Well, Here Ya Go....

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This is the third redesign of a $%%$$###@!& lift mechanism.  The pics aren't complete, but it does actually work  I haven't been taking too many pics because I don't know what is actually gonna work.  I quit worrying about what "was there", and decided I better get off my skinny butt and design something that actually works.Along the way, I found a really good website http://www.engineersedge .  Very good resource for figuring out how much weight on a lever is required to lift a certain load.  Check it out.I've always worked with hydraulic cylinders.  Figure the arc out, and build strong enough to withstand the strain.  Pretty easy in retrospect (fancy)Designing to use the human body to lift a load is a whole 'nother ball game.Been learning about class 1/2/3 levers.  BTW..............max distance from fulcrum to lift point is around 6" for the ol' bod to be able to muscle around half a ton.It's been a depressing project, because every step forward had resulted in 2 steps backThe pics show rebuilding the existing lift anchor in order to move the axle back.  The reason for moving the axle back is in order to place the pivot point for a lever in a position where it can be pulled instead of pushed.  The weight of your body has to be taken into account when moving large loads.  It's easier to pull, and once over the the center point of axis, use your body weight to move the lever the rest of the way.  I now have a better understanding of gears.  Gears are nothing more than levers placed in a rotating plane.  Pretty cool stuff, if you don't have to get something working in a short amount of time.  Lot of knowledge to cram into a few daysPic one.......... where the axle started outRest of Pics......... rebuilding the anchor/frame in order to move the axle rearward.  Circle is where axle will be.  Actually it's there now, but I still haven't gotten the pics offa the camera.  Don't get your jammies in a jam, the radius on the corner weld ground out very nicely.  Pics still on camera.  Been hesitant to take pics because I don't know where this stupid thing is gonna wind up Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:The way I prevent distortion(pulling) on butt weldsThese are fully beveled butt joints with full penetration.  I only weld half the distance at a time, then flip it over and weld the diagonal half distance.  All welds are pulled back to the end of the first weld.  This gets rid of the cold start if you weld in the same direction.  Hard to explain, but look at the direction of the weldThe idea is not just to fill the beveled joint, but to pile metal on above the joint to prevent undercut, and to give you something to grind down to make a nice flush surface.  At least that's the way I do it.  Probably better ways Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I guess we'll have to wait and see what you have in mind for that manual lift Sam but moving the axle back is going to result in having to pick up more weight.Nice 'add on' job.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:I lose the mechanical advantage by moving the load point back, but because I'm able to change to a class 2 lever(if I got that right), I'm now able to use my body weight to pull the lever.  It's actually up and working.  Now I'm having to guess the total lift, and the number of notches to put in the sector.  The sector fab is gonna be fun to look at.I don't know how this thing actually worked, and I'm having to design in over movement to compensate for my lack of knowledge as to how it actually moved.  The geometry is really strange on these things.  The beam is rotated, in conjunction with depth adjustments at the two rear axles, to make it plow to a certain depth.  It's been a nightmare"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Did you buy some new goodies Duane,  I seem to see a newbie in your sig line"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Well, there's this one - http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=30514 . . .. . .and you should get a kick outta this one - http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=30753.  Won't add that to the sig line until it's up and running.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Geez man.  You DOG!!!!!!!!!I need to keep up.  Been so wrapped up in my own problems, I've been laying off the forum.  My fault."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/