Hey guys and forest g,
My plan is to build a plywood storage elavator with the sheets standind tall. The fixture will travel up to the 2nd floor loft of my shop. When I receive a delivery of plywood I will load the Elevator box roughly 24x52x100 with my sheets and then send them upstairs throught the ceiling above. The sheets will stay on the elevator box so when I need a sheet I can send it down on a winch,or hoist type machine. Once this thing is up in the ceiling I will build some type of safety system to hold the Crazy machine from falling and crushing me.My question is> What type of machine do i use to lift this (about 500 lbs when filled) Will I use a chain and sprocket system. I know you guys think I’m wacked but I’ll get it done and make it safe!!! You should see my automatic pull down stairs in my cuurent shop(they work off a winch).
Any input on how to do would be much appreciated!!
Thanks, Lou
Replies
I don't know how many sheets you plan to have in there but 500 lbs sounds like a very low guess. 1 sheet of mdf or fiber core ply weighs close to 100 lbs. I'd be scared to death of that arrangement.
How much space is this new shop that you can't spare 24 x 52 floor space for sheet goods. Really, a well designed large assembly table could store that much underneath on the flat.
Dear Lou,
Wow, you just may be crazier than me! I think that your arraignment is inherently dangerous. All elevators have an arresting mechanism to keep them from falling in the event that a winch fails or cable snaps. You seem to be interested in that, at least. If I was really serious about building it, I would contact a couple of companies that build elevators and buy what I could from them or at least steal some ideas. Right now, I think that you are being very optimistic as to the weight of this thing. The "box" alone, depending upon construction, will exceed 100 lbs., plus the length of cable and I would want a LARGE safety factor. I would think that you will be dealing with weights closer to 1000 or 1500 lbs. and in that case, I would be building for twice to three times that. On top of that I would be contacting a structural engineer to see how to arraign such a machine, so that I don't collapse my shop. Go slow Lou!
Best,
John
Lou: A couple of electric solenoids to lock it in the up position would help; have them grab holes in a heavy metal strip firmly attached to the "car". If they were not visible you could use limit switches to show that they were engaged. I'll be glad to help with the electric end of the project: sounds like fun and I just took out an umbrella policy so I'm not afraid to help. As an electrician I've done some elevator maintenance. You have to make a sign saying " no passangers allowed" :)
Duke
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Should be no problem. There are plenty of sources for a cable winch which will run on 110 Volts. I think you will need a 'lifting' tool which has a cable to get the what will probabably be 8' to 10' lift.
But - What will you fasten the winch to? Roof trusses? Joists of a higher floor? This is of particular concern. Also, I agree that you nedd to look at a load of at least 1,500#. Finally, I would plan on a 'mechanical' safety support, preferably underneath the 'box. Perhaps a 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 which you can slip into place and then relieve the tension on the winch so that the load rests on the support.
Frosty
You need a hoist, Harbor freight sells very good ones at afforable prices. I have one that will lift 440 lbs on a single line or 880lbs with the pulley and double line.Cost me 79.00. The line is 33'-0" long used as a single line.You would need to put in something for guide rails so the platform goes up and down without swinging. Runs on 110 volts.
mike
Have you thought about not hauling all of the pieces at the same time, everytime?
What if you had storage upstairs across from the hoist and a hoist capable of handling only 2 or 3 sheets? Then you could reload the hoist as you needed more by just sliding them onto the hoist. Putting the supply up may take a little longer, but should be safer.
Hi Lou,
Yes, you're crazy. I like it. Actually, the more I think about it -- you're just unusual. But you're not doing anything others haven't done.
I'll add my voice of concern regarding the joists and framing for your shop -- touch base with someone who can do the calculations for you. I would insist on a very healthy safety factor due to the risks involved.
You didn't mention what the frame of the elevator will be made with. I guess it doesn't really matter, but I am curious. It might be lighter if you use a steel frame instead of plywood, but that may be your intent.
Consider adding a counter balance to the elevator. It will make the winch / motor / whatever's life a lot easier. Eats up more space, but I think it decreases the requirements on the motor and potentially makes the system safer as it should be easier to lock into a static position.
Have you googled "how to build an elevator", yet? Also check out "How Stuff Works", they're a pretty cool site.
Have you considered contacting elevator companies in town and asking about a freight elevator? Any businesses shutting down in your area? They may be willing to sell theirs off.
Glen
Edited 4/16/2007 3:33 pm ET by AzDiscDog
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