bankers

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Norman,

I appreciate your efforts to learn as much a possible before you get
equipment that you have to live with .

I asked if you about getting an overhead crane system because ( if I
remember right  ) you are in the planning stage of building a studio, and
now is the time to consider something like this. I was not being sarcastic.
If you are going to spend many long years working in your studio, then maybe
its worth the money.

My situation has always been too temporary to invest in such equipment. I've
gone for very simple, low tech solutions to lift stones. I like to use a 2
ton chain fall that cost about 80 dollars. I rarely do anything weighing
more than 500 lbs. I've put a 10" I beam across the front of my
garage,costing about 150 dollars (14 feet long). The I beam is resting on
top of wooden beams that are bolted to the frame of the garage. The I beam
is bolted to the wooden beams so it can't roll over. I then bought an I beam
trolley that rolls the length of the I beam, and has a hook hanging from the
bottom which the chainfall hangs from. The trolley is rated for 2 tons and
costs about 125 dollars. I use a good hand truck to move most stones under
the chainfall. The bigger stones are moved by putting wooden rollers under
the piece to maneuver under the chainfall. Using a heavy braided nylon
closed loop , I pick up the piece , shove a table under  and go to work.

I like this kind of set up because I don't use any electricity. I can easily
move a stone from one side of the garage to the other by pushing the stone
when its hanging in the air. By using a loop of rope in a choker fashion I
can easily stand up or roll over a stone with the chainfall. I especially
like a manual chainfall because is moves very slow and unless you are
picking up way more that its rated for , it won't unwind. Although I've
never used a hydraulic table, or a table with wheels , but I may get one in
the future.

I'm now working in my new studio and am planning to put in a similar set up.
If I get a job that requires me to work with a very large stone, I will
hire, rent, lease or just buy a forklift. It just depends of what the future
brings.

I wouldn't presume to know what is best for you. Setting up a studio is a
very personal thing, and no two are alike. I just like to keep things very
simple, extra strong, and not be in my way when the lifting is done.

Hope to hear from you as put your shop together.
George Graham