The scaffold hitch is a superb knot, and in pioneering easily serves a dual purpose.
Primary Role: This is a seriously good knot to use in the construction of a pioneering project bosun’s chair (boatswain’s chair) for a small, straight aerial runway adaptation or a project where a seat is needed to suspend a Scout from a rope swing. As John Sweet points out in Scout Pioneering, it’s a good idea to cut notches about 4 inches from the ends of the board to give the rope something to bite into.
Second Role: Many different knots can be used for fastening bundles of sticks or poles together, but when it comes to bundling up of 3 to 4-inch ladder rungs, platform spars, and walkway cross spars, the scaffold hitch provides superior clinching power, which is what is needed to keep the bundles tight. (Unless your using screen spline, it’s unparalleled for bundling Scout staves!)
I would like to point out that there is an error in the caption/narrative of the picture of the bundled scout staves (https://scoutpioneering.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/scaffold-hitch-bundle.jpg?w=474&h=216)
It says: “Take hold of the 2nd wrap and carry it over the 1st and 2nd wraps and around the bundle.”
It should say: “Take hold of the 2nd wrap and carry it over the 1st and 3rd wraps and around the bundle.”
Which is what is shown in the middle photo.
Noted. Good Catch!