Building Motorcycle Lift Table...From These Plans...Your Experiences???

[Always_Thinkin]

Not sure if this has already been discussed....but i need opinions/experiences. Also, I searched and did not find opinions/experiences with the lift I am looking to build. I am looking at building a lift table...I know some will say that it is cheaper to buy. However, I want a welding project and i want more features than the Harbor Freight motorcycle lift tables offer. Features like side extensions and front/rear tire swing down panels. Also I plan on using a hydraulic floor jack (will be easier/cheaper to build the lift) instead of buying a hydraulic ram and pump. Lift tables with these features run around $1000 +.
I am looking for your experiences using the plans that can be purchased throught the below link. Were the plans clear and complete? Lifting capacity? Issues when building? Your cost and when you built it? I would appreciate replys from those that have experience with this built lift whether you built it yourself, helped build it or have used one like this one. Thanks for your replys.

http://www.afabonline.com/table_lift_plans.htm

 

[nickleone]

Try this:

http://www.instructables.com/id/motorlift/

Nick

 

[Redhotrod]

Check out Jaysinspacemans site

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21771&page=12

 

[Always_Thinkin]

Redhotrod,thanks for Jaysin's thread. Very similar to what I am wanting to build. I plan to take time and read through his other posts. Thanks again.

 

[Always_Thinkin]

Anyone have thoughts on using scew scissor jack to lift the table?

 

[LilRichard]

Hey, i just picked up a Chinese knock off of a handy lift for $600... And it's not bad quality. At that price I wouldn't even bother!

 

[LilRichard]

Here you go:

http://www.derekweaver.com/bikers-garage/motorcycle-lifts/tx-1000/?gclid=CL2Yx_G6wbsCFVLxOgodcRsAeA

 

[Trey T]

Couldn't you modify the HF lift table to your need?

 

[Always_Thinkin]

Couldn't you modify the HF lift table to your need?

I had thought about that. I know that the earlier HF tables had an accessory kit that made the table wider. I don't think a kit like that is available now so I am not sure what it would take to retrofit the new tables with side extensions.

 

[afmrick]

FWIW, I have a Homier Table Lift that used to run somewhere in the $200-$300 range.
New it looked like this:

I didn't like the arched back so, I straightened it and welded on some bracing. I also cut off the very last section, added some Handy-style hooks to make it removable. ...So, you could still have some welding fun.

I eventually replaced the wheel vise with a Weaver TX-VISE (~$80) which is almost identical to the Handy CV-17 Cycle Vise (~$151).

I don't have any pictures for some reason but, it's been a pretty dramatic change for not much work/$'s and I couldn't be happier with it.

For me at least, it would be easier to buy one, even the Harbor Freight one, and then modify it to suit.

 

[Scar55]

I used those plans a few years ago. I thought they were very good. I added casters to mine because every thing needs to move around in my limited garage space. I used a Miller 175 mig. I had a little over $200 in materials not counting the jack as best I remember.

Kelly