I bought a small utility ladder some time back for use where I didn't need a 6' stepladder and have now discovered it mostly solves the problem of reaching to the rear of my around the wall layout especially when the level of the tabletop is high. Mine is 44" above the floor. I got it from Home Depot for $50.; http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051 While not cheap, it will come in handy since it elevates me above the layout and allows me to lean across without touching the scenery (at least most of it). Attached is a pic showing what I mean. NO, it's not perfect, I still have to watch anything near the outer edge of the layout, but it's a huge improvement over without it. I am going to see if I can extend the top 'handrail' higher so to give additional clearance over the edge of the tabletop.
Not perfect maybe, but A LOT cheaper than Micro-Mark's alternative: http://www.micromark.com/topside-creeper-step-ladder-support-system,8854.html
I was going to post that, but you beat me too it. That has it's uses, great for a large layout with high mountains and low valleys where you can't reach. Especially for a club. Big problem I see is the size for moving and storage and access in narrow isles. What I like to do is make a 'U' shaped bracket that would extend the top handle/cross bar up another 6" or so to prevent my stomach from hitting the tops of scenery along the edge of the layout.
I would be wary of extending the rail. It might allow you to put too much weight on the front legs and you could go over forward. It should have a designed balance point.
I understand this as I only wanted to extend the top bar 6", not go up another step. It really doesn't change anything since my feet are in the same place and body is the same position. All that would change is protecting the area at the very edge of the table. If anything, it would restrict reaching further.
To update this; I added a 9x11" 5/8" piece of plywood to extend the handle support up 4 more inches. I added a old kitcheb towel doubling it over for a more comfortable support. It's held in play with fout HD cable ties thru holes drilled in the wood. No holes in the ladder. It gives me a better support for my upper thighs allow a reach up to around five feet without touching the table for support with my hands. See the attaches pics. Look at the last attachment, my hands are 'floating' above the table top, not resting on it like in the pic in the OP.
OK. I already have the ladder and tie wraps. Alone with the old towels. So I can try it. The Micro Mark is just way to big.
You might consider front leg extensions. 7/16"-1/2" plywood or 1/2" dimensional lumber. Say,....12-14" long. Just to help your overreach stability.
As long as you have the legs of the ladder 'stretched' out properly and don't step any higher than the 2nd step, I see no issue when I extend myself out the maximum. This also depends on your body build and weight. My weight is around 190 lbs.
That makes my lower back hurt just looking at it. At least the Top Side Creeper has a padded platform, upon which to support your torso while working with both hands.
IINM, the topside creeper collapses down flat. At any rate, we all have our preferences/needs for avoiding backpain vs consuming $ and space. I don't need it for my HCD layout, so it's academic for me.
me thinks me got deleted ?????? i know i posted something about how that was an accident waiting to happen.. but i liked the idea....an with what hawkdriver posted would be safer ...
