Repurposing an old lift table?

[TavisB]

Sorry if this isn't in the right section.

I have an old lift table that lowers too fast. I'd like to turn it into a welding table and replace the 3 phase electric lifting mechanism with a pneumatic setup I could run off my compressor. Anyone ever done this? Any reason to avoid going down this path? If I can't safely convert it to pneumatic I'll probably lift it to the height I want and weld it there permanently.

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[Sevenhills1952]

Maybe you could figure out why it lowers too fast. Fixing it may be easier than modifying.

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[TavisB]

Maybe you could figure out why it lowers too fast. Fixing it may be easier than modifying.

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Well, I also don't have a way to power it .

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[lacers123]

Maybe you could figure out why it lowers too fast. Fixing it may be easier than modifying.

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I think I will agree with this. It feels like the road you chose is long. But of course the choice is yours. Hope you can achieve what you want!

 

[chrismenke]

120v hydraulic power heads are pretty common...usually the lift power goes electric to hydraulic?

I think Handy make a pneumatic only system which you could probably adapt, although likely at at least the cost of a 120v hydraulic power head.

Or...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0826YZC55/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[blazemaster83]

what about a cheap static converter to give it "3" phase? Or switching the motor to a single phase unit. A pic or two might help us to brainstorm.

 

[TavisB]

Hard to get pics, I've got a few hundred lbs of steel and other **** stacked on it atm.



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[Spareparts]

Does it have a Safety Lock on it when raised, if so jack it up to get a view of the pump, you said it has a lot of steel on it now, converting it to air may not give you the lift capicity you want. I have a scissor lift, I think it is around 7,000 lb.lift and has a 110v power unit I got from Surplus City works great I took the lift arms off (just bolted on) and put a 4' X 6' steel table on with a 12" beaver tail touching the floor, use it for mower repair and build Garden Tractor pullers plus Golf Cart repair, also makes a great welding table.

 

[chrispyny]

Those southworths are highly desirable and VERY EXPENSIVE new.

90% of the time there is an adjusting screw for the dump. In or out on the screw slows or quickens the dump. Do your homework and figure it out. I will almost bet thereÂ’s nothing wrong with the table.

There are probably several things to switch out if looking to go from 3 to split phase. Personally i would purchase a simple cheap variable frequency drive off ebay, wire it up, and boom, done. Super super easy to figure out. And it will change the split phase from your house wiring to 3 phase via internal diodes and a lot of solid state drive components.

You are going about it wrong my bro. A simple adjustment, and addition of a vfd, and you are good to go. Please keep us posted.

 

[sweetk30]

I have a 4ft x 5ft 6in south worth 2,000 lb unit . I love the table . I use it all the time . Mine is hydro ram and a 110 volt pump .

I can get pics if you need .

 

[chrispyny]

My presto lift table. Called them with the serial number. It was made before their plant moved. Rhode island if i remember. Made in 1994 i think. Single phase 120v. 2000 lift capacity. By far the most handy tool i have in my garage/shop. Paid $300 off clist a few years ago. Drove like lightening 2 hours to get it in M.A. when the guy said he still had it. Didn’t even dicker.
3’x6’. I’d NEVER sell it.
Had a cover made for it locally last month from hot rolled 16g. Coated it with satin poly. Doesn’t rust.

 

[foghorn1966]

O.P.
Don't discount a single phase to 3 phase VFD to power your table. Check out the VFD sticky on the general Tool Discussion Page.

 

[TavisB]

O.P.
Don't discount a single phase to 3 phase VFD to power your table. Check out the VFD sticky on the general Tool Discussion Page.

Definitely going to. Thanks!

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