On Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:14:39 -0800, Winston
wrote:

David Lesher wrote:
The crane idea would need two folks to run, one on top, one below.

A wireless - control winch would allow single - person operation.

The attraction of the lead screw is that if/when something fails;
it will not plummet as a broken cable lift would.

Pretty much all of us have used aircraft cable to move & lift stuff.
We know how to inspect for wear and replace parts long before
failure is likely.

I agree the umph of most door openers, but how much CAN they lift?

Approximately 'Not Enough'.

With the pipe, I think I could anchor it with a arm from the house; that would
provide some stability.

We have a good supply of thickwall ~1.5" sq tube, as seen on stuff here http://2.ly/p9sp

Square tube is stronger and easier to work with.

It's also very easy to use a safety device on a cable lift.
Spring-loaded brake systems can stop the drop as soon as the cable
tension is gone. Or something as simple as a cammed mechanism or
flutter plate (like those on screen door closers) will work. Guide
with the square tubing, and apply the brakes to the tube to hold the
box/basket up if the cable lets loose.

--
Silence is more musical than any song.
-- Christina Rossetti