Extended 4 post lift

[wssix99]

There are ventilation holes placed strategically to have some natural movement of air, I also plan to have mechanical ventilation which i'll turn on whenever doing woodworking, welding, etc...

I would recommend spending some time on a proper system. The gas detectors mentioned above don't seem to work for gasoline. You'll need a system to get vapors off the floor. (High mounted ventilation will not get rid of them. Typically, your sloped garage floor send the vapors out of the building.)

This is a really good video that shows what happens when constrained vapors on the floor ignite.

 

[Belgique Basterd]

I fully understand you wanting to DIY this. I am a firm believer in DIY.

I am pretty brave and have taken on a few projects that made other people question my sanity. However, I think this is one of those instances where I would bite the bullet, sell off something, borrow, or figure out how to generate some cash (i.e. beg borrow steal... not literally mind you) and just get the right tool for the job. Safety features will already be built in.

Looks like you are building this place right, and NOT cutting corners. I don't think this lift is the place to start.

Not trying to be a wet blanket, but there are reasons what you need is expensive. It takes a lot of engineering and materials to do it right.

Take all that energy you would spend (invest or waste depending on how it turns out) on this project and use it to generate some extra cash. Buy the right tool.

I respectfully disagree

 

[Belgique Basterd]

I would recommend spending some time on a proper system. The gas detectors mentioned above don't seem to work for gasoline. You'll need a system to get vapors off the floor. (High mounted ventilation will not get rid of them. Typically, your sloped garage floor send the vapors out of the building.)

This is a really good video that shows what happens when constrained vapors on the floor ignite.

I'm not planning throwing gasoline around, but you are right something to think about, what would be a good system in your opinion?

 

[Belgique Basterd]

On the lookout for a 4 post lift now, will update when I start the modifications, thanks for all the tips and insight!

 

[wssix99]

I'm not planning throwing gasoline around, but you are right something to think about, what would be a good system in your opinion?

You don't throw gasoline around, but its the accidental spills and what your vehicles leak that is the big worry. Even a teaspoon of gasoline can create enough vapor to set your entire space on fire. (Vehicles are designed to deal with this, given that their engine compartments are open and the gas tanks are in vented areas. Boat manufacturers have a big issue with this phenomena because inboard engines and gas tanks are not vented.)

I would check your local regulations for oil change or car repair pits:

Essentially, you are building a similar type of environment with regards to the hazards present, even though you will not be making repairs through the floor.

I did a quick google search and some areas in the States, require 6 to 12 air changes an hour with the vent inlet located as low in the room as possible. (I imagine common sense would also dictate that the floor be slightly sloped towards this point.)

 

[Belgique Basterd]

Was on the hunt for a 4 post lift to extend for my project, but lucked out and found a tall 4 post lift for the same price as standard 4 post lifts go around here. So no need to mess around with a standard lift and extend it.

 

[sublimate]

Congrats.
Looking forward to pictures of it installed.