout enough for a wider setup (longer vertical rails) for a greater than 2 list setup. The overall height was a little under 8ft tall.
I used PVC for the shield hangers. The pipes are cut at 24" long. They fit great in the hanger hooks, which I had facing the backside of the tree. I drilled 4 holes in the PVC and ran paracord though them to create 2 list shield positions per pipe. You need 6 total minimum for a 2 list setup on this tree. Operationally, you put pairings on the hanger pipes. Set the pipes on the hooks for the correct rung and move them up the tree as the list progresses. I made a couple of extra hanger pipes so a person could prestage the bottom rung without having to swap shields on an active rung and make things a little more efficient.
The whole thing was made so it would break down and fit in a bag. This is done by removing the bolts with wingnuts and sliding those board out of the brackets.
For this project I added a few additional things. I made 3 'bye' shields to be part of the tree kit. I included some clamps that could be used to hang shields that don't have hooks. I found a bag that would hold the disassembled tree. I threw a screwdriver and adjustable wrench in the kit.
I am thinking about adding some sort of stool or possible make a tool to help reach the top rung easier.
I built this on a whim. No real plan. Once I figured out I had most of the supplies on hand, I dove in and built in over a few hours.
Off the shelf cost, if everything was brand new. This doesn’t include paint or spacers.
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Target Stand Kit |
$ 51.00 |
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12' 3/4" PVC pipe @1.67ft |
$ 20.04 |
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6 8ft 2x4 boards |
$ 24.00 |
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Paracord |
$ 3.00 |
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Bolts, nuts, washers |
$ 20.00 |
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$ 118.04 |
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| Me and the tree after I finished making it. |
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| Closeup of the PVC shield hanger and hooks. |
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| Closeup of the PVC shield hanger and hooks |
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| Closeup of the PVC shield hanger and hooks |
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| Backside of tree in use. |
