Lifting Heavy Lathe Chucks

[Winegrower]

I am pretty surprised that the tool posts, through the compound, cross slide, etc. can handle a 100 pound weight out on that length arm. Seems like it could really mess things up.

 

[will.mcray]

I am looking at the same capability. I certainly can't lift a 248 lb 18 inch chuck myself. I have looked at the Skyhook and for a price tag of almost $1k, I decided to look at other alternatives. I found, but have not purchase yet another option. Its an pick-up truck crane with hand winch. This will give me better reach and lift. The version I am looking at can bolt to the floor toward the rear of the lathe and still have the reach to remove and install a chuck. It can also spin 360 degrees. For $289, I think I am going that route.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200672545_200672545?cm_mmc=Google-LIA&utm_source=Google_LIA&utm_medium=Material%20Handling%20%3E%20Hoists%20%26%20Lifts%20%2B%20Cranes&utm_campaign=Ultra-Tow&utm_content=52534&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9P__BRC0ARIsAEZ6irg1qxLnKyRPwzEHhK8jGDFVH3I6t-y6YVV1cqGwO6Dk6KWrM76Tyz4aAjJTEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Tozguy]

Where is the truth in advertising, if it's a sky hook, it should just hook to the sky. Mike

Thats not how it works, you have to fasten it securely to a cloud.

 

[MrWhoopee]

Here's my (slightly modified) Harbor Freight truck bed crane.

It came with a hand pumped hydraulic cylinder, rated at 1000 lbs (I lifted my 700 lb. Kalamazoo saw and left it hanging overnight) and costs less than $120. Make your own post and you're in business.

1/2 Ton Capacity Pickup Truck Bed Crane

Amazing deals on this 1/2Ton Capacity Pickup Truck Crane at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

This one comes with a winch

1/2 Ton Capacity Pickup Truck Bed Crane with Hand Winch

Amazing deals on this 1/2Ton Capacity Pickup Truck Crane at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[kb58]

If that was really the first time he tried it, it would have been wise to put a piece of plywood under it!

 

[Janderso]

Sky hook is just too much money.
I'm pondering something as these chucks are becoming more difficult all the time.

 

[hman]

Where is the truth in advertising, if it's a sky hook, it should just hook to the sky. Mike

@Tozguy "Thats not how it works, you have to fasten it securely to a cloud."

 

[benmychree]

I heartily reccomend the skyhook, I have one that fits my Aloris CA tool holder block, and also made a few aluminum bases that can be used on other Tee slotted machine tables. That said, I put up a barn door track in the overhead over the lathe and mill and used a couple of HF winches that I found at a garage sale, they work well.

 

[benmychree]

Also, I drill and tap all my chucks (short of the little ones on my 9" lathe) for eye bolts for lifting purposes.

 

[randyjaco]

Not only do I use my SkyHook on my 13" TurnPro, but I use it on my Bridgeport Clone too. My rotary table and super spacer weight more than my chucks. I made an adapter that clamps the SkyHook to my mill table. The rotary table and super spacer are very easy to install and remove, Easy peezy