Using Larger Beams

     One of the real beauties of these brackets is that you can design your swing set with many different size beams if you like. You can go with a 6x6 beam, or an 8x8 beam, or a 4x8 beam. If you use a larger beam you should do the 60 degree angled cut on the top of the legs so that they end up flush to the sides of the beam, as seen in the image at the left here. The image at the left is of the set with a 6x6 beam, which is readily available at most lumberyards. The most obvious benefit of a larger beam is it can hold more weight.

     When building with a larger beam, one suggested change in the process of building the set, as compared with the basic instructions provided with the bracket, is as follows: First connect the bracket to the beam, centering the bracket on the beam, and tightening the bolts. Then have an assistant hold one leg at a time, already having the 60 degree flush cut on its top, and with the leg in position against the bracket and the beam, mark where the holes will be drilled to mate with the bracket. Then drill marked holes in the legs. Then unbolt and remove the bracket from the beam, and connect it instead to the two legs, with the bolts and locknuts not tightened to allow some play for when the legs with the bracket will later on be repositioned to the beam again. Next, attach the horizontal cross piece across the legs, forming the typical "A" frame structure. Do NOT attempt to connect the legs with the bracket to the beam without first having this horizontal cross piece in place. You then will hold this A-frame structure to the beam and connect it to the beam with the four bolts and locknuts for each bracket. Tighten all the bolts more or less to be able to then stand up the entire completed free-standing structure, and then carefully stand it up with the help of able bodies. Then, with it stood up, completely tighten all the bolts.

     It is recommended to not build a swing set with legs longer than 10 feet unless you do the 60 degree angled cuts at the tops of the legs that will hold them flush against the sides of the top beam. Having said that, do not build a set with legs longer than 12 feet. (This does not mean that the swing set is 12 feet high, but rather that the leg lumber is 12 feet long.)  Consider placing 2 horizontal cross pieces across each pair of legs, for extra security, or ensure that the horizontal cross piece is very secure--if you build with 12 foot long legs.