crane rail alternative

[grunt58]

I need to build an adjustable retainer like the attached picture. I can't find someone to supply a 6' section of 25# crane rail. All I can seem to find is 30' pieces. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on an alternative to crane rail?

 

[kingnero]

Perhaps stating the obvious, but have you looked hard enough?
Any facility that uses those, must have old rails lying around in abundance.
Of course, 25# is a very small section, you'll probably find bigger rails more easily.

http://www.fusionpoint.be

http://be.linkedin.com/in/fusionpoint

 

[JStephen]

Buy 20' of heavy flat bar, cut it into 3 pieces and weld it into an I-beam shape?

 

[grunt58]

kingnero Yes, I found one that has drop cuts available. Just wondering if there was an alternative rail.

JStephen Thought of that, think I would buy 30' crane rail before I got that fabed up.

 

[racookpe1978]

The crude actual shape (and its problems with weld certifications and wheel fit on the upper surface) for a backyard rough-shaped bundle of flat bar are not recommended for a crane rail actually carrying loads.

 

[grunt58]

It is not for a crane. It's for a similar adjustable keeper arm.

 

[MintJulep]

Crane rail is maybe $500 per ton.

30 feet is $62.50 at that price.

How much time are you willing to spend to save $50?

 

[dvd]

square tubing or square bar

 

[MikeHalloran]

So, you're going to homebrew another uncoiling stand, instead of taking advantage of someone else's experience?

Be aware that you may not actually save money that way.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[grunt58]

It keeps a thin coil from falling over as the cart moves to the mandrel. The one shown is from the manufacturer (20 year old line). I agree I'd prefer to go to the manufacturer and ask for an improved design but management says we need to design something. First time it has happened but we had a thin coil fall over and and do some damage. I believe management jumped the gun on adding more keepers. Operator claims the keepers were in place but we don't think that is the case. Cart may have traveled to fast as well. I feel it comes down to discipline and making sure the set up is correct. Adding some reminder signs also. If anything adding something to verify the keepers are in place is a better route.

 

[chicopee]

It sounds silly to me that you can not buy the 30' section. The left over could be used for future expansion.