[How do I?] Lift Heavy Items Onto Lathe.

[Downunder Bob]

Owing to an old back injury I find it difficult to lift heavy items onto my lathe. Lifting the 3 jaw chuck is very difficult, and I can't lift the 4 jaw at all, likewise the steady rest is out of the question.

Has anyone made or tried to make a lifting device that fits on the lathe, say in place of tool post holder. something that could lift say 100kg max probably mostly only 30-50kg, would be fine.

 

[Tony Wells]

There is a device on the market that fits a QCTP made for assisting on minor lifts like that. Let me see if I can find a pic. I don't see why you couldn't build one.

http://www.skyhook.cc/model8500.html

 

[Martin W]

Hi Bob,
I built a sort of jib crane that I fastened to the floor and wall. everything was from the local scrap yard for $60.00 I use it to lift stuff onto the DoAll and lift my 20"4 Jaw chuck and 12" chuck
Cheers
Martin

 

[Uglydog]

I've been using an engine hoist.
Regardless, when loading stock, or changing the chuck I've got plywood sheets I place on my lathe bed.
I've been curious about the skyhook, shouldn't be that difficult to build.
But, have wondered if it puts inappropriate stress on the saddle/compound?

Daryl
MN

 

[Downunder Bob]

There is a device on the market that fits a QCTP made for assisting on minor lifts like that. Let me see if I can find a pic. I don't see why you couldn't build one.

http://www.skyhook.cc/model8500.html

Thanks. I don't think they have anything like this in Australia, but it gives me a few ideas, I think I can make one without too much difficulty.

 

[Downunder Bob]

Hi Bob,
I built a sort of jib crane that I fastened to the floor and wall. everything was from the local scrap yard for $60.00 I use it to lift stuff onto the DoAll and lift my 20"4 Jaw chuck and 12" chuck
Cheers
Martin
View attachment 134960

Nice, but a bit bigger than what I have in mind, my 4 jaw is only 8". It's just that I have a crook back. What I'm thinking about is a little jib crane that mounts on the tool post.

 

[Downunder Bob]

I've been using an engine hoist.
Regardless, when loading stock, or changing the chuck I've got plywood sheets I place on my lathe bed.
I've been curious about the skyhook, shouldn't be that difficult to build.
But, have wondered if it puts inappropriate stress on the saddle/compound?

Daryl
MN

I intend to make a wooden board to protect lathe bed ways, as I was taught when an apprentice. My 4 jaw is only 8". I doubt that it would weigh more than 20kg. But I just can't lift it with my back. I don't think that 20kg would be a problem for the lathe, it weighs 280 kg. and is bolted down to a 20kg base frame.

 

[FOMOGO]

I think as we reach a certain age we should all be assigned a scantily clad Amazon to help with such chores. Mike

 

[Downunder Bob]

I think as we reach a certain age we should all be assigned a scantily clad Amazon to help with such chores. Mike

Sounds good but Amazons are pretty scarce over here in down under, beside the other half might object. I had enough trouble just getting the lathe.

 

[4GSR]

Here's a couple of pictures of the one's I've built and installed in my shop. They are rated for about 300 to 400 lbs lifting with a SF of about 2 designed into them. I know SF should be 3 or 4 but for the limited stuff I use it for, the heaviest item I have to pick up is a 215 lb rotary table onto the mill.