Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

For general topics and questions that do not fit into any of the other categories or forums.
Post Reply
JoeyD
2 Star Member
2 Star Member
Posts: 65
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:20 am
Location: El Centro, Ca.

Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by JoeyD »

Hey everybody,
I was just wondering what is the best way to load heavy gauge steel onto your table? I've tried a few different options and they all seem too cumbersome or difficult. Any ideas anyone??
User avatar
tentonjj
2.5 Star Member
2.5 Star Member
Posts: 219
Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2008 8:57 pm

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by tentonjj »

we used these, but we also had a lift.

You currently do not have access to download this file.
To gain download access for DXF, SVG & other files Click Here

Jayson Johnson
JMJ Graphix
920-517-7122
WSS
3 Star Member
3 Star Member
Posts: 427
Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 12:19 am

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by WSS »

Ckeck out Eagle Mtn. D&D's jib set-up over his table.

http://plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3473

WSS
plasma_burn
1.5 Star Member
1.5 Star Member
Posts: 45
Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2010 9:23 am

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by plasma_burn »

I have seen someone build some rollers, maybe 3" in diameter, and mounted them to the front of their table. This let them lean the sheet against the front of the table, pick up from the bottom and roll onto the table.
User avatar
pony
2.5 Star Member
2.5 Star Member
Posts: 173
Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2010 8:47 pm
Location: DFW area,TX, USA

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by pony »

JoeyD wrote:Hey everybody,
I was just wondering what is the best way to load heavy gauge steel onto your table? I've tried a few different options and they all seem too cumbersome or difficult. Any ideas anyone??
What material dimensions are you working with?
JoeyD
2 Star Member
2 Star Member
Posts: 65
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2009 12:20 am
Location: El Centro, Ca.

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by JoeyD »

I use 1/4" to 1" thickness material. Anything smaller than that, I can handle. Great ideas everybody and thank you very much!
CadillacJeep
1/2 Star Member
1/2 Star Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 11:22 am

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by CadillacJeep »

I just bought a magnet that hopefully will be here by the end of the week. It has a 220lb rating so 2'x4' sheets of 1/4" plate shouldn't be a issue. I'll repost once I get it and try it out.
redneckgateart
2 Star Elite Contributing Member
2 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:51 pm
Location: Madisonville, Texas

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by redneckgateart »

Be careful with the magnet....especially with thinner sheets. Thinner sheets flex more than thicker sheets. If the sheet flexes too much, the amount of surface area contacting the magnet may be reduced, possibly causing the sheet to drop.
Kentuckyfarmer
3 Star Member
3 Star Member
Posts: 256
Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:26 pm

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by Kentuckyfarmer »

I dont know about your mag, but my mag drill is rated at full capacity when used on 1 inch or thicker. Trust me it is not funny what happens with it on 1/4 when the bit hangs, been there done that.
CadillacJeep
1/2 Star Member
1/2 Star Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 11:22 am

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by CadillacJeep »

I'm only dealing with 2' x 4' sheets of 1/4" plate so flex shouldn't be an issue. I had back surgery 2 months ago so I had to do something to get material on the table.
Eagle Mtn Metal Works
3 Star Member
3 Star Member
Posts: 497
Joined: Sun Sep 12, 2010 11:18 pm
Location: AZ

Re: Best way to load heavy gage sheets of steel

Post by Eagle Mtn Metal Works »

Hey CJ
Check out the plate jig that I built to load my table. That is why I built my jib hoist and the jig. It's under (Show Your Table). I load 4x10 sheets very easily so 4x4 should be a breeze. :lol:
Rod S in AZ
Kentuckyfarmer
3 Star Member
3 Star Member
Posts: 256
Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:26 pm

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by Kentuckyfarmer »

I was not talking about flex, it has to do with holding power. Try putting a big magnet on a heavy plate and pull it of, now put same magnet on your fridge and try it, the thinner the metal the less pull the magnet will have. Just my $ .02 and its over priced
CadillacJeep
1/2 Star Member
1/2 Star Member
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2011 11:22 am

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by CadillacJeep »

Use the magnet yesterday to move some 2' x 4' sheets of 1/4" plate around and it worked great. You just have to make sure it is real close to the center of the plate so it hangs flat.
adbuch
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
6 Star Elite Contributing Member
Posts: 8598
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:22 pm
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Contact:

Re: Best way to load heavy gauge sheets of steel

Post by adbuch »

:Like :Like :Like :Like :Like :Like
Post Reply

Return to “CNC Plasma Cutters General Forum”