My Low-tech lift

[wberminio]

Hi Guys
As i'm recovering from my Lyme disease,
I've had some time to finally improve a few things in the shop.
The lift comprises of a Harbor Freight lift,some Stanley barn door track and a Gorilla panel lift- http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Gripper-44010-Panel-Carrier/dp/B0007TYCA8-Works great!
No more lifting!
Thanks RussTodd from WidgetworksUnlimited!

Erminio

[wberminio]

Sorry Forgot the photos

[twelchPTM]

I am actually in the process of setting up a similar lift and was pondering the best way to actually hold the sheet and using the panel lifter is a great idea!

[wberminio]

Hi Tom
The Gorilla panel carrier is an easy and effective solution.
I wish I had done this a long time ago!
Please let me know if you have any questions,

Thanks
Erminio

[Ernie Balch]

That is a clever setup. I could set up something like that, I wonder how much weight will the door track will hold? Any guesses?

[Bob Eustace]

Very neat solution Erminio.

[wberminio]

Thanks Bob
It's been working very well!

Ernie
Literature says track is rated at 450 lbs /hoist is 440 lbs
I just lift one sheet of ply at a time.
It is bolted to wooden rafters so I wouldn't lift anything over 150 lbs or so

[GeneMpls]

I have used the Gorilla panel lift for years as my grip fails me because of
years of turning wrenches and arthritis. I have seen them release very
unexpectedly when the panel is bumped from the bottom- have learned
to be very careful. Gene

[dlcw]

Erminio,

I know this is an older post, but I was wondering where you got your track and track hangers from? I'm really struggling finding track for my lifting project. National Hardware wants BIG $$$$ and has minimum amounts to order. I've checked with the suppliers they list for their products and they are all coming back with over $600 for track, track hangers and the cars. Ridiculous in my opinion!!

Thanks for any help!

[mark_stief]

Don Check with the big box stores they usually carry it on hand fairly cheap too

[Brady Watson]

Plain Box Rail (https://www.homedepot.com/p/National-Hardware-Galvanized-Plain-Box-Rail-5116BC-8-BOX-RA/206653380) 8' $33, 10' $54 via Depot - They get you on the cars...they're like $30 or so ea. You may also find them via a supplier of metal pole barns. Many use sliding doors and these tracks.

If they're not available near you, I'd consider using a piece of 5/16" steel flat bar and some generic #4 v-rollers (http://www.vxb.com/RM4-2RS-15mm-V-Groove-Guide-Bearing-Sealed-p/kit8354.htm) to make my own car that sandwiches the steel. Then weld or bolt it as your configuration requires.


-B

[kyeakel]

Found mine at tractor supply. True Value is also supposed to carry it.

Kipp

[knight_toolworks]

Hi Guys
As i'm recovering from my Lyme disease,
I've had some time to finally improve a few things in the shop.
The lift comprises of a Harbor Freight lift,some Stanley barn door track and a Gorilla panel lift- http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Gripper-44010-Panel-Carrier/dp/B0007TYCA8-Works great!
No more lifting!
Thanks RussTodd from WidgetworksUnlimited!

Erminio
sounds lie you copied me thought I got the real track since it was next door.

[knight_toolworks]

Plain Box Rail (https://www.homedepot.com/p/National-Hardware-Galvanized-Plain-Box-Rail-5116BC-8-BOX-RA/206653380) 8' $33, 10' $54 via Depot - They get you on the cars...they're like $30 or so ea. You may also find them via a supplier of metal pole barns. Many use sliding doors and these tracks.

If they're not available near you, I'd consider using a piece of 5/16" steel flat bar and some generic #4 v-rollers (http://www.vxb.com/RM4-2RS-15mm-V-Groove-Guide-Bearing-Sealed-p/kit8354.htm) to make my own car that sandwiches the steel. Then weld or bolt it as your configuration requires.


-B
I lucked out and had the supply of tracking all kinds of rollers on the next block by my shop. they had different tracks with different depths so Could use fasteners with a bolt head and to worry about hitting them. I got non nearing rollers and they were quieter then the guy next door that had the more expensive ones.

[knight_toolworks]

Hi Tom
The Gorilla panel carrier is an easy and effective solution.
I wish I had done this a long time ago!
Please let me know if you have any questions,

Thanks
Erminio
my only complaint is the thickness limit. I sometimes have wood sign blanks 3" thick. then I use some straps connected to it. Now the tricky thing s slick panels like plastic they can slide out of the clamp as your laying it down. the trick is to use a c clamp to clamp the clamp shut.

[dlcw]

I ended up ordering parts thru the orange big box store. I wanted ceiling mount track hangers but had to go with the wall mount and will build mounting points on the ceiling to mount them. A little extra work, but that's ok....

Thank you everyone for your help on this. I'm looking forward to getting it up in the air. Steve, I like the idea of somehow clamping the clamp together so it won't let go.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!! Happy and Safe New Year to all. :)

[knight_toolworks]

I have never had the grip slip when lifting only when laying down the sheet. but this took care of it.
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=31001&stc=1

[dlcw]

I like that idea Steve. I've got some welding clamps I will use to make sure the gorilla gripper doesn't accidentally slip.

Happy and Safe New Year!!

[knight_toolworks]

I also put a hose clamp around the pulley as the cable would come off easily when you put the clamp on.

[tri4sale]

I have never had the grip slip when lifting only when laying down the sheet. but this took care of it.


thanks for showing that, I've had issues w/ the grip slipping on some slick materials, that should help.

I've also use a few different panel carriers to move boards around.

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=31007&stc=1

[dlcw]

Finally got my plywood transportation track put in place. Had to extend the control cable by 3' to reach it. It's about 13' up. Going to use the welding clamp idea to make sure the gorilla clamp doesn't let go. Definitely working smarter, not harder.

Thank you Erminio for the original concept.

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=31062&stc=1http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=31061&stc=1 http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=31063&stc=1

[pro70z28]

I've used the blue QLT you have posted (mine is orange) for years. Works pretty good to move 4x8's from one shop to the other, but still requires lifting with the back. Some days are better than others for the back.