I need to build a lift frame for the new shop. Max 8-8.5' high. Primary use will be wood, metal projects. Somehow the back just isn't what it used to be. Probably not as smart either, so any pictures or suggestions would be appreciated.
Mobile A-frame lift frame
- Thread starter Jackfre
- Start date
csp
Well-known member
Do a web search on "home built gantry crane" or DIY gantry crane.
Lots of examples are out there.
Lots of examples are out there.
icedoc
Member
I built one last year to help me move all my equipment and machines to a new house/shop. One of the best investments I ever made. Cost was about $500 (CAD) in materials including casters and an I-beam. About half the cost of the cheapest machine rigger I could find.
The A-frame is 4" square tubing with a 0.25" wall. The uprights telescope inside the A-frame and allow for a lifting height (bottom of I-beam to floor) between 7 and 10 feet, adjustable in 6" increments. I've seen some that use hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower each side, but I designed mine to be able to raise and lower using a floor jack under the upright. I do one at a time and it works beautifully.
The I-beam is attached to the uprights using custom made clamps, which allow the width to be varied as well. This is particularly good for really heavy loads, as my A-frame currently out-strengthens my I-beam in terms of lifting capacity at full width. I-beam to be upgraded at some point in the future...
Pictures aren't the greatest, but you get the idea. Don't mind the single lifting ******** the workbench - I wouldn't normally do this, but it was one of the last items to leave the shop and I had left all my straps at the new house on the previous trip.
The A-frame is 4" square tubing with a 0.25" wall. The uprights telescope inside the A-frame and allow for a lifting height (bottom of I-beam to floor) between 7 and 10 feet, adjustable in 6" increments. I've seen some that use hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower each side, but I designed mine to be able to raise and lower using a floor jack under the upright. I do one at a time and it works beautifully.
The I-beam is attached to the uprights using custom made clamps, which allow the width to be varied as well. This is particularly good for really heavy loads, as my A-frame currently out-strengthens my I-beam in terms of lifting capacity at full width. I-beam to be upgraded at some point in the future...
Pictures aren't the greatest, but you get the idea. Don't mind the single lifting ******** the workbench - I wouldn't normally do this, but it was one of the last items to leave the shop and I had left all my straps at the new house on the previous trip.
johndeereman
Well-known member
Great looking build there icedoc.