Pack frame help

[Thenihilist]

I've made a few pack frames before but i'm wanting to make one with a ledge, like an Alice pack.

However It's going to be made of wood and my only tool is my knife and me.

The ledge is causing me a few theoretical problems.

If i make a rectangular frame the lengh of my back with a brace running horizontally through.

The lowest horizontal will have the ledge attached, i'm thinking of using a dovetail join for attaching the outward parts of the ledge to the horizontal, however through testing i realise this won't be sufficient for any wieght due to the way the doward force will most likely snap the dovetails.

I thought i could rectify this by attaching pieces from the horizontal on the ledge up to th uppormost horizontal near the head, the only way i can think to attach this is using end nocks on the angled brace sticks, cutting a hole through the uppormost part of the end nock and inserting a dowel to secure it.

Has anyone made a pack like this?

 

[Thenihilist]

I did consider lifting the ledge up a bit and bracing it from underneath via a cantilever action but this would take some of the lengh out of it so i went to my complicated idea.

 

[santaman2000]

Not sure I can help you but I'll give it some thought. Got to ask, why are you wanting to make a frame of all wood? Seems as though that would be heavy as well as complicated.

 

[wildranger]

Why the added complication of a ledge? What's wrong with Roycroft pack frame setup?

 

[mrcharly]

Wickerwork?

 

[blacktimberwolf]

I don't think any type of wood joint would be strong enough to carry weight, what you could do is make a hole, (with the end of your knife ) at each end of the 'ledge/tray" then pass either para cord or some natural fibre cord through the holes ( a knot at the end or toggle will stop them pulling through) then attach/tie the other ends of the cord to the pack frame (sides), notches in the wood wil stop them slipping down...... a bit like a castle draw bridge.

 

[Oblio13]

I made a couple Roycroft three-stick frames, and they're very strong and rigid. The joints are notched, glued, and lashed with constrictor knots pulled so tight that they dent the wood.

Here's a link with some pics:

http://Oblio13.blogspot.com/

 

[trent.]

You coul try making something like a jige with forked branches:

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=...KYL&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&redir_esc=y