Steel Pipe A-Frame Engine Hoist: How To?

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/1263777276.html

I just thought this was to funny to p*** up ..hahaha.. 70 tons my ***!

 

I've used reinforced ceiling joists for years but have acquired a nice setup of pallet racking. With a 4X6 across the middle it holds up fine to the SBCs and bangers I've pulled. Wouldn't be afraid to pull a big block either.

 

Don't be fooled by being "Chinsey", you go off in that EMT direction & you are gonna get hurt!!!--------Step up to reality & build a sturdy one out of .120 steel tube & gusseting angle pcs., make the top out of 2x3x.080 wall. If you want it portable, figure bolt up flanges!!-----------Don

 

OK, maybe not the most inexpensive route but I thought I'd post it for inspiration value. This is a knock-downable aluminum version used by one of the Formula Continental teams at Watkins Glen last weekend. Pretty, no?
Second shot is of the result when we tried to use a standard 2 ton asian cherry picker to move a Bridgeport mill. First lift to a height of 1 inch to get it off of the pallet went well, it failed on attempting the second lift to 1/4" to reposition it on the floor.

Whatever material you make it of, just be sure to fully triangulate it, have a healthy respect for the force of gravity and don't forget to jump out of the way if it starts to fail!

 

Don't even think of using a swing set. I know
a lot of old timers will tell you that that's the
way they did it. Ask how many wound up in the
hospital. I had a friend try it, got the engine up
and the set collapsed. Lucky no one was under
it. Did a real number on the front sheet metal.
I and a few others have never let him forget.

 

Several years ago I scrounged a few lengths of fire sprinkler tubing off a demolition site. It was at least 2" in diameter and 1/4" wall, We cobbled together an engine hoist out of it using rope and chain to hold it together at the top, and it worked a treat. The tubing was free for the taking too.

Cheers, Glen.

 

Dude, you don't move a Bridgeport with a cherry picker! You move it with a long pinch bar. I have moved several by myself this way, including onto and off of trailers.

 

Thanks, I guess I should have clarified a little more. The machine had been moved while it was on the pallet with a pallet jigger with no problems. We used the 'picker for lifting only to pull the pallet out from under it.

Once the cherry picker was noodled on the second lift to 1/4", we ultimately used a 6' bar to pry against the wall to slide it on the shop floor.

I guess the point I was trying to make was to be careful, even with a "2 ton" rated cherry picker, you cannot ***ume that it has the ability to safely lift its rated capacity.

 

We used our swing set to remove a font end loader off our tractor but my dad was a pipe fitter and built or swing set out of 4 inch schedule 40 pipe it was stout

 

Only in the better neighborhoods.

 

Yeah, I was basically busting your balls.

 

I was happy to find these posts. I have lots of s**** in the back yard, and a lifted truck w/swampers that I have to pull the motor out of... My cherry picker won't lift the motor high enough to clear the engine bay. Look like I'll be doing some welding this weekend.

 

Harbor Freight and Northern Tool have versions starting @ $200.00 USD

 

I actually did use an old garbage picked swing set once in a pinch. Slid a big diameter steel fence pipe through the top bar, shored it up with two 4 x 4 posts and car rims under the legs to get more height. It worked great for the one-time use. It was thrown out right after.

Bob