Because of space constraints in garage, I would like to build a simple pulley system to raise and lower 4X8 plywood sheet from rafters for train layout. However, I am having difficulty in figuring out how to do it. Is anyone out there have a simple pulley system?
You might want to use a 4x8 2 inch thick foam board to reduce the weight you have to lift.
Agreeded. Lighter is better.
I have a pulley system to lift a canoe. It is simple in that it uses few pulleys. It is complicated in that friction on the rope causes the canoe not rise evenly and it jerks around a lot. I would think in terms of making it a two person job. One to pull the rope, the other to make sure the layout rises evenly and smoothly.
I would use a 4 point system with wire cable or very low stretch free-runing rope to avoid jerking the layout as it goes up or down. Mounts can be at or near the corners. Towards the center is easier for layout access, construction, and maintenance but magnifies any tilt caused by uneveness in the hoist system. Counterweights would probably make the system easier to use, so long as cable/rope/pulley load limits were observed.
Benchwork must be rigid enough to support layout without bending or sagging with support at just the 4 points, yet lightweight. The 2 inch thick extruded foam, framed by 1x4 wood, that was recommended in an earlier post sounds good to me.
I would also install a folding leg setup to support and stabilize the layout in the lowered position. You wouldn’t want jostling or leaning on the layout to start it swinging.
For the ultimate, position a canopy of plastic film with 6 in valences (side curtains) to cover the layout in the up position - will substantially reduce cleaning chores. This canopy could also house your lighting set up.
Fred Wright
trying not to always having to learn from my own mistakes
after getting the rigging and pulleys in place hook the cable to a garage door opener, use remote to raise/lower the layout
I use a 40"X12’ foam board suported by a 1"X2" lader frame in a spare bedroom. The ceiling is sloped and caused me some reconfiguring after my initial setup. It uses 8 wire rope supports connected to the board frame with 1" corner brackets and throttle cable stops so tension can be adjusted. These run striaght up to flexable pullies in the ceiling. All these run to a pair of central pullies L and R. they all conect to central cable fron a shop winch mounted on a wall. I would be happy to send pics and some sketches if you are interested. I limited my board size to 40" wide as it rest agenst the room walls on 3 sides and any more than 40" for me (6’ tall) would be imposable. it is hard as it is. this would not be a problem if it were open all around of course. the walls have bumpers that keep it from swinging as i work on it, and can support the whole boardfor wire repair and adjustment. Using the electric winch it raises/sets evenly and the other hand can steady it wile it is moving. If yours will hang in an open area you might build some portable legs to keep it still when at your disired work hight. trying to work on it wile bobbing around can get old real fast. there are are a few current pics on my web site, but if interested I could detail the lift system. Good luck.
www2.whidbey.com/fineart
fineart,
I looked at your pictures. There isn’t much to be seen of the cable/pulley system, but I liked how you are mounting your switch machines in the foam. Looks great!
Darrell, often below level, but quiet…for now
Yah, As i said, they are just the latest. Been posting pics as the project progresses. The site is mostly for the folks back in Michigan. There is limited free space on my isp server so old photos go as new ones go on. I will detail the lift system and if I can find my old drawings I’ll put them up too. be a couple of days tho.
You may wi***o check out my photo’s on my site located in my profile page … there are plenty of pictures of my S-gauge layout on pages 5 & 6 that may interest you. The layout is 7x8ft and the 4-point hoist system is made by Harken. You can check 'em out at: http://www.hoister.com/selection.php
Works for me AND I got the info from requesting help on this Forum, as you have done!