Welding C channel for gantry type engine crane
Welding C channel for gantry type engine crane
(OP)
Greetings,
I wish to construct a "gantry" (if that is the proper word) type of engine hoist system with beam trolleys. I wish to have the two main "beams" span the width of the garage 17 ft. the center beam that will travel will be 8 ft long.
Question is, due to several factors, "I" beam for the 17 ft spans is probably not possible. I have access to some C channel of various sizes, but not 17 feet. I wish to weld two pieces on each side to make up the I beam. Joints will be staggered at least 4 feet apart. Maximum load will be 1000# but realistically 600 - 700# and load will never be suspended for more than 30 minutes. I have seen several engine shops with similar systems , but wish to ask the ones in the know.
Regards,
fireguy
I wish to construct a "gantry" (if that is the proper word) type of engine hoist system with beam trolleys. I wish to have the two main "beams" span the width of the garage 17 ft. the center beam that will travel will be 8 ft long.
Question is, due to several factors, "I" beam for the 17 ft spans is probably not possible. I have access to some C channel of various sizes, but not 17 feet. I wish to weld two pieces on each side to make up the I beam. Joints will be staggered at least 4 feet apart. Maximum load will be 1000# but realistically 600 - 700# and load will never be suspended for more than 30 minutes. I have seen several engine shops with similar systems , but wish to ask the ones in the know.
Regards,
fireguy






RE: Welding C channel for gantry type engine crane
RE: Welding C channel for gantry type engine crane
I didnt mention the size, as I wasnt sure exactly what was the smallest I could use and still be safe re deflection etc.
I was planning on the 6" though. Headroom is at a premium and every inch is important. Are there differences in shape of the flange for C channel? Most of the C channel I have seen has a fairly pronounced bevel when compared to "I" beams. Curious if there will be any issues with a beam trolley.
Regards for all your help,
my field is thermal validation, but my passion is the old Brit cars.
Ken
RE: Welding C channel for gantry type engine crane
To save head room you can get the wheel diameter of the trolleys you're going to use and put the upper portion of the channels inside the ceiling. Depending on how you support the beams from the trolleys you can cope (remove) the top flange of your channels for a couple of inches at the end of the beam, drill a hole with a min of ~3/4" edge clearance, and suspend the beam from that hole to save a couple of inches.