Moto lift table build/welder advice

[RT_Russ]

I am planning to build a motorcycle lift table similar to the one in this YouTube vid
youtu.be/3Xd8QOuPmKc

I have the moto-jack already. I have some 2x4 steel tube from gorilla rack type shelving, a $h!t load of uni strut brackets and fittings, a few lengths of shallow and deep unistrut and lots of 1/2" bolts and such. I'm thinking I need a MIG welder. I never had the need to weld anything at home before BUTT since I retired I no longer have access to the pro welders that I did when I worked for a livin. I've been browsing Craigslist but don't have a lot of confidence there. Also, not a lot of confidence in Harbor Freight but a MIG welder for <$130 has got my attention. Has anyone tried the Harbor Freight welders? https://www.harborfreight.com/Flux-125-Welder-63582.html

The steel tubing I have is 1/8" wall thickness. The HB welder says it will do this. Gurus please help me out here.....

Russ

 

[RT_Russ]

Fixed Link doesn't work :-(

 

[motomania2007]

1) HF welder works just fine.
2) I recommend buying a good lift from:
https://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle-lifts/c/2121/

I have had a HF lift for 10-12 years and it works great with no issues at all.

 

[Erbuck]

I'd just get the Harbor Freight lift, unless you are looking for a welding project to learn on. I've used the HF motorcycle stands and they aren't perfect, but they are no worse than your example on YouTube. And you won't need to buy an ATV lift.


This is a link to a 25% HF coupon that expires today. The 20% coupons are everywhere.
https://em.harborfreight.com/pub/cc...AhAhMJeSuYiUZHBQyccOwA1JZy7RPnXrJaXbAr4i8IkNM.

 

[RT_Russ]

I'd just get the Harbor Freight lift, unless you are looking for a welding project to learn on. I've used the HF motorcycle stands and they aren't perfect, but they are no worse than your example on YouTube. And you won't need to buy an ATV lift.


This is a link to a 25% HF coupon that expires today. The 20% coupons are everywhere.
https://em.harborfreight.com/pub/cc...AhAhMJeSuYiUZHBQyccOwA1JZy7RPnXrJaXbAr4i8IkNM.

Fine print.....can't be used for welders :-(

I do have the ATV jack already. I have a custom fabricated "plate" that attaches to it and also attaches to the horizontal lug and threaded holes on BMW Boxer engines. Works fairly well for the Boxers. It does not work for the KTM. My original plan was to build an adapter plate/jig for the KTM. I already have a suitable platform left over from a previous project so building a lift table sounded like a fun project. Basis the ability to get 3+ feet high, it could also be used as a mobile workbench for other projects down the road.

I'm at a point in my life where I hesitate to keep accumulating more and more stuff, especially large items. Yes, I have the $$$ to buy better than the Harbor Freight lift table but I also like doing/building things myself. Heck, I'm retired......projects like this keep me from doing even crazier stuff :afm199

Could I get hurt by building and using a home built lift? Yes I could, anything is possible. I could also get hit by a car (again) while riding one of my bikes. That doesn't keep me from riding.

Skills? While not a welder, I happen to have just a bit of welding technology knowledge from my days of repairing automatic, semi-automatic and manual welding systems that were used to manufacture various military propulsion systems and launch systems. Serious stuff. I also spent the last 20 years of my career in the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering group for a major bay area refinery. I think I can handle this, it will likely be overbuilt especially compared to the Harbor Freight lift.

If I decide not to buy a welder, I can prefab/cut all of my pieces and take them to my uncle in Rohnert Park to do the welding for me. He's retired too :teeth

 

[Erbuck]

:thumbup
Sounds like you got your work cut out for you. If you make a wheel chock like the video has (the HF lift wheel chock is crap) and manage the valving on your ATV jack so things don't crash to the floor when you are lowering it....you are steps above the HF lift. Good luck!

 

[onto1wheel]

Looks like it would be a fun little project to build.
(I bought the the HF MC lift several years ago, and I love having a MC lift)

I have that HF wire feed welder (it's not a MIG, technically), and although it's not a wonderful machine (well, not in my hands), I think it would work fine for that project.
(my son eventually convinced me to buy the HF TIG welder, and that one IS a pretty awesome welding machine)

 

[GetOuttaMyWay]

Everlast is a company here in the bay, but manufactured in Asia of course. I'm really happy with my MIG from them, cheaper than a Miller more than a HF if I recall: https://www.everlastgenerators.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyvy1ouT_5gIV4SCtBh1KZgFuEAAYASAAEgIADfD_BwE

Did I read right that you're planning on welding uni-strut? How are you going to deal with the zinc coating?

 

[RT_Russ]

Everlast is a company here in the bay, but manufactured in Asia of course. I'm really happy with my MIG from them, cheaper than a Miller more than a HF if I recall: https://www.everlastgenerators.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyvy1ouT_5gIV4SCtBh1KZgFuEAAYASAAEgIADfD_BwE

Did I read right that you're planning on welding uni-strut? How are you going to deal with the zinc coating?

Great question! I have the green coated, gold electro galvanized and not dipped galvanized available. I think the green coat and electro played can be ground off. The hot dipped is deep!
I've seen the electro played welder in my distant past. Both with coating removed and intact. It takes the week well but I wouldn't recommend breathing the fumes.

 

[GetOuttaMyWay]

Right on as a person who has ended up on the ER from welding salvage metals with unknown coatings I'm a lot more cautious now.

I've had pretty good results dipping the ends of galvi metal in a bucket of vinegar overnight to strip it.

Use a proper respirator regardless.

 

[RT_Russ]

Lift table project is coming along. Still a bit of welding to do before painting. Needs cross bracing on frame and lift arms. Need to add bushings where lift arm bolts go through frame etc. Having fun with the build. Made a MESS out of my epoxy floor coating but it cleaned up fairly well. Found a nice Lincoln welder on C-list. It's a keeper! After this is done I plan to build a couple of stave constructed snare drums. BUTT I have to do my taxes too :mad