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Loft construction
First off I do respect everyone's opinions and advice that was given here a couple weeks ago on building a loft in the shed. So I did seek professional advice as far as engeneering, load linits, etc.. First off as you may remember we sold the property where my shop was located, so it ws either sell 90% of my metal and woodworking equipment or find another home for them. Our reason for selling was as most everyone knows farmland prices are at alltime highs, the building maintenence, mowing, etc. was becoming a burden. Some people came to us and made us a good offer, so done deal. This coming Tuesday a crew is scheduled to begin on a 46X18 loft in our 46X46 shed here at the house engeneered to support 83,000 lbs. with a heated workshop underneath that will hold all of the single phase equipment I have. My heavier three phase things wil have to go, I can't get three phase here. It will be insulated and lined with white barn steel. This was our compromise, the wife did'nt want another building here at the house, so it was kinda go this route or call an auctioneer. I'll keep you posted on the progress. Frank.
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Loft construction
Frank that's 50 lb. per sq. ft. load rating---you can't load up one side with 80,000 lb. and nothing on the other---it's gotta be distrubuted to no moe than 50 lb. per sq.ft.
I guessitmated that the large Gator or whatever it's called takes up about 32 sq. ft. of floor space and weighs about 2000 lb.
If so you're already over the design weight by 400 lb. And I didn't take into consideration the actual footprint of the vehicle tires which exterts weight in 4 concentrated areas.
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EW; Sorry I should have explained a bit further. I've dropped the plan for an elevator and puting the Gator and the mowers up there, it will be lumber and misc. smaller things. The plan is to concentrate the heaviest of things near the front or back where the support system is, altho not required by the builders, with a walkway down the middle The engeneering firm used the calculation of 46X18X100 lbs. per squ. ft.= 82,800 load ratung. I've checked the weight per cu. ft. of different specie of lumber, some can be stacked about 2ft. deep and others in the 3-3.5 ft. depth range. I asked if they would stand behind it, (Or under it)long as I stayed within the limits, and they said yes, they are a big company that's been in business probably 50 yrs. They're using those 12X2 beams like is used in most new homes anymore only a haevier duty type than is used in home construction spaning 18 ft. resting on stud walls of 2X10 reg. lumber. Frank.
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Loft construction
Hardwood,
In reading this I can easy think of hay lofts that use to hold a lot of weight. The load are not normally shock loads of any amount and yes they are very well spread out. One thing on hay lofts I can think of, they were not long runs for the lumber. At same time I have seen a full grown horse walking in a house on crawl space. He sure exceed 500 pounds per square foot. That floor was not normal, had full 2 by 12 and tounge & grooved subfloor and top floor. Made before lumber was downsized. Hope you enjoy your shop.
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Frank, before you get too excited about ditching the 3 phase stuff, look into a rotary phase converter.
I have the same problem with my company's shop, no 3 phase power in the area. I got several pieces incredibly cheap at auction, but they all had 3 phase motors, which is why they were cheap.
I nearly fell over when I found out the price of the motors to convert them, but then the guy in the motor shop asked why I didn't just put in a phase converter? I'd never even heard of one let alone seen it. It is basically just an electric motor, but with extra windings, although you can also convert most motors to do it too. It works by using the motor as both a motor and generator, you power it single phase, and it gives you 3 phase back out.
Not spendy at all. Look around, you might be surprised.
Best of luck.
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Murf, I did know there were phase converters, but just assumed they were way above my price range. I've got a friend who runs a motor shop whom I'm sure could price me one of the right size. I also was kind of toying with the idea of a PTO generator with three phase capabilitys. but again have no idea of the cost of one to fit my needs. I've still got five tractors sitting around doing nothing, might be good for them to run a few hours now and then. I really apreciatre any ideas or comments. Frank.
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Frank, I don't know what size motors you are dealing with, but in my case I got one big enough to run a 7.5 hp. motor for about $750 (Cannuck bucks) installed. This is larger than I needed, but it was only about $100 more than the one I needed so I thought it was better to over-size it a big.
If you Google "rotary phase convertors" you will also find articles on how to make your own, as well as a bunch of place that sell them pre-made.
Best of luck.
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Murf; We might both have heart failure for the one I would need. My widebelt sander has a 30 hp. motor to run the belt, a 3 hp. to run the conveyor, and a 3 hp. to run the dust evacuation system. All must run at the same time. The power company almost sent me thank you cards. Frank.
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Frank, you might be pleasantly surprised.....
According to the websites I found a 50 HP Rotary Phase Converter is selling for US$799!!
Have a look around the 'Net.
Best of luck.
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Thanks Murf, I'll do some surfing and also call my friend at the motor shop. He is quite a trader and might have a used one just my size. Frank.
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