simps80
Rising Sun Member
The documentation is only surpassed by the workmanship
Appreciate the digital content here for sure
Appreciate the digital content here for sure
Making of an "A" framed adjustable height rolling gantry crane
- Thread starter Brucker
- Start date
This thing is killer. Everything you do is first class. I always read every detail of your write-ups!
Brucker
Hard Core 4+
Thank you for the very kind words
Brucker
Hard Core 4+
Been using the gantry crane a lot more than I expected since I built it 2 years ago. But I never took the time to completely finish it. One issue that has plagued it since day one is cable management. So took some time tonight and designed a festoon system for it. And I actually got most of it put together as well, but will now be waiting on cords and a retractable power reel to arrive as I just ordered them.
Cut the majority of the parts and got them cleaned up. Then built the holders on the ends and welded the in place. One side with just thru holes and the other with slots in order to be able to easily install and remove the tension tubes.
Cut the majority of the parts and got them cleaned up. Then built the holders on the ends and welded the in place. One side with just thru holes and the other with slots in order to be able to easily install and remove the tension tubes.
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Brucker
Hard Core 4+
Built the tension tubes and installed and tightened them.
Them cut all the pieces for the trolleys and assembled them and installed them. Simple sealed roller bearing between two aluminum spacers on top with just a bolt and some nuts on the bottom. Then the power cables will be attached to the bottom bolts.
Now it just needs the cable reel and cords that will arrive next week. Bought a self retracting power reel and will cut off and swap the ends so I can then power the whole crane with up to a self contained 30' retractable cord. All this should resolve the cable management issues and make this even more of a joy to use.
Them cut all the pieces for the trolleys and assembled them and installed them. Simple sealed roller bearing between two aluminum spacers on top with just a bolt and some nuts on the bottom. Then the power cables will be attached to the bottom bolts.
Now it just needs the cable reel and cords that will arrive next week. Bought a self retracting power reel and will cut off and swap the ends so I can then power the whole crane with up to a self contained 30' retractable cord. All this should resolve the cable management issues and make this even more of a joy to use.
Attachments
nuclearlemon
Hard Core 4+
totally cool. inspiration for the one i want to build (and probably never will) to remove/store my roof top tent during the winter months
Brucker
Hard Core 4+
Parts finally arrived so I could finish wiring up this project. Self retractable 45' long power reel arrived and I promptly cut both ends off and wired on the replacements. This will allow me to use the reel in reverse operation by plugging in the retractable cord into the wall and the stationary side into the equipment.
Before:
After:
Then drilled and tapped the end of the gantry and mounted the swiveling reel
Then I added some cord hanging zip ties to the power cord trolleys I made earlier
Before:
After:
Then drilled and tapped the end of the gantry and mounted the swiveling reel
Then I added some cord hanging zip ties to the power cord trolleys I made earlier
Brucker
Hard Core 4+
Ran the wiring along the top of the gantry and secured it to the festoon trolleys as well.
Then plugged the system in and tested it out. Worked perfectly. Both hoists and their trolleys are powered once the gantry is plugged in. Both move side to side and up and down. No power cabling to interfere within the work area. Power cords follow their respected hoists along the tension tubes without any issues. And the power cords should settle out and hang nicer over time with gravity's help.
Then plugged the system in and tested it out. Worked perfectly. Both hoists and their trolleys are powered once the gantry is plugged in. Both move side to side and up and down. No power cabling to interfere within the work area. Power cords follow their respected hoists along the tension tubes without any issues. And the power cords should settle out and hang nicer over time with gravity's help.
Attachments
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Brucker
Hard Core 4+
Decluttered the gantry as I have yet to need all 4 trolleys and 3 hoists along the same span. And if I ever do, they are quick and easy to add back on. Gantry now will be run with 2 hoists and trolleys. And while doing this I realized I should have bought flat power cables for the festoon. I don't like the current looks and don't want to wait for gravity to maybe help over time. I tried using a heat gun and while it sort of helped take some of the kinks out, it just didn't produce the desired effects. So I added some weights, by way of some scrap pieces and some ball chain, between each festoon trolley. This aligned the cables much better and offered a more preferred aesthetics. Not sure if the cables will permanently relax after some time, or if weights will be always needed. If they will be needed permanently, I will make some better, more stylish weights.
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