I am having a 20'x25'x11' metal shop built in the backyard in the next month or so and am beginning to layout the major components. This is the largest that I can fit in the space. I will also be putting up an 8'x8' shed on the back side of the new shop to store some of my stuff. I may build a sound proof enclosure in the shed and put my 60 gallon compressor in there. The shop will have air conditioning and I could put a closeable vent with a fan between the shop and air conditioner enclosure to provide some cool air. The shop will primarily be used to work on old cars, usually one at a time. I definitely want a lift that I can stand under but this is causing issues with the layout. Due to the 20' width, a 2 post lift will have to be pretty much centered width wise and toward the back side. The project car would have to sit between the lift post and I am wondering how much of a pain this would be between working around the post and stepping over the lift arms. I believe there are two other options in my situation for a lift and this would be either the type with removable posts that the posts are on casters and can be moved when not in use or a single post lift that could sit in a corner when not in use. (see photos) Has anyone had experience with this? Attached is a rough draft of the layout.
First run at new shop layout
- Thread starter TheDoge
- Start date
CraigStu
Well-known member
Adding to carlaisle's thought, how about one of these?
This is more expensive than some but it keeps the center of the car's underside clear.
I had considered a scissor lift but I want to be able to stand under the vehicle and there are not that many scissor lift that go that high. Plus the additional cost of having it recessed in the concrete. I do want the type of lift that lifts by the frame so that I can remove the wheels while on the lift.
Agreed. In my experience, 12 feet is pretty much minimum for being to stand up under a vehicle on a lift.
kbeefy
Well-known member
That lift looks very close to the back wall. I like to have room for a work bench or tool cart in front of the vehicle.
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kngelv
Well-known member
I‘d be a hard no on the single post lift because of the middle bar. The removable post type won’t go high enough to stand under. Have you considered a 4-post with an air jack.
James
James
CraigStu
Well-known member
I don't understand why the lift has to be so close to the back wall. Is the roof peak toward the rear vs being centered front to rear? Re; lifts. A 2 post is by far the most universal for a reason. 30 yrs or so working in dealer shops using 2 posts and 4 posts and 4 posts are no comparison. They are huge and they are always in the way. We sometimes needed to do a X miles service on the alignment rack which was big $ 4 post w/ 2 bridge jacks. Every tech felt as if he had just been condemned when he was the unlucky guy. Also look at prices- you get to pay for all that extra steel as well as for the 2 bridge jacks. If you get an asymmetrical 2 post, the posts are about 6-8" back of the windshield pillars of most cars. The front arms angle forward some from there so are basically covered by the open door. The rear arms go at more of a 45deg angle. They can be a little in the way but it doesn't take long to get used to where the arms are when the car is near the floor. And, as long as the car is 2-3" off the floor, the arms are all locked from swinging so you just walk on them if needed. I haven't worked on a 2 post w/ the moveable posts but I'd check carefully. Exactly how much work is involved in moving those posts. How much do they weigh and how big a guy are you? My gut says they don't get moved very often.