@Tom Tee posted:Dan, Something to sneak up and hit you in the face...precision deck alignment We found it to be extremely critical for the two side foundational modules to be PERFECTLY level. Not a single hair off.
Then, align all the other bench work to the lift assembly. Consider using levelers on all platform legs to assist in leveling all the framework. Shown are plastic faced Monoco swivel levelers and Tee nuts available from Outwater Plastics in NJ.
That good sized elevator surface will spotlight any off level surrounding bench work and make multi track alignment of the lifting deck unstable and unattainable.
Much less of an issue if only one track crosses the lift bridge.
Tom, thanks for the Outwater tip! Very interesting things there beyond levelers. Alas I have already purchased levelers and inserts from McMaster-Carr, enough for all of my layout plans. The ones I bought don't swivel and I had to add my own lock nut. Those Monocos are the way to go.
I assume that is a Mianne leg? I didn't notice the capping block before. I added 1/2 ply blocks to my table legs just to protect the the ends of the layers so they wouldn't split as I drilled the ends for the levelers. If there is one knock against the plywood it is that there more susceptibility to splitting between layers I guess Mianne is adding support for a lot more weight than my layout would provide.
I understood going into this project the importance of (1) keeping four sliders in parallel over whatever length slider is used, (2) the force to lift needs to be centered to help assure (1).
I did get a feel for the level and plum reaction when I first began to operate the hoist. The table was a bit shaky as it started down. I found one leveler not fully seated and added extra bracing across the table. That really smoothed it out. The levers skate easily on the bare concrete (except the hoist side) and that works against keeping things in place while it's in the shop. It will be installed on berber carpet so that, and getting the side tables fastened to surrounding benches, should help with repeatability. It looks like it operates smoothly but as you suggest once I get to aligning plywood, track, etc, the warts will show.
