Simple lifting bracket for your machinery table

[Dengue]

Hi, I have a cast iron router table mounted on a frame made of 50 x 25 x 2.5 RHS steel. Because of my limited space , I have my machinery ( tablesaw, bandsaw, drum sander, DC) built so they are mobile. The router table was a bit of a problem in that it weighed over 80 kg all up, and I was using removable handles on the frame and moving it about like a wheel barrow, as shown below:

lifter_00.jpg


Because of the weight, the length of the handles and the awkward lifting position and balancing and wheeling in a confined space, I ended up hurting my lower back, so a better solution needed to be found. BobL put me on to the link showing a brilliant 4 wheeled mobile base he had made for his bandsaw. It wasn't quite what I could use as my rear wheels were already fixed to the frame by an outrigger which came in contact with the ground when the front of the router table was lifted. But it gave me an idea:

lifter_01 (Large).jpglifter_02 (Large).jpglifter_03 (Large).jpg

Basic design of lifter bracket
Bracket is made from 50 x 75 x 6 angle iron, 200mm long
Castor is a $7 nylon wheel, 85kg rating, mounting plate 70 x 95, welded to underside of bracket
Lynch pin made from 3/8" steel bolt and key ring
Bracket swivels on 12 mm bolt that bolts to frame



lifter_04 (Large).jpg
Side view of table showing cantilevered rear wheels, normally not in contact with ground
The adjustable rubber feet are 50mm high, the lower frame 50mm wide
The rear wheels are 3" cast iron wheels


lifter_07 (Large).jpg
Front view of table, bracket fitted, prior to lifting


lifter_05 (Large).jpglifter_06 (Large).jpg
Table lifted on 3 wheels, one swivel, two fixed, all 4 adjustable rubber feet clear of ground
Lifted easily with one hand. The lever system gives a big mechanical advantage.
Easy to push around with one hand.
Swivel bolt mounted 75 mm above ground, in centre of lower frame member
Front feet raised by 25mm with bracket in position shown, enabling rear wheels to be lowered in contact with ground



lifter_08 (Large).jpg

View looking down with frame raised and handle removed
Looking at this, the bracket could be left bolted on permanently, as the footprint is only 75 x 200mm in front of the router table. It could be raised and lowered as required

Finally, I intend putting a chest of drawers in this frame , under the router. The nut on the swivel bolt will then be welded to the inside of the lower front frame member, so that the lifting bracket can be quickly fitted by just screwing the bolt into position, fitting the handle, and then lifting with one hand, and slotting in the lynch pin.

I suppose that the rear adjustable feet are not essential. The whole thing could operate with just the two rear cast iron wheels on the ground at all times, and the two adjustable rubber feet at the front. But need to be careful that the table doesn't move when the router is in operation, and I think the rubber feet do this best.

[Superbunny]

I like it, simple and effective.

SB

[pjt]

A great solution to a problem, and neatly done at that.




Pete.