The configuration of my shop dictates storage of planer and sanding machines on low shelf, with lifting them to bench height; both tools are in the 60# range, and any tool upgrades in future will probably entertain tools in the 100# range.  Herniated disks suggest that now is a good time to think of mechanical aids.  The first step will be to mount the tools on pull-out shelves that will place the tool in the shop space aisle, about 4" above the floor.  I looked at floor lifts (mostly designed for motorcycles), but [in the size range I need] they won't lift to 33" bench height, and then the lift itself is a floor device, in the way.  So I'm "looking up", to a ceiling mounted hoist.  I can mount an 8' superstrut channel with a couple of trolley inserts, and then bolt the trolleys to a hoist.  So here is where I'm at the fork in the road:  manual or electric hoist?  The electric is $90 (400# rating).  But there are also manual / pulley hoists for less.  Any thoughts on which way you'd go; have you "already gone" there and have advice?  I love to learn from the mistakes of others; even better to copy success!!

 If the availability of power for the electric hoist doesn't run up the cost much I would choose that. The price seems fair and I think the convenience of the electric hoist will probably be used more than the manual.

I would go electric also if its not cost prohibitive. you state you have  back issues already so down the road reaching up and pulling on a chain may become troublesome.

 

Pete, not sure what floor space you have overall, but what about an engine lift...gives you more flexibility for positioning versus trolley/rail system. Many versions today are fold-up for storage when not in use.

 

H-F offers their 1T at $99 with coupon pretty regular. They also have a 2T model for $149-$169 w/ sale coupon...just something to consider. I use the 1T pulling engines out of L&G Equipment and loading/unloading stuff from the pick-up.

 

scissor lift table..

http://www.globalindustrial.com/c/material-handling/lift-tables

I would go the electric route also

 

The scissor lift table may work pretty well too

Maybe this idea-

 

http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/viewer-projects/flip-flop-tool-storage/

8 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Pete, not sure what floor space you have overall, but what about an engine lift...gives you more flexibility for positioning versus trolley/rail system. Many versions today are fold-up for storage when not in use.

 

H-F offers their 1T at $99 with coupon pretty regular. They also have a 2T model for $149-$169 w/ sale coupon...just something to consider. I use the 1T pulling engines out of L&G Equipment and loading/unloading stuff from the pick-up.

 

 

 

I just bought one of these, haven't even used it yet. They are effective but have a huge footprint when in use. I bought mine for mounting large turning blanks on my lathe.

 

Steve

I saw an article in some woodworking magazine where the fellow had done exactly as you propose, only his tool were up in the air on slide out shelves. Looked like it worked very well for him. I use an engine hoist, a lift table, and sometimes a tractor with forks to do that and i think you're idea (with an electric hoist) will do best. The engine lifts are handy but they are a little cumbersome and quite large with the feet extended. The second choice (to me) might be the lift table, mine reaches up to the level of my truck tailgate.

Trolley and electric winch is the way I would go.  That leaves a hand free to guide the object being lifted.  Manual lift would probably take the use of both hands.

Thanks for all the valued input.  I think of this as a "sanity check":  if it still sounds crazy after your input, it must be the right idea!

The physical constraints are a gross shop dimension of 5'x13' (nee "storage room"); it runs along a side of the garage, with the original opening into the water heater utility room aided by opening a doorway into the garage in the middle of the long wall.  The 5' width is divided into a 30" x 13' bench and 30" of aisle.  It works.  But floor space is a premium.  I started designing with the floor lifts, but they always need a footprint, even when folded.  Hence my thoughts turned upward.  Y'all confirmed my thinking:  fixed 8' unistrut bar, two trolley inserts, electric hoist.  I'll mount the heavy tools (currently all the tools store under the bench) on roll-out platforms to allow hookup to the hoist.  All I really need is to get the tool to about 29" above the floor, at which point I can lift it onto the bench (why 29"?  leaves 4" slack when I lift, and the 24" offset of a 5' drop requires 64.6" cable).  It looks like all the parts come to about $125.  Copay on a back operation is about $400!  Smile on g-kids face when I give them a wooden toy:  priceless. 

For me, anyway.  They have no idea what it is since it has no plastic on it, but keepsakes are a long term investment.

If you have lots of years left in your life, build a bigger shop or add on to what you already have. Or simply build a shop like 40x60 and be happy for a few years until you out grow that size. You only gonna live once so why not enjoy it while you are here.

  I have an air operated hyd cherry picker which all the parts will srink up and have very little to get in the way when not in use. High dollar but  go anywhere, stick in the back of a pickup and transport anything a wood shop needs moved. Black hawk makes it.

I would like to mount a unistrut on the ceiling with a trolly and mount an electric hoist to that. Then I could roll the hoist anywhere along the length of strut.

 

Check into barn door hardware. It may hold more than Unistrut, and rollers are made specifically for it.

John

30 minutes ago, HARO50 said:

Check into barn door hardware. It may hold more than Unistrut, and rollers are made specifically for it.

John

costs less too....

I have a few of these around the shop.  They work great. Sometimes

I use one for an extra work bench or a seat.

They also make a good hand truck...

 

 

Edited November 12, 20196 yr by Kevin Beitz