Loading Material tips/tricks... Additional machinery?

Discussion in 'CNC Cutting' started by HansenMech, Feb 9, 2017.

  1. HansenMech

    HansenMech Member

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    While so much on this forum is focused on cut quality and CAD programming, what about the simple stuff? Like getting those sheets on and off before/after cuts. A lot of time can be wasted with something so simple. I currently have to just "Figure it out" with the forklift but am searching for a better procedure. Building a large plate rack soon for my 1/4"< material and feel like some foresight would help greatly after I have 3/4", 1" plate I am needed to load safely and not take forever.
    My dream way is overhead bridge crane which I was spoiled with at my old union shop and was a breeze. Looking at options though, they seem to be all over the map price wise.

    How do you load/unload your material?

    Taylor Hansen
    Hansen Mechanical Inc.
     
  2. HansenMech

    HansenMech Member

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    I was thinking even a small 15'x30' bridge crane would be small enough not too cost a ton$$$ but big enough to span over my table and any racking system/welding table parallel with it.
     
  3. Bradleys

    Bradleys Member

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    We use a Caterpillar skid steer with forks to load 5x10 sheets of .750 and 1.000 material and down, I am going to install a pedestal style overhead crane and get one of those magnets that can be switched on and off with a lever so we can retrieve the cut pieces when its done with the file, something that picks 500lbs,
     
  4. HansenMech

    HansenMech Member

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    LK Goodwin seams to have some reasonably priced stand alone bridge cranes. Dependingon exact size 15'x30' @ 4K lbs is right about $15K
     
  5. HansenMech

    HansenMech Member

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    Be extra careful with those magnets. I have used a 2500lb one at my day job and have been around when guys either don't clean up plate enough or get it all twisted and.... Slam that full sheet of 3/4" comes down quick
     
  6. Mike Pennington

    Mike Pennington Well-Known Member

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    I have a Clark 4500 pound Forklift. Works Great.
    Mike
     
  7. Tyler Olson

    Tyler Olson Member

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    Has anyone made anything special for there forklift? I have to find a safer way to load 3/4 sheets then what we are doing now.
     
  8. LECS-Chad

    LECS-Chad Guest

    We have a pneumatic suction platform that is hooked to a boom. works like a charm.
     
  9. Harlan Cooper

    Harlan Cooper Member

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    I bought a Harbor freight electric hoist with trolley wheels on a tractor supply barn door track. works like a charm, I back my truck in the shop and put a strap around each single sheet, push the button and guide it to my machine and lower it.
    I cut it in half with the torchmate and with straps still attached move the other half to my rolling rack to be cut later. I have $200 in it total.
     
  10. LECS-Chad

    LECS-Chad Guest

    Cut 4 "C" shape brackets.

    upload_2017-3-31_6-55-20.png

    Get a chain hoist.

    Chain each one to the center point.

    Put each one on the edges.

    Lift. Move.
     

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