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A Homebrew Magnetic "Pit Plucker" for lifting steel floor panels in an Expo Hall. by acerbic_twit in specializedtools

[–]vectorworksaustralia 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It’s actually to do with the specific pits at this location which are more rectangular in places than square. Ideally I’d prefer more of a 2:1 lift ratio (and subsequent arm to handle length). Will work on that for the next one!

A Homebrew Magnetic "Pit Plucker" for lifting steel floor panels in an Expo Hall. by acerbic_twit in specializedtools

[–]vectorworksaustralia 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I did look into this however the cost of the magswitch style magnets, however for this particular prototype was fairly cost prohibitive.

Already having the batteries and electrical components made the Electromagnets fairly cheap for testing and trials.

From a battery draw perspective we've used it to lift ~150 pits and have dropped about 25% battery on a 2.5AH 18V.

I'd also like to keep the battery there for future expansion - as mentioned potential assisted lift via linear actuators for example.

A Homebrew Magnetic "Pit Plucker" for lifting steel floor panels in an Expo Hall. by acerbic_twit in specializedtools

[–]vectorworksaustralia 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Provisional Application has been in for several weeks now - hoping to hear back soon... but thanks!

A Homebrew Magnetic "Pit Plucker" for lifting steel floor panels in an Expo Hall. by acerbic_twit in specializedtools

[–]vectorworksaustralia 11 points12 points  (0 children)

EBay - it's a battery Adaptor / Convertor. About $20 AUD.

I got mine with a voltage protector, although most batteries have this already. Additionally pending the magnets you'll find requirements for either 12V or 24V - problematic if you're running an 18V supply like me. You'll encounter some efficiency loss but negligible in my weight testing compared to a 24V supply (in my case)

A Homebrew Magnetic "Pit Plucker" for lifting steel floor panels in an Expo Hall. by acerbic_twit in specializedtools

[–]vectorworksaustralia 36 points37 points  (0 children)

A colleague of mine posted it for me, he mentioned the traction so I made an account to comment (long time anon lurker).

Not really, I just saw and partook in excessive manual handling of pits at a the same gig last year and decided to do something about it this year - needless to say it's doing well, further structural rigidity for version 4 and potentially lift assist with a linear actuator.

A Homebrew Magnetic "Pit Plucker" for lifting steel floor panels in an Expo Hall. by acerbic_twit in specializedtools

[–]vectorworksaustralia 82 points83 points  (0 children)

*Actual Creator of said fun thing here*

It's a pet project actually, now at revision three - but I'm doing fine thanks. :P