Full Version: Solution to extend your reach across a wide shelve
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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.;
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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.
The "standard" trick for these situations is called a "topside creeper": http://www.micromark.com/topside-creeper...,8854.html

It will not make it comfortable to work on very deep tables - but it will make it possible. Be prepared to crawl up and down a lot, as you discover that you need another tool or another scenery item or whatever.

Smile,
Stein
Ouch and I didn't mean the position. Wink
That would be a solution if you have alot of mountains.
videobruce Wrote:Ouch and I didn't mean the position. Wink
That would be a solution if you have alot of mountains.

Mountains or not is not really a factor here.

It is to reach deep. Some work is not so easy to do when standing on a stepladder, supporting yourself on one hand (which also becomes harder when the flat featureless surface gets replaced with scenery). The topside creeper allows you to support your belly and chest, giving you both hands free, which you need for some types of jobs.

Of course - the smarter solution is usually to design a layout which is not so deep :-)

Smile,
Stein
I understand the advantages, but with what I posted the top rail is a brace to support yourself, maybe not as firmly as your choice, but the reach is not as far and it is for shorter time periods.

For $240, yours should do what is needed itself. Wink
Many times, table depth is dictated by curve radius, as is mine.