How to handle material in a small shop?

[DareBee]

One of these may also be of interest as a Forklift alternative.
http://www.maybury.com/liftruck/Crow...e-stackers.htm

[Weldtutor]

Originally Posted by TT350 Any one have pic's?

This picture shows one table loading method. (Not mine)

[Big John T]

Originally Posted by TT350 It will be a fore hire shop and I'm not scared of spending a little money but I would like to see how people are handling there materiel so I can see what will work best for me. The engine hoist will get it out of the rack and to the table but how would 1 guy get a 4x8 3/8 steel plate on the table with out killing your machine or your self?

The problem you will have is getting the plate from vertical to horizontal without smashing things. A 3/8 4x8 plate weighs 500 lbs. The engine hoist is not the tool for doing that. If you have two hoists and clamp on plate clamps you can lower one while raising the other... If you need something that is portable construct an A frame with an electric hoist on it. Make it wide enough to span your table so when you have the sheet horizontal you can move it onto your machine then lower it to the machine. I would build a spreader beam to hang from the hoist then chains to the plate.

John

[Big John T]

Originally Posted by DareBee http://www.avenuesupply.com/ecommerc...no=&ship_no=-1

The one on the bottom of this page is what I was trying to describe... except it don't need the fancy telescope...

FWIW, we bought a use 3 wheel electric forklift for $1500 it will turn in it's own radius and will lift 4000lbs...

John

[cam1]

Guess it depends on how you store the material. We store it on it's long edge in a simple rack with 2 inch sch#40 pipes as partitions. It takes up minimal space, and it's easy to get the stock in and out. The limitation with a forklift is getting the forks out....you will have to put some blocks underneath, and then use a pinch bar.How would you stack the plates in a rack with a forklift?

regards

[Big John T]

Originally Posted by cam1 Guess it depends on how you store the material. We store it on it's long edge in a simple rack with 2 inch sch#40 pipes as partitions. It takes up minimal space, and it's easy to get the stock in and out. The limitation with a forklift is getting the forks out....you will have to put some blocks underneath, and then use a pinch bar.How would you stack the plates in a rack with a forklift? regards

With a chain and a plate clamp and a fork to boom thingy.

http://www.lkgoodwin.com/more_info/l...g_clamps.shtml

John

[DareBee]

To get the plate horizontal from the plate clamp set 1 edge on the floor and lower it onto some some lumber.
Remove the plate clamp.
Put your magnetic plate clamp in the middle of the plate and lift it in the horizontal position and set on the table.

[DareBee]

Also, Gov't safety regulations must be considered.
The units depicted in the Avenue link I posted are engineer and/or CSA approved for the load limit listed. Here anyway, we can get huge fines for lifting equipment that is not approved (unless it is for personal use, but if it is at your business, good luck with that).
It costs me an average of $700 to have any lifting devices I design get a P. Eng. stamp. Records of yearly inspection by a competent person are also required.