Adjustable Workbench

[halfdome, Danny]

Gambam, I found this one from your link and it might be a little sturdier. It also gives me ideas, would like to make one if possible. This one would be great for working on the underside of a tear if it's safe to do so. I'd have to make a 220 volt extension cord to operate it and that's okay. This one isn't as expensive as the industrial ones but still $1,000. Danny

[Bill Fernandez]

If i had one before i started building it would have been nice

[Greg M]

Danny,

I remember seeing plans for a variable height woodworking bench a few years ago. It had four telescoping columns holding the work surface. Basically it lifted by having a 3/4" threaded rod at each corner that was synchronized with a bicycle chain and gear. A crank, or motor, would turn all four rods in unison, and a captured nut at the bottom of the inside part of the telescoping column would then lift the column.
I'll see if I can find the drawings, or I could just sketch it if that description makes no sense.

-Greg

[Podunkfla]

Danny... Here's a set of plans for building a motorcycle lift that would prolly serve your need quite well. I have thought about building something similar, but I don't really need the plans. I think they go for $30. which seems pretty reasonable to me. Plus, if you already have a floor jack, it just drops in place... Pretty good idea. I saw one like at Daytona Bike Week a couple years ago. I ended up just building a simple bike lift like they sell plans for too... cause it takes up less space and is all I needed

http://www.afabonline.com/table_lift_plans.htm




And... Here's the same lift with a standard hydraulic ram:

[halfdome, Danny]

Hey Brick, you may have something here , very nice. I'll have to spend some time looking at all the modifications people have made but this one really sparks my interest. This is one way to practice welding. Thanks, Danny

[bobhenry]

Brick, that one has some possibilities without the wheels. I like the one hand crank but can't see how it works. I want a 48" x 96" table top plus hardwood edging. I also need to be able to move it with my pallet jack depending on the size of the project I'm working on. I place my work bench in two or 3 spots depending on what I'm making.

Danny... It works just like a big version of a scissor jack. The crank end needs a thrust bearing that lets the threaded rod turn. The other end is nothing more than a large captive nut in a pivot between the legs. Something like 3/4" allthread should work just fine for what you are contemplating. The handle end could be just a used wratchet extension? Then you could use a wratchet, speedwrench, drill motor or whatever to crank it with.

Find someone throwing away a worm drive garage door opener and you can forget the crank !

[Podunkfla]

Find someone throwing away a worm drive garage door opener and you can forget the crank !

That's a good idea!

[halfdome, Danny]

In another topic I found this ATV/Motorcycle Lift from a link provided for a scissor jack. With the price of steel and a floor jack I'm wondering if I would be better off just buying this instead of building that nice one Brick suggested? I like the way it raises and lowers with air pressure but also like the solid stops on the home built one for my safety. I'm wondering if you would need air supplied to this one constantly. Danny

[angib]

I have a set of plans for a similar bike lift from a magazine article.

I've got web space for these at present, so download 'em while they're there - this is a limited time offer!
Bike lift 1/3
Bike lift 2/3
Bike lift 3/3

Er, you guys may want some metric translation, but all you need is:
50x50x3mm square tube is 2"x2"x1/8" square tube
5mm plate is 3/16" plate
M12x125mm bolt is 1/2"x5" bolt
Don't worry - all the measurements in the article are in inches.
Andrew

[Juneaudave]

When Danny started this post...I thought it was a really good idea...but was a bit clueless on the execution. These pics are really starting to make me want one!!!!

[halfdome, Danny]

Thanks Andrew, they look quite similar. Danny

[halfdome, Danny]

I called Grizzly and theirs has a foot pump (see photo above) so they were guessing it doesn't require constant air. It's on display in Bellingham, I may go look at it if I don't build one. Danny