DIY Elevator Follow-up

Original Video: • DIY Elevator - 364
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[@stevenbartholomew9749]

To all the people concerned about his daughter and the elevator. Its a shop, full of saws, planers, routers, jointer etc. Relax!

[@karlchristoffer1275]

Yes, and the elevator is just another electrical tool... 😁

[@tme9384]

@@ModelLights, he is her parent, not you. It's not your job or business how he parents. Get your own life.

[@GraffWoodshop]

Even without any changes the elevator is way safer than carrying heavy and bulky things up a ladder like before. You made a huge upgrade for safety just by making the elevator and everybody goes crazy because it’s not 100% safe. This thing is probably safer than 90% of the tools in your shop. As far as water goes, aren’t similar type of winches mounted on vehicles where they are constantly outside?

[@hansangb]

@26:55 "I took appropriate precautions."....really? I don't see blast doors for a thermo nuclear war so did you, did you really, take precautions? 😂

[@GunflintDesigns]

I feel like I need to buy a calendar with 12 months of different elevator poses now.

[@Xanadu245]

Lol, absolutely loved the ending! @Gunflint Designs, I totally need the calendar! This has to be one of the best trolling endings I’ve seen. Especially pointing out the “broken fall arrestor”

[@bobmaze2406]

re: Fisher’s Shop comment... Jay , your reply is THE BEST REPLY EVER!

[@lancelenoir2875]

My Dad never needed locks to keep my brother and me out of something. He had something called a belt that worked much better.

[@cheryldawkins7486]

Oh that ending was perfect! I laughed out loud in a restaurant! 🤣

[@stephanie09.11]

I love how even keel you are responding to all of the know-it-alls. The elevator is awesome! What a great add to your shop.

[@petersuhmann7742]

I spit coffee watching the ending. Hysterical.

[@andrewwalker208]

1. I swear you always have the most useful videos right when I need them. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience as always. 2. The safety police were really on patrol in this one. Your shop/kids/safety situation already deserves an A+ grade. It goes past what’s necessary, and they still want more. My dads shop was fully accessible when I was a kid and had no precautions taken. He has five children and 0 incidents. They worry so much because they’ve lost sight of a small parenting trick called DISCIPLINE. 3. Thanks for the laughs.

[@richie4ohio]

You did a DAMN good job building this, and I hope you feel that way. This video looks like you are on trail pleading your case. You did a damn good job, explained it well, and made some modifications already. Be proud of this elevator lift you built!

[@dgoddard]

You're a better man than I. I would have just told them if they wanted it this way or that they could build one for themselves. No better way to find an expert on anything than to create a video on KZbin about it.

[@jed2055]

Don, you nailed it! 1st law of being a KZbinr; Think it but don't say it! 2nd law; The customer is always right.

[@williammurphy2711]

WHAT? You climbed from your miter saw station into the loft! And you were not wearing a safety harness!!!! GASP!

[@scubasteve159753]

I'm so glad I watched the first 27 minutes and the very last ad just for the surprise ending! Bravo

[@MrCarrcon]

I know you don't need this redundancy but you did address the obvious real problems with the fall arrest attachment and the flex in the hoist support. I feel you did a great job and will be using your design! Great Job. Absolutely loved your explanations!! Going out for my own fireproof suit to get the mail ;P

[@FishersShop]

ROFL!! 🤣 love it!!

[@jamesi9463]

The ending was perfect. And I agree with someone else when is the calendar coming out.

[@waituntilthebeep]

One thing I have found to be absolutely true... there are a few thousand armchair engineers (due to a recent stay at a Holiday Inn) that think that every single project should be rated for commercial use in a public space, permitted by every possible permitting agency known to mankind (including those that are not based in this country) and require waivers of insurance coverage to be used or even pondered from a distance. The mere fact that you went to the effort to install a fall arrest system says that you are way above the majority of people that have created one variety of this project and DON'T have a KZbin channel to display it on. Gonna guess that there are literally thousands of projects just like this one in place that have never ha d a failure and are way jankier than your well engineered build. Kudos to you for your ingenuity and screw you to the armchair engineers. As with ALL DIY projects... your mileage may vary and do it at your own peril and risk. I am building two of these for "second tier" storage solutions in my own fab shop thanks to your designs. Thumbs Up!

[@jonwillett7351]

Amazing job. I love this. Just a note, you have a shock absorbing lanyard on there. Check how much it deploys when it opens. Theoretically if the cable snaps the drum will lock to stop the elevator from crashing down, but depending on the weight the shock absorber will open. That'll cause the elevator to come crashing down another, 8,10,12?....feet.

[@meaznet]

I think the whole reason you did this was to show off how much weight you have lost. Looking great Jay.

[@Mario_Turcotte]

Indeed!

[@williamellis8993]

Great solutions, Jay. First, just for information, is that GFCI breakers are available for your breaker box (not that you need one). Second, check out an OSHA approved belt elevator . No safety cage is required. Also, get Drew to pose for the calendar when you publish it (lol). Take care. Bill

[@rodneydyer351]

I really like your DIY elevator. I have a build 3/4 done and you helped me solve a sticking point and got me thinking about a fall arrester as well. You are taking well thought out safety precautions in my opinion. Awesome project.

[@tonyturner9146]

Wow!! After reading your comments I realized that if these people saw you walking on water they'd say it's because you can't swim. The most noise is made by people that do NOTHING!! They won't, and haven't, built an elevator or anything else for that matter. It's easy to sit back and criticize what other people are doing. You have taken "reasonable" precautions to ensure safety. Build quality looks good. You have fall arresters. Everything has a safety factor way above what is required. You can keep adding safety features until the lift won't carry it's own weight. Remember, people ride motorcycles without helmets every day. Don't let people harsh your mellow. You did a fantastic job and it looks great. Be proud of what you've done.

[@johnsrailways8609]

Hi Jay, I've been watching your videos for quite some time and always enjoyed them. I am a retired elevator guy with more than 30 years experience. When I saw the first video I could see quite a few issues. some you touched on and some you fixed. I still think there are a couple of things you should think about. The main one is the sling you are using at the bottom. When those things fail they dont give any warning. I couldnt see from the video but if there are sharp corners where it goes around the timber then that will increase the risk. I would be be attaching a piece of chain as a safety in effect paralleling the sling it can be loose to allow the main sling to work unhindered. The problem with relying ofn the fall arrestor at the side is I think that platform will rack sideways if it ever comes into use and I wouldnt be confident that it will stay between the rails. Also when putting any load on the platform I would put it as close to the back wall as possible to prevent distortion ( racking) of the platform. In the end I think the main problem is that its likely that some other folks who are not as careful as you will see this video and the outcomes could be not so good.

[@markpalmer3071]

Great follow up video and I can appreciate your response about the gate and ladders. My 2 year old walked outside, found my ladder that I had placed against the shed as I was working on the roof of the shed. I didn't realise any of this until I turned around to see him standing on the ridge capping, in his nappy and nothing else.... Can you imagine the restraint required to not panic and just smile and say "hey buddy what are you doing up here"...

[@dannywilsher4165]

Jay Bates, you are a better man than I. I would ignore all the dummies that are worried about things that are none of their business or tell them to flake off. I guess you asked for comments so you responded but i would let my kids play on the lift and have fun!!! I was plowing fields when I was 7 years old. I had a .22 and a 410 by the time I was 8. I helped milk the cows, butcher hogs, chickens, turkeys, cows, and any other animal we wanted to eat. I would go stay in the woods for several days at a time when I was 10. I built an underground 3 room house all by myself when I was 12. I'm not bragging, it's just that people now days are such wimps they don't even live a life of fun and enjoyment. Always worried about things that aren't any of their business!!! Good job on the lift by the way!!! I used unistrut for lots of things....

[@jeffphalen3335]

OMG I can’t believe you didn’t use 4000 rubber bands to prevent a fall… LOL looks great….. I ran across this video while looking to ideas for my lift. Thank you for the details you included!

[@JADuppyMan]

Plenty of personal safety precautions taken.. The Safety Sally rabbet hole has no exit... Nice followup - thanks. The B-Roll was spot on, HA.

[@mikeroberson1461]

Adding a GFCI to the outlet may cause nuisance tripping. I don't recommend it here. The most likely point for nuisance tripping is the initial load on the way up. If the GFCI is up top, it will be hard to reach. If its down low and it trips when you are up top, you are stuck :) EDIT: LOVE the Outro!

[@JD-ff4of]

Internet safety engineers lol. Looks good, works good. Basic safety and common sense applied. Carry on, nothing to see here....

[@michaelc5369]

Jay, I just realize you have way too many OSHA subscribers.

[@richm9157]

20:30 - yeah, excellent point about children and household safety. The lift is most likely not the risk point in the house. I.e. chemicals, elec outlets, 'don't run in the street' etc. 26:30 - Absolutely! Safety is very important & is a personal judgement in a one-person shop. Obviously if you are working with others, then it is a team decision. Great vid, thanks Jay...

[@josephg.lombardo3090]

Jay it is great design and I feel you followed the reasonable man theory towards the safety concerns. I saw roofers on a two story house today working using their heads as well as their hands. Ever watch an Amish barn raising? Look forward to more great ideas

[@ErikBongers]

Thanks a lot. Now i cannot unsee the outro.

[@moagoo5714]

Kudos to you for answering these questions without mocking all the dumbtarded safety gurus! You made it way safer than most everything I’ve ever done, or would have.

[@robertwatson1510]

I'm not sure why so many commenters on this video are knocking all the safety suggestions from the previous video's comments. Jay invited feedback, and a lot of the safety comments were thoughtful and intended to be helpful. Most were not at all condescending but reflected a willingness to share their ideas and expertise. I sure would have wanted to get all that good feedback if it had been my lift. Jay did a great job both with his original creation and his upgrades based on much of the valuable safety suggestions. I say thanks to all the helpful comments. The attacks on those commenters didn't strike me as helpful at all.

[@jason4547]

The only form of redundancy a father needs in regards to their children's / child's safety. Comes in a hefty dose of Respect / Trust. Children are a lot smarter and intuitive than you think.

[@jameshicks101]

Love the big photos of the little one in the background. Such a positive space!

[@bry2k]

Great build! Lots of good ideas. Thank you for posting this! Some things I might consider: Use a remote that requires turning a key to enable the remote (then of course you have to worry about losing the key, and at least for me, misplacing a key is almost certain). A mirror opposite the lift for seeing beneath it on the way down would help negate the risk of squishing any pets who snuck in to take a nap beneath it. Lastly, a couple of grab handles bolted on to the back wall of the lift might be a good idea. If the lift ever does fail (snapped cable, etc), there might be a sudden jolt and it might tilt, which could knock you off balance and throw you on to the concrete floor below, so at least having a grab handle would give you something to hold on to. Aside from that, I think it's great. Give the whole contraption a thorough inspection a couple times per year, like any elevator.

[@gregglouis2969]

Jay, you just do you. I think it’s awesome and I did the same thing at my shop. And if they saw mine lift they would just crap themselves, while facing a corner and sucking on their thumbs. Great job.

[@sheet-son]

As a mechanical engineer, I would suggest sizing your materials for at least double the capacity you plan you use them for. That would be a safety factor of 2. Most of the structural engineers I work with design for safety factors of 2.5-3 since the occurrence of failure typically means serious injury or death. I've never designed an elevator but I would consider looking at the fail safes residential elevators use in their products.

[@markchidester6239]

The fall arrestor. Bad move to put it on the side. The platform will want to tip to the unsupported side and put stresses in the direction this platform isn't designed for. I suggest adding another to the other side. Have you had any problems with tracking unevenly as in the event of a load that could not be centered? Excellent job! I'm glad you came back to address concerns.

[@greyfyreshelties260]

I built my elevator out of barn door rails and wheels with a tractor carry all and it binds and is HEAVY..You've given me names for upgraded material AND a better design for the platform :) Thank you! I found those winches are junk, bought a $2500 chain drive and it works much better.

[@kahoycrafts]

Cool project Jay, I'm not an engineer but it looks fine to me. You can't post anything on KZbin without the safety police showing up. 😁 What matters is that you're happy with it and feel comfortable in your own shop. You're right, we all risk our lives using ladders and rarely think about it.

[@robertharris8106]

I liked the build and I think it's great you are taking the time to respond to the questions that were posed. I really laughed at your car analogy, a stroke of genius! although the absolute best comment was; "Just because she want's to doesn't mean she's going to.", the perfect response from a proper dad. You are there to be a parent, not their best friend and that means sometimes being the bad guy.

[@BillHartCooks.]

Nice.... I like your build and your pragmatism. You built it. most of the nay Sayers don't build. The slow Jazz decent at the end was truly a SMB moment.... (Spew My Beer...)

[@tme9384]

Sure can understand other shop-type workers offering suggestions of information about different products & stores, but telling you about what your daughter 'might' do and how you should handle it is crossing a line. It's like they think you can't parent sufficiently without them putting their noses in your private business. You have a lot more patience with those kind of people than have I. Your elevator is a great build, your build video is great inspiration! Thank you!

[@paulsworkshop4179]

I wish I had seen both videos before commenting, but good job making improvements. I agree the concerns about your daughter and the lift are the least of your worries in a shop full of tools. I would reconsider adding a chain or rail across the front because in the event of a minor failure, or the lift unexpectedly jerking, you could lose your balance and fall, or your cargo could shift and fall, damaging the cargo, injuring you, or breaking something below. Again, great project and it should work fine for your needs.

[@patniemczyk8860]

Great build Jay, and your explanations for some of the safety concerns was spot on.The ending makes me LOL

[@reality150tv]

I agree tractor supply is much cheaper for hardware, such as bolts and such which is sold by the lb, I can get a ton more for the money than at lowes or home depot. Now metal for any type of fabrication those small pieces that they sell in the welding section is outrageously high same as lowes and home depot. It may be dictated by the vendor supplying them I am not sure. Best bet for anything of that nature would still be a local metal supply place. I also agree that a gate is not necessary , in fact would prob be in the way in many instances. You can cite safety all day long, but the simple fact is slipping and falling on stairs would be a bigger safety issue than not having a gate on that lift, especially since no one else uses it. If u dont know not to step off of the left for a few feet then, u prob shouldnt be in a shop full of power tools in the first place. As for the water issue with winch i dont think the small amount of water would have any affect on the winch other than possible rust. U would have more of a safety issue with a gfci receptacle than the water issue. gfci go bad all the time, they are very finicky, once they trip a time or 2 they can start tripping all the time at random. I cant count the number of those i have changed. You made a simple elevator that serves the purpose it was designed for, and u did a great job at it. I am sure u will notice things u could have done differently over time maybe even somethings u want to change or add, which is common for any project or shop equipment. I am soon getting ready to start my 50x80 shop, and one end of it will be walled off about 15 feet of it, that will be my spray booth and drying room, along with a room for wood that will be used to dry wood and store it. Above all that I wanted to do storage and after seeing ur elevator video I think that is what i will do to get access to top.

[@randywall2356]

Regarding your comment about transporting 20' strut: Next time think about laying the long object, ez-strut, rebar, pipe, simply drive over the length of the product and strap it up to your axles. I bought 21' x 1 1/4" galvanized threaded conduit for use as a flag pole. The hardware store where I purchased it ha been in business more several decades. The owners adult son said he had never seen anyone do that and thought it was a great way to haul it. I ended up doing that several times as several of my neighbors on Lake Gaston in NC/VA wanted a flag pole as well. Just a thought. A rope, small ratchet strap or heavy wire will all work to hold the pipe. Give it a try sometime.

[@Airn5475]

Some of you people need to settle down. I think you’re commenting on safety just to comment. Keep up the good work Jay.

[@dannywilsher4165]

Exactly!!!

[@jimredding7828]

I’m in the middle of a lift build. You started after I did and you finished before I will. (I’m retired) Mine is very similar to yours. When you loop the cable the auto stop no longer works so I plan to attach a narrow vertical board to the back of my sled that will trigger the auto stop when the sled gets to the top so I don’t accidentally let a tall load raise the roof, literally. Love your videos!

[@internettoughguy]

Uni-Strut, Superstrut, etc are brand names. This stuff is called channel strut or strut channel. A variety of manufacturers make them and it's all standardized dimensions to ensure interchangeability. The common size is 1-5/8 x 1-5/8 but others exist. A good resource to see what accessories are available is McMaster-Carr. Btw if you want to remove flex from the strut channel supporting the hoist then just attach a 2x6 to the top using lag screws through the slots in the strut channel.

[@dougmarthaler3066]

Very good video (audio, content, lighting, etc)! Considering one these myself. With regards to the shop being “off limits” you also consider future owners. If you are no longer around unexpectedly (car crash, heart attack, etc) the next owner may not be so cautious with access. That’s why there’s building codes.

[@billgulley2064]

In that 2X10 at the top, suggest you put lag screws in to those studs, nails may shear off over time as they aren't made for shearing forces.

[@kameljoe21]

As for all the stupid questions, This was an awesome build. I have used a DIY lift that someone made maybe 30 or 40 years ago. It was made with a angle iron in a box frame and lowers up and down to a basement. Though it is super small about 3 foot square and the hoist was centered. Though it needs to be updated it still works very well. If i ever need to build a lift anywhere I know what I will do to make it better.

[@hanselito2416]

Thank you for this follow-up. I just watched the first video and it gave me a heart attack.

[@jasonfoster8249]

Very well executed plan! I always admire your logic. I thought your attention to safety was far sufficient with the fall arrester. Personally, I would have been too lazy or cheap to add it to my plan lol! Well done!

[@BruceAUlrich]

ha ha ha...the eye contact!

[@justjack9561]

I would agree with some of the other comments I would find fall restraint without the absorber because those will stretch 6 to 10 feet in which then wouldn’t do Do you much good you’re really after something to catch your elevator immediately without picking up speed prior to be restrained

[@koomafloo3461]

Very nice. The only thing I would suggest is loading it to capacity with a quick release on the winch about 3ft up and see how it handles things. The single side fall arrest may cause it to twist, and then new factors like wall anchors for the track come into play and the possibility if it throwing a person and the items off the lower side due to the sudden unexpected change in angle. great video and great project!

[@thomassutrina7469]

Like the overall design. A) Issue remaining is the fall arrester on one side will result in racking the platform. A information) The arrest strap should be designed to handle the impact of the weight dropping the distance before tightening . The strap stretches to reduce the sudden stop rate. But at the top the spring rate to of strap is minimal and the fall the longest. so racking failure needs to be thought about and tested if you can without damaging the lift. B) A C channel not the greatest beam. "I" beams for example is a better choice. The C channel on its side actually puts the most metal where the tension and compression are the greatest. However since then the bottom metal is off center twist is an issue when put the beam on it's side facing up and down. B additional thoughts) It appears that the span is kept to a minimum so bending stress is reduced. I would look at the bending of the channel when you get toward the full load. (You may want to lift it up a inch with a lot of weight on it to see the deflection. Water, heavy machine on wheels, etc. Note the bending moment is independent of the shape of the beam. Consider that force needed to produce the same torque. Hold two nuts locked together with a short handle wrench and a long channel handle. Which handle has the lowest force? That wooden 2x8 is a better choice then the 1.75" tall C channel, guess the center of torque is 1" off the open end where there is the least metal.)

[@keithk.136]

One thing you need to watch for overtime is the cable delaminating/ spreading apart, which will weaken the weight holding capacity of the cable. I have a similar setup with using a hoist for my wheelchair lift and about four feet from the end the cable started to do this.

[@jeremydufour4138]

I found your first video looking to build a lift, subscribed to both channels just because of your professionalism of your video, plus copying/cloning yourself in your videos is just awesome!

[@seanflanagan2441]

Over the top! Also love the wrap-you outta go on KZbin! Actually, I think I'll grab the time and watch it over and over. Absolutely Priceless!

[@kensmith2822]

I love that you went from a a single room shop all the way to a shop with a freaking elevator!

[@mrromantimothy]

I'm not dissing on your elevator it suits what you need to do, you give me a good idea I'm an electrician that has installed elevators in custom homes, and I've worked on actual elevators in the field but they are Way beyond mine or anyone's finances, I would put two more bars of unistrut on the front sides with 2" square bar behind all four corners connected or welded into the top with a square and anchored to the floor,the whole frame would stand on its own before any unistrut was put on it. my basket or whatever would have a square of square bar underneath it and gussets running along just like yours a plywood floor with steel connecting everything together, at the top you could connect a motorcycle sprocket to the winch and run two bars connected by chain and sprocket that had pulleys and cable above all four corners that way you're lifting all four corners and they would all have emergency stops in each one whenever there is a broken cable or no tension much like a deadbolt door latch it just sticks into the holes in the unistrut just like brakes so it can't fall, the old time miners used them and all modern elevators have them you can get a lockable control that you put at the bottom or just put a master key switch you can also diy a system with normally closed switches you can push a button to start it and it won't stop till it gets to the top the same way going down that way you can control it so you can summon it from downstairs or upstairs and you could probably put as many people that could fit in it safely with no problems you can even work on making some doors, unless you rode it sitting down rather than standing up you're going to need at least a gate, you could stumble into it when it jams momentarily and then suddenly drops it could throw you right off the edge of the floor you don't want to get pinched in that either going up so I would put a guardrail in the front for sure, and then upstairs when the elevator is down there is nothing stopping you or nothing to grab onto if you step or stumble towards that hole, my elevator seems like a lot of work I just need the uni strut, I have all the rest of the steel and welding rod (,if you have a 20 foot stick of any material you can tie it underneath your truck and take it home )but I'm thinking about doing that for my garage that would be a safe elevator, I've always wanted to do that , thanks for the ideas.

[@ClintonCaraway-CNC]

Reading the comments in this and the previous video is absolutely hilarious. Some of you must have been raised in a padded room guarded by tier one safety officers!!

[@stevebradford4037]

Thanks for the info. I was looking for trolleys, but didn't know they exist. 2 opportunities for safety enhancements: If you don't use the lift often and want a visual confirmation that it's safe drill a transverse hole through the channel(s) closer to the trolleys would be better, but probably more important easily accessible, so maybe a foot over head height. Farther away from the back wall by more than the radius of the trolley wheel, but less than the diameter. When the lift is not in use insert a bolt through the hole, nut is really optional as it shouldn't ever see any force. I'd paint it bright so when munchkins came running in I could visually verify that the safety was in place. would

[@stevebradford4037]

Second: I'd install a hinged trap door 'upstairs'. I'd have it oriented so that it flipped back against the wall when up. You may need a plank or plywood spacer with cutouts for your cables to offset from the wall. Trap door can be cut from plywood with thickness and framing as you see appropriate. Build a pushrod on your lift with something like a wagon wheel on the end. It could probably ride directly on the plywood of the trapdoor but if there was a piece of framing to roll against that could be a bonus. Lift up, trapdoor open. Lift down trapdoor down. Except when the lift is in motion either the trapdoor or the lift itself should be covering the home. When up the trapdoor could have a bias towards the wall or to close. If the bias was to close I would have a bungee to pin it open when needed. If the bias was towards the wall I'd have a bungee from the top of the trapdoor to the front of the platform to pull the door closed behind you

[@jodydewey3516]

Thanks for the video and the follow up. I think the safety stuff may be warranted in a public space but as you said its NOT a public space. And due to the fact it is a slow moving system, I really doubt a LOT of these suggestions would be a big deal. The only thing I would add is another fall arrestor on the other side with the exact same attachment style so that they can both take the full weight. I like what you have put in place. I think I am going to use this design and put one in my shop in ADDITION to my stairs because I don't like carrying heavy things up my stairs.

[@jeffjohnson2792]

Nice call on all of the reasonable suggestions and handling the over-cautious ones by people that feel they "must be heard". I'd be happy to have anything like that in my shop/barn, but I wonder if a garage-door torsion spring cable would help offload some of the load, provided it's "lift" is less than the weight of the empty cart. I built a lift for a lake property (look for "girls go downhill the easy way" on youtube) and I got similar suggestions of how destructively unsafe it was and that I would die using it, but I never did, much to their disappointment I'm sure.

[@mkay6089]

You made a video, warned everyone about DIY and your risk. You are humble enough to know like all of us we all make mistakes and screw up from time to time that is life and people who go at you like they are superior with an attitude would find fault with anything you did so... Ce La vie. enjoy thanks for posting

[@gregp4557]

A Quick comment on the flexing super strut. The key criteria to solve the flex issue is not the material (alum extrusion vs 2nd super strut vs steel square tube etc) its the strength and SIZE if the vertical sidewall. For any given material (lets say you go with steel square tube) a taller side wall will be stronger than thicker material (i.e. 14ga 1.5 x 1.5 square tube is stronger than 1/8 thick 1x1) so go taller, not thicker, and you'll get more strength with less weight. Putting two together (such as bolting another super strut across the top of first one) does essentially the same thing. Although a single side wall is a better way to go, bolting two together will work.

[@JoaoCabrao80]

I agree with everything you said, Atkore Unistruct load calculator disagrees with those who said facing the strut channel opening down versus up would increase strength. The interesting thing is the supports installed towards the ends, in this configuration you want to support the strut and keep it from moving upward. When the load is applied in the center the end will rise which means the supports aren’t being loaded at all in current configuration. I guess the thought was if one of the center supports failed the end support would take up the load, I see the thinking but I believe this scenario would cause enough deflection to be out of the safe limit. The best of both world would be to support from below and above.

[@chrisallen9154]

Analysis to paralysis. Jay, thank you for doing your build, accepting advice from people when it improves the operation of your lift. At least you are willing to take the risk of creating something rather than analysing all of the negatives to the point of never creating anything. Life is not a sterile bubble.

[@chasefam3]

The end was the best! And good thing you pointed out the fall arrester was broke, otherwise the Internet Safety Police would’ve broken the comment section.

[@sixstringsamurai1992]

oh. wow. this is the greatest. I didn't know you and Fisher were buds. you guys are my favorite and i've learned so much from you two.

[@fazmanicg]

Jay! - It's called good parenting. And you are well on your way to being a good parent.

[@Nyall]

On the subject of flex: if the uni-strut flexes downwards, then the ends lift up. If the ends lift up, then they aren't touching the outer two supports. If they aren't touching the supports, then the supports aren't actually supporting the weight, just the inner two supports are providing the support.

[@robertbankhead8661]

Love the lift, about to build one myself. Thanks for the tips Jay. I appreciate your approach, just don't sell the house as an inspector will tear you up.

[@Trikvet1]

Necessity is normally the mother of invention, you did a great job with your creative concept, practical application and then producing a video as an added bonus. Well Done !!! The term "Unistrut" or "Strut" used in the construction field comes in several width and length dimensions. It is made with both a galvanized coating and or normally painted in glossy green. It's probably a little late now but FYI to anyone else doing future builds it is always a plus to know the availability of 7/8", 1-5/8" wide and or 10' and 20' lengths are both very popular for support of different applications. They also make 1-5/8"X1-5/8" wide back to back "Strut" that is spot welded together in 10' and 20' lengths for use where a more rigid application is needed. Along with the track roller brackets in the 1st video they also make both a two hole and or a four hole angle bracket to build "Unistrut" support frame work secured by "Unistrut" nuts for either 3/8" or 1/2" bolts and square washers. Besides the cost it's almost like having access to "Adult" version erector set. :)

[@Synic08]

I like your way with the strut... if you ever bang into the lower piece, you could replace that easily...

[@solexxx8588]

Your design is simple and elegant for its purpose. If it works I wouldn't change anything.

[@TheWoodFly]

Damn Skippy - nice JOB DUDE!!!! This is awesome.

[@MrFiskit777]

hi, i never comment on this stuff, (till now ) your music video part cracked me up ! everything else was done very well with strong points on safety and your personal security needs. GREAT JOB !

[@lanedexter6303]

I see multiple videos about DIY elevators of this type. I like a video discussing possible missteps. BTW consumer grade household breakers are not made for switch duty. They may serve, but the (already inaccurate) thermal trip breaker may be come very inaccurate as to tripping current. I’ve seen it go both ways.

[@mikededmon]

OMG - the ending. - Classic!

[@McDIY]

19:10 "Doesn't mean she gets too". WHAT? You mean you actually parent your daughter? What a novel concept. :^)

[@sebastianlomonaco6149]

A drip tray redirecting overflowing water to the outside of the building may be a better way because if there is water leaking, by the time you see it, you won't be able to turn on the breaker to use it to go up to fix the problem...if that makes any sense.

[@Bass.Player]

I have never even seen a fall arrest-er.. You could install a sloped plate over the lift motor and water would never touch it.. Breakers are not designed to be use as a switch, they have a bimetallic spring that weakens with use. (unless they are made different now)? I think this whole thing is great...

[@randywright7933]

Nailed it. Well done Jay. And the ending was perfect

[@w.peterschubert4863]

I loved the video, really enjoyed you answering well meaning people with their comments. it's probably how OSHA got started. Great design

[@tomroche1859]

One of the most enjoyable and interesting workshop projects I've watched from you. Well done.

[@effortlessweb9816]

Way safer than I would make it :) You made some good changes, it seems pretty sturdy from here. Of course, you know how sturdy it is better than anyone on the internet. I'd guess the timber lift is the weak point (appropriately strong though), but it's a small lift, so I'm sure that you would struggle to get more onto it than you can lift. Good vid, have a great day

[@glen748]

I agree with everything you said. If you wanted to take restricting the elevators motion to another level. You could run a padlock threw the super strut track thus preventing the travel of the platform just like people do on garage doors.

[@Trank00007]

The universal term is “Strut Channel”. Unistrut, Superstrut and Kindorf are all just brand names.

[@bobleeswoodshop7919]

We have Tractor supply in my home! Still a good idea of the lift! It works for what you need! 👍

[@jebowlin3879]

@25:20 I like the Fireman's Pole idea, I have been on one as a kid and I'm a big kid at heart, I'm not saying you need one, but it would be interesting, then again, you have a kid or kids ( I don't know) and ofc they would be interested in playing on it and as you said, this is not a play area for kids, still the elevator is rather unique in its concept and design and use :D

[@tjmoenich638]

Good replies! Especially about concerns regarding your daughter. Arm chair quarterbacks always have noting to do. I built one with as similar design but built for much more weight. I will post mine soon. Person preference.

[@jhans3278]

Thanks Jay. I agree, you addressed the safety concerns very professionally. And, nice build.

[@RobDeHaven]

🤣🤣 the ending! Wow 🤩 🤣🤣 thanks for the laugh !!