From: rubin@watson.ibm.com (Bill Rubin)
Subject: Re: Wood Playsets
Date: Tue, 01 Sep 1992 22:22:38 GMT
News-Software: IBM OS/2 PM RN (NR/2) v0.11 by O. Vishnepolsky and R. Rogers
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM
Organization: IBM T.J. Watson Research Center

In  <135040@lll-winken.LLNL.GOV>  miki@aftac1.llnl.gov (R. Miki Moore 423-9712) writes:
> we purchased a "kit" for a wood playset. it comes with all
> the metal and plastic stuff for the swings. it comes with
> precut lumber and dowels for the ladders. there are different
> configurations..we did a fort and standard swings (2). it
> was about 1/2 the cost of the expensive sets.
> we got it at a local lumber store (84 Lumber i believe it
> is called).

I believe that the name of the kits you're talking about is Swing N Slide, 
made by Jameco, in Wisconsin.  We put up one this summer, a 24' swing set.  
What you do is buy their kit, it includes all hardware (except nails), 
swings, chains, etc, and the plans.  You then go out and buy the lumber 
(either pressure treated or cedar, we did PT), and either do it yourself or 
hire someone to do it for you.  You can also buy plastic wave slides (8 or 
10'), extra swings, etc.  We ended up with the basic kit, an 8' slide, a two 
kid "horse" swing, a climbing net, a swinging bride kit, and a ring/trapeze 
bar combo for $300.  Add to that $200 for the lumber, $175 for installation, 
and $150 to have some tree stumps ground out (I didn't mind the kids falling 
on the grass, but having some 2' tree stumps where we had had trees taken 
down three years ago seemed a bit much).  The construction is all top 
quality, it's built with 4x4's and it's so heavy that you don't even need to 
sink it into the ground.  Also, Swing N Slide's swing hardware seems to be 
very well built.  All the chains have plastic covers all the way up to the 
top, as opposed to just a few inches on some other sets I've seen.  BTW, my 
daughter really loves the trapeze/ring combo.  I would highly recommend it, 
even though you will likely have a devil of a time finding it!  

Now, I'll tell you what I consider to be the most amazing part of our swing 
set.  We have two kids, a girl age 5 and a boy age 17 months.  I was sure 
that Sara would get lots of use from the set this summer, and I was right.  
But I never thought that Seth would do anything other than sit in his baby 
swing, which I had attached to an open spot on the frame.  Well, he has 
decided that he wants to do what his big sister is doing, so he now sits on 
the regular swings, holds on tight, and has a great time.  He also really 
enjoys the horse swing, and believe it or not loves the swinging 
bridge/slide as well.  I never would have expected him to get as much use 
out of it this summer!  Also, some of the neighborhood kids have stopped by 
more than they have in the past to play with Sara, so that is another plus.  

Oh yes, this is probably a good time to buy this stuff, if you can find it.  
Pergament seems to be selling their stock at 30% off their regular (not so 
low) prices, other stores may have sales, too.  Unfortunately, Home Depot 
does not carry swing sets.  

-- Bill rubin@watson.ibm.com
Newsgroups: misc.kids