Mounting a 3k winch on workbench ideas

[Toolfreaky]

I need to mount a winch that will pull 3000lb. It will be around 8-10ft long. On one end is the winch, on the other is an ancor to also support 3000lb.

An i-beam would be nice but that's expensive and heavy. Im thinking 2×6s or 2x8s sandwiched together?


What about a couple 2x8, 2x10, or 2x12 not sandwiched but standing on the edges? Will 3000lb buckle the the 2x8? 2x10? 2x12? Would like to keep it light. Then if I do this, I could just drill holes in the middle of both the pieces standing up and put a solid piece of metal in the holes as the ancor.

I want to keep it light and cost low. But would like to know how much force wood can handle when used like this.

 

[Zeke]

Winner for the most lack of information.

 

[Walkers]

Winner for the most lack of information.

Well, he did type a lot, just said nothing.

 

[Shiftless]

I agree with zeke and Walkers.
Without a sketch or better description, it’s hard to know what the OP is trying to accomplish.

But if the question is maximum linear compressive load on a piece of wood laying on a workbench, I’d say that a single 4x4 would easily handle 3000 pounds as long as the force is applied in a perfectly straight line along the post.

 

[Toolfreaky]

Maybe I've just been envisioning it for awhile and not proving enough info

I need to mount a winch on a workbench that can pull 3000lbs. I should say it doesn't bolt onto the workbench but can be placed directly on the workbench. This 8-10ft long beam that sits on the workbench will have an ancor that will also withstand 3000lb, on the other end.

I guess what I want to know is if a couple 2x8s, 2x10s, or 2x12s with a winch mounted on its edges, can withstand 3000lb of force without buckling. If not, what about 3 of them sandwiched together?

Basically trying to make this setup used for tensioning knots

 

[Toolfreaky]

I agree with zeke and Walkers.
Without a sketch or better description, it’s hard to know what the OP is trying to accomplish.

But if the question is maximum linear compressive load on a piece of wood laying on a workbench, I’d say that a single 4x4 would easily handle 3000 pounds as long as the force is applied in a perfectly straight line along the post.

Yes, this is what I am looking for. So sounds like 2x8 with will be fine.

 

[Shiftless]

OK
(retired Physics teacher here)

The test rig those fellows built is pretty elegant. The 20:1 pulley set up is a nice touch. I like that because it slows down the pull of your winch to make the whole operation far more controllable.

As far a building a similar set up for home testing of whatever it is you plan to test, I’d say that for 3000 pound max load, you’d be fine with a structural rated #2 doug fir 2x6 on each side and a half or 3/4 inch plywood base. Screw everything together and go for it,

 

[Shiftless]

A single 2x8 is likely to bow. I wouldn’t go with that.
Make sure to restrain the cable or cables that you are using. If something snaps, you might get seriously injured or killed.
disclaimer... I am a retired high school teacher and not an engineer.

 

[Toolfreaky]

got on the PC and drew a pic. Yes, with plywood on the bottom to keep it all together, and throw in some 2x8 cross members to connect the 2x8s. Yes, not a single 2x8 laying flat. I will be doing a similar situation as the video but only tensioning button knots, but not with so much force. May 5000lb on day. Will 5000lb be fine? ***Anchor***

 

[Shiftless]

When your button knot being tested breaks, that cable might very well fly upward with great force. Better figure out a way to protect yourself and whatever is nearby.

I doubt that the 2x8s will be stressed to anything close to failure even with 5000 pounds.

(disclaimer… I am not an engineer)

 

[Toolfreaky]

good point! I will most likely only use to set the knots, but I should think about safety while Im at it too. I probably will do some stress tests. Maybe throw a heavy blanket over it for now.

 

[Smiles79]

But if the question is maximum linear compressive load on a piece of wood laying on a workbench, I’d say that a single 4x4 would easily handle 3000 pounds as long as the force is applied in a perfectly straight line along the post.

You would only experience a purely compressive load if the cable/rope went through the center of the 4x4/I beam/support member. With it being mounted on top of the support member, you would definitely be inducing a bending moment.

 

[Shiftless]

You would only experience a purely compressive load if the cable/rope went through the center of the 4x4/I beam/support member. With it being mounted on top of the support member, you would definitely be inducing a bending moment.

That is 100% correct. I should have included that provision in my post. Thanks for the additional info for Toolfreaky’s project.

 

[Walkers]

I would not use wood for that type of thing, ESPECIALLY not for break testing them.