I found some scaffolding modules last week, and have used them (after repairing them ) for doing the window frames and stuff at the back of the house. They are very simple interlocking frames with removable cross-trusses to give stability. Great system! Lightweight, sturdy and very useful. So. I have a whole bunch of acros given to me a couple of years ago by the builders. They have sliding extensions that fit inside, and held in place by a through-bolt. So I thought...why not weld them together in pairs, make the cross-trusses and locking systems....and rent them out, delivered and collected by me, at a weekly rental of 100 euros. They will not be multi-level modules, because I wouldn't want to run the risk of people having accidents by going too high, and sueing me But one module would enable access to second floor windows, sides of houses, and access to low roofs. If I can make 5 sets, and get them rented out each week, I can make reasonable money These will be a lot stronger than the normal 'Walmart' quality stuff I see people using, and there are plenty of people doing their own work on their homes now we are in crisis, saving money. They buy these things, and then never use them again. How nice to have somebody deliver one, set it up, and then come back and collect it.
Public liability insurance for this would be quite cheap.
Anybody else use this type of scaffolding, and what do you think of the idea?
Nick
Bit like this:

[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 03-25-2011).]

I like the idea and think it is viable. In fact, I am getting ready tp paint my home and could use them. However, I wouldn't. I have too many ther options at my finger tips.
I see wheels on that scaffold in the pic. Wouldn't work for me. Not for moving, which is gonna be a customer consideration. when you move them on raw dirt, arn't they torn down and re erected ? I would also need adjustable legs to level and stabilize it.

That could work Nick... it really could. The hardest part would be getting out there so people know to rent from you. I'm sure there are tons of people who need to paint their vaulted ceilings and do outside work, etc...

If you were ALREADY out there... and people just automatically KNEW your number... you wouldn't be able to keep up right now.

If you are going to rent them you might want to check insurance, in case someone walks off them.

They were made the way they were so they took up the least amount of space and were easier to transport more in a smaller space.
If that is not an issue with you, having only a few peaces then go for it. We have a company up here that does just that. When ever I worked a paper mill all the staging was rented from a company that did the delivery and erection of them.
Good luck

Steve

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Technology is great when it works,
and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't.
Detroit iron rules all the rest are just toys.

As a business idea, I think it's a good one.
Just be sure to insure yourself up to your eyeballs, in case someone falls and tries to sue. (Basing this on the ASSumption that people everywhere are as "sue happy" as they are in the US.)

quote Originally posted by cliffw: I like the idea and think it is viable. In fact, I am getting ready tp paint my home and could use them. However, I wouldn't. I have too many ther options at my finger tips. I see wheels on that scaffold in the pic. Wouldn't work for me. Not for moving, which is gonna be a customer consideration. when you move them on raw dirt, arn't they torn down and re erected ? I would also need adjustable legs to level and stabilize it.

hey cliffw !! NO WAY will mine have permanent wheels! That is such an inherently dangerous system IMHO. The frames even at 2 modules high are light enough for 2 people to be able to move the tower wih ease.
Mine will have adjustable height on all four corners, and I have done a design which will facilitate setting them up easily and quickly. They will be very secure and stable. I have the design done today, and I am going to build a prototype sometime soon.
Todd, you are so right, and that is the crux of the matter. BUT...if I build one, and visit all the building sites in the vicinity and demonstrate them, hopefully people will take them and try it out. IF it is as good as I WILL make them, word of mouth will surely help spread the reputation quickly. I can also advertise in our local Ex-pat magazines for free for a month, and take it from there.
I have loads of ideas, and many just wither and die...but I am determined to survive this crisis, and establish some form of income which could continue after I am gone, for Ellie's security
Nick

[This message has been edited by fierofetish (edited 03-25-2011).]