whatnot
Member
I am trying to figure out the best way to run a hoist back and forth on an ibeam. It is about 17' long. I know they make trolleys with powered wheels but I do not want that. I want it pulled back and forth. I had originally planned on using a winch and winding 2 cables on it but I don't think that will work because of the cable building up on the drum causing the lengths to vary a little. Another idea I had was putting a winch at each end and make the one running have to pull the cable out of the other one. (to keep the cable tight all the time) I don't really want to deal with running heavy cables all over the place though.
I was thinking about using parts of a garage door opener but I think they are too flimsy and might break. I would pretty much only use the motor and chain from an opener so I was thinking maybe try finding a gearmotor and just run a roller chain and pulley the same way the opener works.
Are there any better options or a better way to use one of the ideas I have?
I prefer to use around 120v to keep the wire size small(ac or dc) but can run on anything.
I was thinking about using parts of a garage door opener but I think they are too flimsy and might break. I would pretty much only use the motor and chain from an opener so I was thinking maybe try finding a gearmotor and just run a roller chain and pulley the same way the opener works.
Are there any better options or a better way to use one of the ideas I have?
I prefer to use around 120v to keep the wire size small(ac or dc) but can run on anything.