Replies

1. 
   Mike&L | Oct 22, 2006 01:15am | #1

   I hope you get lots of answers to this one - interesting question.

   Mike D

    

2. 
   DJK | Oct 22, 2006 04:19am | #2

   Went over to HF yesterday to check out the lift table. You get what you pay for and at HF you don't pay much. Max height is 34". No way to lock in the height, you rely on the hydraulic cylinder to mantain it. Needles to say I kept the wallet in my pocket. A moldmaker friend says they don't use hydraulic carts but use mechanical with the crank handle. They are stronger, safer and less wobble. I guess I'll start looking for one at the next auction.

   DJK

1. 
   Mike&L | Oct 22, 2006 02:35pm | #3

   Thanks for making the trip.  Scratch HF for a lift.

   Mike D 

3. 
   mapleman | Oct 23, 2006 06:45am | #4

   Barry,

   I have no experience with the Mechanical lift cart you describe, but I have a hydraulic cart similar to the one sold at Harbor Freight. I bought mine a little over a year ago at one of the tool sales that roll into town about 3 or 4 times a year. Everything they sell is similar quality wise to Harbor Freight (cheap). My lift cost $100, and weighs about 130 lbs. I have never had a problem with the lifting mechanism going down on it's own, and last night I left a cabinet on the lift just to see if it would go down, and it hasn't after a little over 24 hours. One pedal pumps up the table, and the other lets the table down, I feel like I can fine tune it not bad with my foot. If you are looking for something fine-tuneable for a dedicated outfeed table, the hydraulic cart may not be for you, but the thing was well worth the $100 I spent for mine. I build kitchen cabinets for a living, and I put cabinets on it and raise and lower them to assemble the drawer runners, drawer fronts, and doors. The thing has save my back tremendously! Just my $.02, good luck with whatever you decide on.

   Lee

4. 
   oldbeachbum | Oct 23, 2006 07:03pm | #5

   I've used the small hydraulic style  at my former job.

   They are great for one man operation where two would normally be needed.  They will lift 400#s easily.  Precision is not their strong suit and when extended there is some wobble.  It all depends on how you wish to use it.

   I worked with them on an assembly line raising heavy truck parts building the big rigs.  Things like 2-4 batteries at once,heavy steel bumpers, castings of all types and heavy steering gear components.

   Well worth the few dollars to save your back, IMO.   Check min and max heights to see if one would fit your needs.  Some even have folding handles/grab bars for easy storage under a bench or table.

   Most we used were pedal operated to pump and a squeeze style handle to release.  You fine tune the height on the upward motion, much as you would with a floor jack. 

   The units we used took a beating, industrial atmosphere, no one cared because "they" didn't pay for them. They continued working well. For an individual, probably a few $ well spent as the previous poster mentioned.  I am now building a new shop/garage after just moving.  I will be buying one

   ...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it.  -Mark Twain...... :0)

   
   

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   Edited 10/23/2006 12:10 pm by oldbeachbum

1. 
   barryd | Oct 25, 2006 03:56am | #6

   To all -

   Thanks to everyone for advice.  I'm going to look for a mechanical type of lift cart and, at least, kick its tires.

   Barry