Above 1200 Sq/FT The ASYLUM - Happy 40th Birthday to Me! (Est. 2005)

shopnut · Oct 31, 2012

I’VE INSTALLED 1000's OF SCREWS WHILE BUILDING THIS PLACE…

Therefore an adjustable countersink really is valuable to me. I’ve been using these Black & Decker countersinks for over 20 years now and I really like them because they are adjustable for not only thread pilot hole depth, but also for the clearance hole depth and countersink/bore depth. For maximum clamping force, I feel it’s important that the clearance hole goes through the entire thickness of the piece being attached.

Here is a picture of the #8 countersink and the screw it was being used for. In this case, I set the thread pilot depth shorter than the screw length since it was just going in soft pine. The clearance hole depth was set to go through the plywood being fastened.

Here’s a #12 countersink and it looks like I was running 3” screws last time I used it.

I found out recently that another manufacturer sold the same thing.

Here are some part numbers for you, but it appears the B&D brand have been discontinued. The big box stores don’t seem to carry anything comparable so I turned to feebay and found some. Now I’m probably set for another 20 years

.

. #8 screw - B&D# U-1593 or Great Neck WD8
#10 screw - B&D# U-1594
#12 screw - B&D# U-1595

It’s probably safe to assume the other Great Neck numbers are WD10 and WD12.

Here is one of the deck screws installed.

shopnut · Nov 2, 2012

VIDEOS TO HELP DEMONSTRATE SOME FEATURES OF THE ASYLUM…

…THE PVC STORAGE DOORS

Five of the 7 planned doors have been installed and they all operate the same. A rope hangs down within reach. The rope is pulled down and hooks in a wedge cleat to hold the door open. The PVC frame pivots on a chain link fence top rail pipe to form a full length hinge. The door can be opened and closed within a matter of seconds and I find it convenient to go quickly around room when I’m looking for that stored item and can’t remember where it is.

…FRONT HOIST

This track hoist will service the front loft when it is finished. It’s consists of an 11’ length of UniStrut channel and matching rollers on the trolley. A 20’ lift manual chain hoist hangs down from it.

…THE LIBRARY LADDER

You will need to use your imagination a bit on this one because the ladder is missing and the rail is not installed around the full perimeter yet. But it should give you a better idea how it works. The ladder mounts in that “H” shaped hanger you see between the trolley rollers. A chain hoist can hang on either end of it, and I’m pulling on the lift chain to move it in the video.

MORE TO COME…

That is all I have filmed so far, but I plan to capture some additional footage of the following items. If there are other items you would like to see in motion, just let me know and I will work them in.
- Hidden shop washing machine
- Fan/Spotlight arms and step
- Docking workbench system and locking casters
- Kayak storage
- Jack stand storage nook
- Access to main electrical panel
- Workbench task light (old dental light)
- Exhaust fan control and homemade louvers
- Double-faced Shop Clock (method of adjustment)
- Wall-mounted drawing board in office
- General views into shop from upstairs office
- Docking Stanley Base Cabinets (also used as temporary work platform)
- Misc equipment around the shop (post mounted vise/drill press)

I’ll add new videos (with links) to the Index on Page 1 so check there occasionally for extra ones.

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Vernmotor · Nov 2, 2012

Very good and I like the music

akdiesel · Nov 2, 2012

Nice display. Can't seem to get the video to work though. I will try on another computer tomorrow.

luvit · Nov 2, 2012

i'm always in awe with this place and the indoor height.. at least it really appears tall in the pics!

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Wingnut65 · Nov 3, 2012

Nice update. But, does the front hoist actually hoist, or just slide... I know, you just didn't have an engine you needed to pull out of a car when you were shotting...

Thanks for the info on the adjustable countersinks. I've never really needed used them on my projects as most of the time, I drill them deeper to fill the heads in for a smooth finish. But I might pick up a #8 to have on hand.

shopnut · Nov 5, 2012

Vernmotor - Thanks. Glad you like them!

akdiesel - Hopefully they ran on that other computer. Clicking on the image in my post will redirect you to another website where you must click on the video again to play it. As far as I know, GJ doesn't allow embedded videos :sad:

luvit - This place is 21' at the peak so I guess it's pretty high. If you watch the Libary Ladder video closely at the end, you can actually see my head (well, my cap anyways) at the bottom corner. The L.L. rail above me is at 15'. One thing that has become crystal clear after finishing this place off is that the height really slows the construction progress down. Everything is an extra effort to accomplish up there.

I really need to snap a couple of pictures from up in the loft - it's a pretty cool and unique vantage point!

Wingnut65 - Believe it or not, the hoist does lift

, I just didn't want to bore anyone with the hundreds of pulls on that chain to lift something up there. Plus, I'm not sure if my camera has enough storage capacity for all that video footage

. Someday, that 20' manual hoist will be replaced with an electric version. The manlift does a pretty good job, but certain things will still need to be lifted with the hoist.

I believe the deeper setting of those countersinks is intended to recess a screw enough to fill the hole with the wood filler plugs, like the ones available in the stores.

shopnut · Nov 5, 2012

THE LOFT CEILING IS FRAMED, WIRED, AND INSULATED…

First, I framed out the light housings and then the rest of the 2X's between the main ceiling purlins.

Then some MC wiring for the recessed light fixtures.

And lastly, some 6" fiberglass insulation.

Here's a final shot of the light recess. I added some 1/2" thick foil skinned foam board to give some insulation above the fixture.

Next will be trim work and vinyl installation up there and the ceiling will be a wrap.

Wingnut65 · Nov 5, 2012

Great work! And, I know, just because nobody will see the ceiling when the loft doors are designed and installed, you still had to finish the ceiling in the loft because you know it is there. And we do too, now. Just another one of those little details that you will have to show off on the Grand Asylum Tour.

A FL get together sound like a great idea. I know a 3,800 sf part place...

Omphaloskeptic · Nov 6, 2012

But, but, but..... Shopnut, where's the framing for the 'THE C.U.P.O.L.A.'?!? lol

Vernmotor · Nov 6, 2012

Omphaloskeptic said:
But, but, but..... Shopnut, where's the framing for the 'THE C.U.P.O.L.A.'?!? lol

Yea that is what I was thinking ???????? :lol_hitti

shopnut · Nov 7, 2012

Wingnut65 - Thanks. Yeah, there are a few of things done here in the Asylum that fit in that “because I will know it’s there” category. If it’s any consolation, I needed something to protect that insulation

. Hopefully that Grand Tour is not too far off. I guess the Index will help me to not forget anything!

Yes, you know a place and I’m due for a ride to Sarasota! Sounds fun.

Ompha/Vernmotor - Unfortunately, the C.U.P.O.L.A. is still just a scribbled-on entry in the master Task List at this point :sad:

.
Although having the C.U.P.O.L.A. directly above the front loft may have saved a few bruises on the top of my head with its extra headroom, I pictured it centered (fore/aft) on the ridge of the roof, which would put it above the main work bay somewhere. Something like this:

shopnut · Nov 12, 2012

IT WAS TIME TO COVER UP THAT LOFT CEILING…

Yesterday marked the 1-year anniversary since a fell off the ladder and broke my heel bone (11/11/11). Not something I really want to celebrate or anything, but I thought it would be a good idea to stay off of ladders that day. So I was on a mission (armed with an extra day off) to get some major work done on the loft before Sunday rolled around.

With the ceiling all insulated, it was ready for the vinyl trim and the next pictures show the completed job.

And then some vinyl planks for a dramatic change.

AND TIME TO INSTALL SOME PERMANANT LIGHTING…

Since the temporary lights were removed, I decided to next install the fluorescent fixtures since it is getting dark so early these days. I decided 2 fixtures would be enough up there.

A little pre-wiring can be done.

And then the fixture with it’s two leads are added. The ground connection goes through the little white plate into housing.

And here it is installed and powered up. Nice, no low-hanging light to bump my head on anymore :thumbup:

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HOTFR8 · Nov 12, 2012

Looking good.

shopnut · Nov 13, 2012

Thanks HOTFR8, I've been feeling good about the progress being made around here lately.

shopnut · Nov 13, 2012

FINISHING THE LOFT WALL…

I decided vinyl would be fine for the front wall of the loft too since this is just intended for bulk storage and nothing will be mounted on the wall. But first, it had to be insulated. I added in 2x2 framing so the insulation batts had something to staple to between the 2x6’s.

The other thing added was the 2x6 boards forming sort of a base board along the plywood floor. These were lag bolted in because they actually form one of the upper chords of the truss beam.

And then the insulation went in. One bag (9 batts) was all it took.

Next, vinyl trim was added. Some intermediate framing went in horizontally to support the vinyl wall panels. Also notice the remaining ceiling panels at the peak went in.

Then, the vinyl installation on the wall was started. I started in the center and worked my way out. This worked out pretty well because I could measure two panels and cut them together for each trip up the ladder (btw, battery on the manlift finally died :sad:

)

HOTFR8 · Nov 13, 2012

shopnut said:
Thanks HOTFR8, I've been feeling good about the progress being made around here lately.

Unlike myself as I am still waiting on my Carpenter to do some work on the interior of Sheddwellers, although I have the outside looking pretty good now.

Still nice to see progress even if it is not my own. :thumbup:

shopnut · Nov 14, 2012

Good luck with that carpenter HOTFR8. Sometimes we are at their mercy, unfortunately. Hopefully it will be worth the long wait for you.

Vernmotor · Nov 14, 2012

Now that it all white up there. It looks Big !

shopnut · Nov 14, 2012

THE FRONT LOFT IS STARTING TO LOOK COMPLETE…

But there are a large number of tasks to do yet before I can check it off the list.

It was a good time for a stitched panoramic shot to show off my efforts up to this point.

I still need to finish the two sides where there are deep troughs remaining. The scrap plywood remaining after decking the loft cantilevered section will fill this in nicely. I’m making these troughs easily accessible for future wiring or possibly to allow room for the front awning actuators someday.

MEASURING TRUSS BEAM SAG…

At this point, most of the weight involved with the construction of this loft is installed, so I decided to check the deflection on my main truss beam spanning the 26 feet across the front of the Asylum. I designated some set points that I measured from for repeatability and here are the results so far:

Distance from concrete slab to bottom of truss beam at mid-span:
After initial beam construction without loft floor = 150.25”
With floor, walls, and ceiling finished = 150.00”

So I saw a total of 0.25” sag without anything stored up there. I’m not sure what the weight of the all the 2x6 floor joists, plywood, wall framing, insulation, light fixtures, and vinyl/fiberglass material is, but I guess that seems reasonable.

I don’t expect any issues, but I will keep an eye on it as I load the loft up with goods. At least it’s nice to have an initial measurement to compare to as the years go on.

A TIME TO REFLECT…

After accomplishing what I had set out to do in this work session, I did what I normally do - drank a six pack while walking around the shop, admiring the work done thus far and dreaming of the day it will finally be finished

. Or course, it’s usually dark outside by the time I finish so it’s the perfect time to switch over to my “mood lights” (not to mention it also goes easy on my dilated eyes

). This random shot was taken from over in the side bay, near the personnel-door.

Wait! Is that a finish line (of this build) I see off in the distance?

shopnut · Nov 14, 2012

Vernmotor said:
Now that it all white up there. It looks Big !

Thanks Vernmotor. Your reply beat my latest one with the (mostly) finished loft views by a few minutes.

Yes, I think it will become a nice useable space soon.

HOTFR8 · Nov 14, 2012

shopnut said:
Good luck with that carpenter HOTFR8. Sometimes we are at their mercy, unfortunately. Hopefully it will be worth the long wait for you.

Thanks, in the mean time I am spending more time here on the forum getting other ideas as well as getting some other jobs done outside.

The loft progress is good. I love the way that TV works. Sure different to just being mounted on the wall.

Wingnut65 · Nov 14, 2012

Looking good shopnut.

So, are you interested in renting out the new pad?

shopnut · Nov 14, 2012

HOTFR8 said:
Thanks, in the mean time I am spending more time here on the forum getting other ideas as well as getting some other jobs done outside.

You do realize the longer you spend on this forum, the longer the wishlist and work list becomes on your projects, don't you? It's directly proportional. :lol:

The Asylum project started out as a 10x20' carport until I found GJ! (j/k

)

HOTFR8 said:
The loft progress is good. I love the way that TV works. Sure different to just being mounted on the wall.

Thanks. The TV project was a good "filler" project while my foot injury was healing last year and I wasn't able to put any weight on it. It had some challenges, but it was fun, nevertheless.

shopnut · Nov 14, 2012

Wingnut65 said:
Looking good shopnut.

So, are you interested in renting out the new pad?

I would be, but I'm afraid I'd have it filled up with my junk before the first renter moved in

It actually would make a perfect sleeping loft - but the first step is a duesy!!! :wtf:

HOTFR8 · Nov 14, 2012

shopnut said:
You do realize the longer you spend on this forum, the longer the wishlist and work list becomes on your projects, don't you? It's directly proportional.
The Asylum project started out as a 10x20' carport until I found GJ! (j/k )

No wish list from reading any others but I can say I have an addiction to reading and staying informed as to other projects here on the form.
My wish list is just to finish what I have started and to share what I have done with those here on the forum

. Although the mind wonders and I pop over to the HAMB every so often and look at Hot Rod ideas :sad:

and yet I need to finish Sheddwellers first.

shopnut said:
Thanks. The TV project was a good "filler" project while my foot injury was healing last year and I wasn't able to put any weight on it. It had some challenges, but it was fun, nevertheless.

Plans for a TV here. I have it all wired but in the last few years we have gone digital so I need a new antenna and then a TV.

I can see what you have done must have been fun to create.

shopnut said:
I would be, but I'm afraid I'd have it filled up with my junk before the first renter moved in

So pay yourself rent :spit:

....

shopnut said:
It actually would make a perfect sleeping loft - but the first step is a duesy!!!

I was looking at that as well. You could have a great hideaway relax area and you would need something to avoid that first step :lol:

.

Omphaloskeptic · Nov 15, 2012

"Although having the C.U.P.O.L.A. directly above the front loft may have saved a few bruises on the top of my head with its extra headroom, I pictured it centered (fore/aft) on the ridge of the roof, which would put it above the main work bay somewhere. Something like this:"

I like the visual you posted. It's just that I thought if 'THE C.U.P.O.L.A.' was built in the loft area it would be an ideal spot to just chill out with a cold one, or two, or .... LOL

I guess if 'THE C.U.P.O.L.A.' didn't make it to 'THE INDEX', it means that it's not really in the plan; oh well, sigh, too bad, so sad.

Shopnut, we at GJ won't let you glimpse "the finish line", if you crossed that line what would we have to keep us entertained?! :dunno:

Think of 'The ASYLUM' as a journey rather than a destination. It might even turn out to be as famous as 'The Winchester Mystery House'! :yikes:

http://winchestermysteryhouse.com/index.cfm

akdiesel · Nov 15, 2012

shopnut

The loft looks great. Is the insulation for sound deadening or for keeping it cool in the shop?

shopnut · Nov 15, 2012

HOTFR8 - Your wish list is the same as mine - Just to Finish! It’s easy to get side-tracked on the things (toys) we build these places to tinker with. It’s taken extreme discipline for me over the last seven years to not tear one of the vehicles apart and stay focused on finishing this place. I’m sure I will be much happier, however, in the long run if I stick to my plan and see it through.

Omphaloskeptic - Fret not on the C.U.P.O.L.A, it’s added to my index update offline, it just hasn’t been uploaded to GJ yet. I try to do it every few months, but there have been many replies to log lately.

Functionally, a cupola would make much more sense directly above the front loft. It would be easier to build, offer more headroom, and there’s a nice platform to stand on while looking out the windows.

The best thing might be that it could provide an escape hatch to the roof. Well not really “escape”, but mainly “access” to the roof. When cleaning the roof, I climb up onto the lower section then climb from the lower roof tier to the upper. The roof step is just slightly beyond my leg length and it’s always a risky maneuver. Direct access to the upper roof tier has been on my wish list for about 5 years now and I considered adding a hatch in the second floor office back when it was being built, but that didn’t happen :sad:

.

I will probably pick function over form on this one and build the cupola over the loft. If you look closely at how I installed the loft ceiling vinyl, you will notice rows of short panels near the peak. This is so I can remove them for a future C.U.P.O.L.A. hole without disturbing the rest of the ceiling, should I go that route someday.

Yes the Asylum is a long journey - one that won’t likely won’t end in my lifetime, but I’m ready for the initial build phase to be complete so I can enjoy a 2 or 3 year “layover” to focus on the vehicles for awhile

.

That Winchester House looks interesting and I’ll have to check it out in detail tonight. I never knew it existed, so thanks for pointing it out.

akdiesel - Thanks. The insulation is for both reasons. Metal buildings are notorious for being loud in a rain storm. Even with the original sheet insulation sandwiched under the roof metal, a sprinkle outside sounded like a heavy rain inside. Six inches of insulation takes care of that. I’ve noticed the roof insulation also helps keep the sun from cooking me inside that metal box.

As the years pass, I’m sure an A/C system will eventually be installed. I didn’t really plan a spot for it but a split system should fit nicely up there where the 4x8’ Chevrolet sign is currently hung on the wall. The trouble is, I didn’t insulate the side bay when I installed the ceiling vinyl, so I will need to remove that temporarily and stuff some up there to really seal this place up. I don’t see that being a big project though, and will roll into it as soon as the front loft and wall (with the big doors) is all buttoned up. The T12 light fixtures are getting replaced with my new T8’s, so that will be a perfect time to do it.

HOTFR8 · Nov 15, 2012

shopnut said:
HOTFR8 - Your wish list is the same as mine - Just to Finish! It’s easy to get side-tracked on the things (toys) we build these places to tinker with. It’s taken extreme discipline for me over the last seven years to not tear one of the vehicles apart and stay focused on finishing this place. I’m sure I will be much happier, however, in the long run if I stick to my plan and see it through.

Focus that is it :thumbup:

I am doing the same thing as after that I can look at another project of some description. Until then like you we work along on that finished goal and the light at the end of the tunnel. :lol_hitti

shopnut · Nov 15, 2012

A CRAZY PLAN FOR THE LOFT RAILING…

Some of you may think I have some half-baked ideas. Others may think I’m downright insane. But this one may remove doubt from most of you

.

I’ve been kicking around ideas for the loft handrail for a while now, and most revolved around Wingnut65’s collapsible trombone idea. I want something I can easily move out of the way when something big is hoisted up there. One day I was pondering the situation once again and glanced at the telescopic ladder I had leaning against the wall - viola! My collapsible railing was staring me in the face.

After a little thought, I felt confident enough about making this work that I spent about $200 to buy two matching 12.5 foot ladders to span across the cantilevered loft edge. I wanted another one to keep at home anyway, so if this idea doesn’t pan out, one will go there and the other will probably end up with a friend.

Their bases will mount over by the walls and basically extend out to “kiss” in the middle. They lock in 12” increments so I can make the opening as small or as big as I want. Most of the time, each will slide in just a click or two to create an opening large enough for the manlift door to swing open. There will be some sag to deal with, but a couple rollers to ride on the loft floor should do the trick. A channel (like UniStrut) might work nicely for the rollers to ride in. Some vertical support stanchions running from loft floor to ceiling will likely be needed to help out with flexing side-to-side. Here’s a quick sketch to help explain the idea. (Sorry, I didn’t represent the ladder with the correct number of rungs

).

(click to enlarge)

At first I considered some simple 12’ extension ladders to form the railing, but they only collapse to 6’ and would probably look like I found a strange place to store my two ladders. I’m hoping I can make these telescopic ladders look a bit more like a conventional hand rail.

I'm crossing my fingers it all works out.

akdiesel · Nov 16, 2012

Now this will be good. Very clever.
Don't stop with the ideas. Keep them coming.
I have seen these types of ladders and want to get one for the house in place of the old aluminum a frame.

Omphaloskeptic · Nov 16, 2012

Great idea!

Is that ladder the one that you 'stepped off' to wreck your ankle? If so, this is the perfect application for it; you'll never be tempted to 'step off' it again! lol

The only mod to your drawing I would offer is to position the casters at about 1/3 the length back from the 'top'. That way the 'gate portion' would be cantilevered beyond the caster, the problem of sag would be reduced, and it would minimize the effort needed to collapse that section when opening the 'gate' portion. Just my $0.02.

shopnut · Nov 18, 2012

akdiesel - Thanks. I might have a couple decent ideas up my sleeve yet - I will share if any are worthy.

The telescopic ladders have their place. They fold down to practically nothing so you can toss them into a car trunk very easily or store them away in a little cabinet. The 12.5' one I currently have is perfect for getting up on the roof.

Omphaloskeptic - Thanks. No, the one I tend to leap off of is an old wooden step ladder I've had for about 25 years. I vowed to burn that sucker after the accident just because, but yet it still lives on :dunno:

. I use it every weekend so it's really tough to give it up even though the memories haunt me a bit. I guess my packrat nature wins out again over the emotional ****.

That roller idea is worth 10X that amount, and a check is in the mail

. I agree with your suggestion 100% about the roller position. Maybe lined up with the middle stanchions to normally hide the rollers a bit. Consider it done :thumbup:

- thanks again!

Omphaloskeptic · Nov 19, 2012

Hey Shopnut, glad you like my suggestion!

As to the infamous wooden ladder's disposition....

Maybe you don't have to burn it, just re-purpose it! :thumbup:

Hang it high up on a shop wall; very high up on a wall so you're never again tempted to use that instrument of torture, torment, and S.T.U.N.T.S.. Once this 'Ladder of Infamy' is securely (and permanently) mounted very high up on a wall, you can now use its steps to display some memorabilia associated with the ladder and the Asylum. Let's see, what could those items be.....Hmm, I wonder?..... Oh, I know, make one or more steps into light boxes to back light those wonderful before and after X-ray pics of your ankle. What else.... how about artistically attaching to the ladder your various convalescent accoutrements such as your crutches, your cane, your cast, your splint, your prescription bottles, and last, but certainly not least, your very own catheter, urine collection bottle, and the revered pee-pee-potty-pig! Gazing up upon yon wall's 'Display of Disaster and Damnation', you will NEVER want for a more effective and relevant 'SAFETY FIRST POSTER'. :evil:

shopnut · Nov 20, 2012

Ompha - As good as that suggestion sounds (at at least from a reminder standpoint), this is one I wouldn't hold my breath on if I were you!

No offense buddy - I can't use ALL your ideas

shopnut · Nov 20, 2012

FIXING UP THE OLD MANLIFT (PART 3 OF ???))…

The old deep cycle battery that powers the hydraulics finally gave up the ghost. It was dated 2004 so I’m actually surprised it was working up until now. I used a $35 coupon code to purchase a new one from Advance Auto for $65. I’m chalking up the previous battery’s demise to old age, but it does concern me a bit that the old battery was taking a charge and then stopped all of a sudden, like I was charging it wrong or something. So I’m crossing my fingers with this new one.

One thing I noticed with the old battery is the full charge green light never came on even though the voltage was up where it should be. Within 10 minutes, the new one hit the full charge mark and the charger began cycling on/off in its trickle mode - a good sign so far. I also had a handheld multimeter hooked up while cycling the lift and it’s nice to see the battery voltage drop a couple hundredths of a volt rather than a tenth for one raise cycle. I’ll be giving it a really good workout during the next work session at the Asylum.

I also cleaned up the positive battery cable so it was recognizable as such and I bought some boots to cover up the terminals (most importantly, the + one). Also on a safety note, don't forget the ground cable is the first to come off and the last to go on when working with batteries.

Before all the plating gets rubbed off those new jack handles, I decided to install some nylon spacer to prevent metal-to-metal contact to the jack body.

Even though the manlift rolled around pretty effortlessly, I decided to pull the casters off and check them over real good. I was happy to find roller bearing in the hubs and I’m glad I pulled them apart because there was little grease to be found in there. This was surprising because grease fittings on the axle pins should have made this an easy job for past owners.

One thing really nice about having outriggers is the ability of the manlift to jack itself up for maintenance of the wheels. Like any other jack, don’t forget some kind of stands or blocks as a backup.

akdiesel · Nov 20, 2012

shopnut

I've had real good luck with those small trickle chargers but if using the lift a lot it they wont have the ability to charge quickly.
Another option would be to use 12v inverter. Since you have to be next to outlets for the charger just plug the inverter in to power up. Less issues with batteries.

HOTFR8 · Nov 20, 2012

Another option would be a battery tender.

shopnut · Nov 20, 2012

akdiesel/HOTFR8 - I use the battery tenders on all my stored vehicles which are great and I bet I generally get two or three extra years of life out of my batteries since using them.

I started this separate thread a while back to figure out a way to utilize 110VAC shop power to save the battery:
Ideas for converting a 12VDC Hydraulic Power Pack to 110VAC?

Since that thread went inactive, I found an RV camper charger inverter that look like a possible solution. It has 3 stage charging/maintaining modes and a 75A continous rating for a little over $100. I came very close to pulling the trigger on one and then the old battery completely died forcing me to replace it. With the new one in place, I now think there's a good chance the 10A Schmacher charger shown in the pictures will suffice. It's not like I'm constantly going up and down - there's usually a 10-15 minute lag between cycles and the pump is only running on the way up. That might be enough time for the charger to keep the battery topped off - I should know in about a week if it can or not.

The way the manlift was wired from the factory, a toggle switch chose between "Charge" or "Run". I intend to wire it such that the charger is doing it's thing any time when plugged in. My only question in this case is whether the charger will hold up to constantly pulling a load from the battery while trying to charge the battery. I guess its similar to cranking your engine with the charger still connected. I've done that plenty of times on cars without an problems.

Above 1200 Sq/FT The ASYLUM - Happy 40th Birthday to Me! (Est. 2005)

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