DIYbanter - View Single Post - Is my swing set gonna be safe, now I'm doubting myself?

wrote:
I have a 6"x6"x12' that I
plan to use for the swing beam off one side of the fort (I think a 6x6
should be okay for a 12' span from what I've read, if not correct me
here too please). I plan on bolting a 4x6 across 2 of the 4x4's to
support the swing beam. This next part is where I'm starting to worry
that I made a bad choice. Since I didn't want to take up a large
amount of space w/ the traditional A-frame, I put a 6"x6"x12' four feet
into the ground, secured w/ about 300lbs of cement. This gives me my
8' swing beam, which is what I wanted. So my question is, will the
6"x6"x12' that I will use instead of the traditional A-frame be strong
enough at the base to support the swinging?

Thanks in advance for your input.

I'll not be as slanderous as others in answering your question. I too
wish to protect my children from the things I "think" I build
correctly.

I built my boys a swing/fort a couple of years back. I used a 4X6 for
the beam and a 4X6 for the post. I've had several kids (and adults)
play on this structure and never once felt one was going to get hurt
(at least not from the structure failing). You could save some money by
returning the 6X6's and use 4X6's without losing sleep at night. But,
if you've already purchased the material and dont want to make the trip
back to the store, use them and don't worry, they are plenty strong.

JD