Steve B wrote:
"rigger" wrote in message

Hi Iggy:

Is there any way to suspend from an overhead point in the garage? If
so this can be the faster, safer and cheaper route to go. Heck. it's
only 150# and almost anything is sturdy enough to handle the weight
without extra bracing. If you weigh at least 150# just give it a try.

dennis
in nca


As a rigger, I am surprised you would suggest or condone this. Ceiling
ratings in garages are usually rated at 10# per square foot, and yes, you
can put a 4 by on top of the rafters perpendicular.

First of all Steve I was a rigger from '63 to about '76 so if there
have been newer developments I may not be aware of them. I moved on to
other aspects of the machinery industry at that time.

That being said I'm sure you know next to nothing about lifting and
moving machinery. I'd be willing also to guess you have no practical
experience in any of the construction trades either. How about this:
Go into your garage and try it before you offer any more criticism.
Perhaps you can then let us know your experiences, as I have done and I
weigh somewhat more than 150#.

It may work. It may not. If it does not, the results can be catastrophic.
At the least, it will probably stress the roof, and may cause some of the
drywall nails/screws/mud to pop. Or a tape seam to split.

Again, your lack of experience is glaring.

I would suggest getting some old timbers, either 4x4 or larger, building a
temporary frame, and lifting with a come-along. All you have to do is lift
it one inch and drive out. Think simple.

What you suggest is not simple.

A ramp would be quick and easy, too. A sheet of 3/4" plywood with eight or
ten 2x4 stiffeners underneath cut at an angle to meet the plywood.

Let me explain something to you Steve and to anyone else who may be
interested.
While spending 13 years moving machinery non-stop I managed to learn a
few things. Because I enjoy lurking on this group and learning,
learning, learning about metalworking I'm happy to contribute what I
can.

The ideas I offer this group are based on experience, not conjecture.
I also take into account the differences in members ages and physical
size. When you supervise crews of riggers this is what you must do to
insure safety. I deliberately do not suggest moves which are
inherently dangerous as you'd see if you'd read earlier posts by me on
these subjects.

If others have ideas that sound workable and safe you'll never find me
denigrating them because I realize others may or may not have the self
confidence to try other, less complex methods. And besides some times
it's enjoyable to come up with elegant solutions.

If you do try the garage thing, keep us posted.

In order to contribute to this thread how about trying the experiment
I've done. My test was in the center of a 2x4, on edge, between the
overhead door and the center of the garage. The 2x4 was supported near
the door and had bracing attached to the roof trusses 12 feet away, I
was in the center of this 12' span. This a garage built in the mid
'70s and in good condition. When I suspended myself at this point (and
I chose the 2x4 with the most visible "checking") one tiny creak was
the only negative result and when I hauled myself up and down and swung
on the rope no further signs of stress were evident.

The reason for not resting another 2x4 (or similar) across 2 or more
rafters is because it will tend to roll like a wheel when you try to
lower the weight thus loosing the mechanical advantage you have from
friction. Besides on a weight this low you don't need to complicate
the issue. The other reason I didn't suggest this is because I don't
like the idea of driving nails through the cross piece into the rafters
degrading (I believe) the integrity of the rafters. If I'm way off on
this it would be nice if someone lets me know.

If you do perform this experiment please let us know the results.

dennis
in nca