Library wall unit with rolling ladder

[tarbellb]

Note, this started under "how to line up a weld", but reposted here for easier navigation.

this project is for a client in downtown denver, a gifted artist who remolded a very cool old factory loft.

he wanted a library with a rolling ladder simply because he thinks
it "looks classy", nice.

so here it is.

btw, the ladder is very sturdy, easily supports my frame (190lbs) and is great in vertical load. a bit of wobble does exist, but after testing, jumping, working on, and down right abusing it, it feels fine.

review:

downtown denver loft - LIBRARY WALL UNIT WITH ROLLING LADDER

wall unit:
18' x 1.5" x 1.5" square tube frame (1" x 16g)

Ikea gloss lam cabinet doors cut to size

Ikea LED lighting, on separate switches

14g perforated steel doors (rusted)

wall was cut open and "blocked" meaning reinforced with wood

ladder track:
18' x 3" x 5/16" flat bar and 1" cantilever supports

ladder:
appx 10' tall x 16" wide

3" x 5/16" flat bar rails

1" od round tube rungs

300lbs cast casters

rolling mechanism:
a conglomerate of parts- see pics, ask questions if you want.

 

[Drew_flux]

That looks like a real cool setup. wonder if the owner is doing a mural on the wall?

 

[NASTYZEN]

Nice. That came out well ,I like the industrial look to it.

 

[Capt Chrysler]

Very KOOL.

The bolt holding the bearing to the plate needs to be longer. If I remember correct 2 thread past the the lock nut.


So kool, I may have to show this to the wife. As I know of a spot this would fit into.


Capt. Chrysler

 

[Brad54]

That's pretty damn cool!

The ONLY thing I'd have done differently, is I'd have drilled the holes through the ladder's side plates and inserted the tubing into them... I love holes in metal.

I've got a 10-foot tall, 12-foot long pallet rack in my shop, and I've thought about getting a real library ladder for it (my great uncle owned the company that made many of them--The Cotterman Ladder Company). In my shop though, a metal model might be more fitting.
And probably cheaper!

-Brad
-Brad

 

[tarbellb]

thanks for the positive replies guys.

i believe i did replace that shorter bolt with a longer version; i was trying to minimize anything that could snag somebody.

it is a very cool old industrial building. will try and post next time.

as for the ladder and holes, i definitely considered them, especially for the strength. but i tried to keep everything and clean and simple as i could. matching the look of the track as well was important.

pictures of the counterweighted stairs i did for him earlier are next!

 

[BFBOB]

Flat (or flatter) topped rungs would be nice for us artistic types who go barefoot a lot. Otherwise, a fab fab!

 

[bad_idea]

The bolt holding the bearing to the plate needs to be longer. If I remember correct 2 thread past the the lock nut.
Capt. Chrysler

I work in ship repair and deal with MIL SPEC this and MIL SPEC that daily. The standard we go by is 2-5 threads past a regular nut. Nylocks are allowed to be flush with the nylon because the nylon extends past the nut.

Anywho, interesting ladder there.

 

[e-tek]

Thanks for posting that - great idea!

 

[Capt Chrysler]

I work in ship repair and deal with MIL SPEC this and MIL SPEC that daily. The standard we go by is 2-5 threads past a regular nut. Nylocks are allowed to be flush with the nylon because the nylon extends past the nut.

Anywho, interesting ladder there.

THKs Bad_idea! I was locked up on 2 past the nut!

Still a Kool Ladder!

Capt. Chrysler

 

[synik]

Very nice ladder, I will have to do something like this in the garage. Thanks.

 

[smschriefer]

I really like the look of the ladder, very nice and industrial looking. It should be extremely stout for it's purpose.

One question I have is why you chose not to use sealed bearings for the rollers? I doubt it will ever need to be greased, but for some reason I doubt the owner will ever go up the ladder with a grease gun to do preventative maintenance.