Re: FWW # 216, Methods of Work. I’m building one for my tiny shop. The author claims that “it holds a lot of weight”, but that’s a subjective term. I calculate that 50 bf of white oak at 10% MC is 192 pounds. 

My concern is the vertical weight bearing capacity of the ceiling cleat and it’s permanently attached dovetailed housing. All is secured with vertical screws (#10 sufficient, but not specified?). The dovetailed housing is attached through the top of  the ceiling cleat with several screws in edge grain laminated plywood layers. It seems like a lot of downward force in edge grain as opposed to cross grain ply.

My plan:

Ceiling cleat is red oak attached to the ceiling joists with 1/4″ or 3/8″ lag bolts. 

The dovetailed housing is attached through the top of the cleat with 4-5 vertical screws (#10 x 2 1/2″). A metal T-bracket attaches to the backside face of the dovetailed housing and the cleat to provide some horizontal fastening strength across the grain. This should counteract the vertical weight pulling down on the vertical threads of the screws.

What do you think? 

I welcome your comments and suggestions. I don’t want 100+ lbs. of wood falling on my head unexpectedly. Maybe you FWW folks could do a few tests to determine the weight bearing capacity of both designs or a new and improved design.

Many thanks.

Jeff