Better lifting methods for sheet goods?

[ironhat]

I wrestled a full sheet of sandply (gone up to $34!) onto the sawhorses yesterday and I feel like I've been beaten with a hose filed with sand - ugh!! I've got a problem back (the problem is that it belongs to me) so I'm never sure what's going to set it off. I did a search and found Tundramans's idea of laying the ply on a thick piece of pink foamboard and doing the job on the floor. I guess that that sounds better except for my crummy knees. I'm guessing that this is my best bet but wondered if any other duffers had schemed a better way.
TIA,
Chiz

[Ken Weaver]

I've got a bad back as well - only reliable solution I've found is to stick my head out of the shop, face South (across the street) and yell "Hey Don! Got a minute?"

[leehljp]

I use one of those plastic "L" shaped plywood holders with a handle on it - to pick up and carry a sheet of plywood. They are cheap - $4.00 - $6.00. I see them occasionally at hardware/lumber stores.

Amazon has a Stanley carrier here

Click on the picture for the larger size pict to get a good idea of how it works.

It really helps in handling plywood when my back starts hurting and I still have to move a few sheets. It is still a little difficult but it gives you an edge in handling those large sheets.

[Thom2]

http://plansnow.com/dn3064.html

[LCHIEN]

well there's two problems with sheet goods - the size (ultra-unweildy) and the weight (depends on the size, thickness and density)

A 4+ x 8+ foot sheet of 3/4 MDF, well, there's just nothing to do about the weight except get two people.

For the bulk, I can't grasp the top and the bottom of the short side to get a good handle on it. There's some lifting gadgets that'll grab the bottom edge and put a handle about 16 or 18 inches up, then you can hold the handle and the top making it much easier to wrestle.

DIY:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/hi_han...270036,00.html

http://www.shop.com/op/aprod-p885191...ver?sourceid=3

go to amazon do a search for panel carrier.

Last idea, Bob Vila.com suggest clamping C-clamps to a sheet good to give it some handles where you want them.

[ironhat]

Thanks, guys. Lots of good stuff, although I Mr. Villa's suggestion would only be good for construction grade wood whre the crudh of the clamp wouldn't matter. This sandply dents if you look at it crosseyed and although the project isfor Dad (-in-law) who isn't very particular, I *am* particular because he deserves it! He served his time in *ell as a machine gunner at the Battle of the Bulge where his feet were badly frostbitten.
Thanks again,
Chiz

[Thom2]

Chiz,

I found this video for the panel moving shuttle that I posted above, I think this is just what you're looking for ....

http://www.workbenchmagazine.com/mai...0-caddy01.html

[leehljp]

quote:Originally posted by Thom2

Chiz,

I found this video for the panel moving shuttle that I posted above, I think this is just what you're looking for ....

http://www.workbenchmagazine.com/mai...0-caddy01.html

THAT is a GOOD idea! THANKS for posting that![8D]

[Bulkley]

A friend of mine is really good at making jigs and gadgets to make his life easier. He has a scrapwood box on wheels which he uses to move 4X8's around. He has a wooden rail which fits on the same box to serve as an outrigger beside his tablesaw when cutting that 4X8. He has a false fence - L girder which he clamps on his saw so that he can slice that 4X8 accurately. And, of course, he has an outfeed table. All of these combine to enable him to handle that 4X8 without breaking his back or making a mess.

[Pappy]

The panel mover video/idea was cool, but what caught my eye was the panel cutting table mounted on a set of legs from a folding table.

[ironhat]

Thanks, Thom2. That's the ticket all right. BTW, how's the club thong workin' for ya?? (No pictures, please)
Later,
Chiz

[monte]

Cool video. That would be handy.

[Tom.Trout]

Now I know why panel saws cost $1100!!!

quote:Originally posted by ironhat

I wrestled a full sheet of sandply (gone up to $34!) onto the sawhorses yesterday and I feel like I've been beaten with a hose filed with sand - ugh!! I've got a problem back (the problem is that it belongs to me) so I'm never sure what's going to set it off. I did a search and found Tundramans's idea of laying the ply on a thick piece of pink foamboard and doing the job on the floor. I guess that that sounds better except for my crummy knees. I'm guessing that this is my best bet but wondered if any other duffers had schemed a better way.
TIA,
Chiz

[Jim-Iowa]

I like the caddy idea in the video. I need to build one.

The first project I made with my BT was the open grid table like in the video. It was needed since I fracured a vertebre in my lower back in a gokarting accident about 10 years ago.
I got very frustrated with being under a 4X8 shhet of Ply when the sawhorses tipped over while trying to set it down.
Not having cuts fall and pinch the blade and tearing off corners is worth the price!
It is great, and has earned a permanent home in my shop.
Usually I set it up at the back of my trailer and cut down sheets, by sliding them off the trailer right onto the table.
I think I paid about $13 for the folding legs at Menards, and ripped a warped sheet of 3/4" ply in 3" strips to make the gridwork.
I did not glue anything, just used screws. That way any strips that got too chewed up could be replaced.
When not in use it can be folded up and stored in a corner.
It however makes a good assembly table too.

[ironhat]

Just downloaded the plans. Ingenous in its simplicity. Thanks again!!

Chiz