any interest in a bike lift table?

[Jon_P]

i am think about building a bike lift table. yes you can go buy one at harbor freight on sale or if your like me who has a welder and more time than money. i like to build stuff, and most of time i can do it cheaper. so i ask would any one like for me to do a full on build article for a lift table.

it wouldnt be fancy air lift or anything. it would use a floor jack that you have to pump up. but it would do the same as the more expesive one.

[Ed Miller]

I thought I saw an article once, on the net, with plans, but I can't remember where.  Until I can afford to retire I will probably continue to be stingy with my free time.
 

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

The only plans I remember seeing were for a stand made out of plywood.  Very well done, but I think the H-F table would be better, esp. with the wheels and all.

This is not to dissuade you, Jon, just talk.

I need a place to call 'home' before I will consider such a major (size-wise) purchase.

[Ed Miller]

The only place I could store one (and I have a big shop) would be under my pickup.  It would be so oily it would not be safe to use.  

[NC Steve]

Not a table, really, but does anyone have experience with, comments about, warnings against [smiley=furious3.gif] these motorcycle lifts? Sears, God bless 'em, is having their weekly "National Tool Week" and has a Craftsman on sale for $149, below, "A" on the left:
http://akimages.crossmediaservices.com/dyn_li/600.0.90.0/Retailers/Sears/CEX023A_cmb_50191.JPG

Harbor Freight, also has a very similar jack, same basic weight rating, etc, for $159:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94715

Of course, now that I've typed all this, I just noticed that Harbor also has a "lesser" lift that still looks quite adequate for $62.99:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2792

Hmmmm, wonder if that jack handle on the el cheapo comes off, that sucker sticking up in the way might be a deciding factor...  :-/  For that matter, the Sears lift doesn't clearly look like the handle can be easily removed. May need to ride by both stores asap, unless Justin's going on his daily Harbor Freight run   and wanted to check them out...
Anyway, again, comments, suggestions, assorted rants?
Thanks, as always. [smiley=thumbup.gif]

[Justin B.]

Sorry, never really paid any attention to either of them as they don't have the adjustable "arms" to lift the bike by the frame.  At least, the ones I casually glanced at didn't...

[NC Steve]

A-ha, arms, adjustable arms! See, that's why I asked these things.

Justin, could you elucidate and/or illustrate, please?
Thanks!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

If I remember correctly, most folks that use these on airheads use small lengths of wood (2x4?) to contact the frame rails.

I have never had the urge or felt the need for one of these yet.
I would find a mechanics' stool much more useful.

[Ed Miller]

Learn to hunker, Rob, and you won't even need the mechanic's stool.  The center stand is all I need for my R65.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Bin hunkerin' for 30 years now...

[NC Steve]

I've already got the mechanic's stool, a cool pneumatic roller, but have been slowly trying to build up a semi-respectable workshop to play in during my semi-retirement. I plan to actually have tons of time to ride & work within the next year or 2, if all goes well.
Oh well, guess I'll just keep spending my $$ on parts & books & music & guns & stuff.....

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

"Can see training
wheels with
binoculars too."

Say what???  

[nhmaf]

I have the Sears model bike/ATV lift - it held up my R65Ls for several months last year (and will probably be going back under
it in another week).   I do tend to use a block or two of wood with it, though the rails are pretty well spaced to mostly hit the frame as it
is without too much blocking.   I like the straps as I can strap the bike onto the lift so it won't tip, and I can easily cart/spin the whole
kit-n-caboodle anywhere in the garage I need to, plus it gets it higher off the floor so I am not killing my knees with hunkering (also got a mechanic's
stool on wheels - now I can tinker in relative luxury).    The lift is good for mostly naked bikes - if you have a bike with a fairing/belly pan
like a Concours or RT, well,  you'll have to do some disassembly before you can use it.

[NC Steve]

Thanks for the additional info, nh. Does the jack handle on the Sears lift indeed remove easily once in use?
Thanks again. [smiley=thumbup.gif]

[MrRiden]

A friend recently went out and bought an el mondo grosso bike lift complete with pneumatic ram operated by foot pedal. Gentlemen & ladies this IS the way to wrench on a bike! I'm now ruined and am no longer satisfied with corrugated cardboard on concrete. Even my H.F. adjustable stool has lost its charm in comparison. Alas I don't have the funds for one of these commercial behemoths and I am not equipped to weld. For those who may want to construct their own I ran across this while day dreaming of a lift. Lots of photos!
http://www.afabonline.com/table_lift_plans.htm
Rich