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**DangerMouse** · 12-12-2008, 10:21 AM

ok, i finally got around to this. hope it helps someone save a few bucks!
will answer any assembly questions here if needed. *enjoy*

DM

**DangerMouse** · 12-18-2008, 07:00 PM

thought i'd add this edited underside shot. be sure to raise the crank higher than shown, and add wheels! sorry....

DM

angus242 · 12-19-2008, 12:33 AM

Didn't you post this on the contractor site too.....
or did I pick the wrong week to stop sniffing glue?

angus242 · 12-19-2008, 12:43 AM

can you build your own drywall lift?....done!

I was only partially sniffing glue

**DangerMouse** · 12-19-2008, 07:31 AM

that was during construction. this is where the 'plans' are with requested measurements! any other questions should be posted here as well.

DM

mitaccio · 01-21-2009, 11:51 AM

how do you keep the legs from not kicking out? I understand how the winch effect forces the center post to rise, but what about the four 4' legs around the center post. How is it that they don't kick out at the middle hinge?

**DangerMouse** · 01-21-2009, 12:04 PM

they moved a bit on the rise at first, so my son helped steady it until it got within an inch or so of the ceiling, then we rolled it into place and cranked another half turn or two to lock it up nice. i raised the crank to about 2' from floor and screwed in a drawer handle above it to help steady it. i can raise a 4'x8' 5/8" panel by myself now. thanks for your interest

DM

ponch37300 · 01-21-2009, 01:41 PM

That is some creativity! I like the fact that you invinted something most people can make but personally I would rather spend the money for a cheap drywall lift. If you were to buy all the materials to build your lift roughly around 75 bucks, you can buy a cheap drywall lift for 150 bucks. The drywall lift can be broke down for storage and it's a lot more versitile and user friendly for installing drywall. How big of a footprint does your lift take up when in the down position? I would think about 10' so it wouldn't really work in most smaller rooms. Not putting your design down just in my opinion it is worth the extra 75 bucks to buy a lift made for the job.

mitaccio · 01-21-2009, 01:42 PM

excellent. I am in the process of building this. I have 4x8 5/8 sheet I am putting up. I live in a remote area and my 5'6" 100 pound wife is of no help. For the center support, how high up did you put the hinges, and how far apart did you put the hinges on the platform?

**DangerMouse** · 01-21-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitaccio

how high up did you put the hinges

12" exactly

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitaccio

how far apart did you put the hinges on the platform?

they just fall in place, screw them in flat and square.

keep posting if you need more help!

DM

**DangerMouse** · 01-21-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ponch37300

That is some creativity! I like the fact that you invinted something most people can make but personally I would rather spend the money for a cheap drywall lift. If you were to buy all the materials to build your lift roughly around 75 bucks, you can buy a cheap drywall lift for 150 bucks. The drywall lift can be broke down for storage and it's a lot more versitile and user friendly for installing drywall. How big of a footprint does your lift take up when in the down position? I would think about 10' so it wouldn't really work in most smaller rooms. Not putting your design down just in my opinion it is worth the extra 75 bucks to buy a lift made for the job.

thanks for your comments! in the other threads i explained i had no $$$ for renting or buying one, but i DID have a bunch of 2x4s and hinges laying around.... also had the B&T and rope and steel too! the scarecrow loaned me his brain and i was all set! this was made from stuff laying around many garages and workshops! most people won't need to go buy all new materials to build this. the 10' footyprint is large, but all the rooms here are 12x15 or more, so it's great for me! once it's up in the air, it's only a 6' footyprint. =o)

DM

ponch37300 · 01-21-2009, 02:20 PM

Danger...I give you much credit for the creativity!

**DangerMouse** · 01-21-2009, 02:26 PM

tnkx! necessity may be the mother, but sometimes she's a real bytch.....

DM

mitaccio · 01-21-2009, 02:28 PM

Did the caster wheels help to make it more stable when lifting it up? Can I get away with using an eye hook instead of a B&T?

**DangerMouse** · 01-21-2009, 03:12 PM

wheels helped a lot, yes.

and i wouldn't.... it would wear the rope. any hardware store will have a couple small b&ts. i used an eye bolt at the first end, though tying it would do the same with a hole and a knot..... the 2 block and tackle pulleys just make it go up so much easier.

DM