DIY Mini Elevator

In which I construct a homemade, electric mini-lift to access the loft in my workshop.
PROJECT PLANS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
www.wesleytrea...
PATREON EXCLUSIVES
If you'd like to help support my channel and get access to exclusive content, visit / wesleytreat .
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
▶ wesleytreat.com
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
▶ Merch: www.wesleytrea...
▶ Photography: satelluxestudi...
▶ Favorite Tools: amazon.com/sho...
FOLLOW ME
▶ Instagram: / wesley_treat
▶ Twitter: / wesleytreat
TOOLS & MATERIALS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO
(A full parts list is included in the project plans, linked above.)
▶ Rockler Spring-Loaded One-Handed Bar Clamp: tinyurl.com/2w...
▶ Certiflat 24"X48" Heavy Duty Welding Table: tinyurl.com/yh...
▶ Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 Welding Helmet: amzn.to/2GUf2X2
▶ Honeywell S8500 Bionic Face Shield: amzn.to/2lhycJH
▶ 3M 7500 Series Respirator: amzn.to/3XpnejS
▶ 3M 2097 P100 Particulate Filters: amzn.to/3SZHgkc
▶ Proxxon FBS 115/E Precision Rotary Tool: amzn.to/2J1LdAW
▶ Wixey Digital Angle Gauge: amzn.to/2KbSeQ3
▶ Vevor PA400 Electric Hoist: amzn.to/3KUyVfK
▶ Four-Bearing, Unistrut Trolley Assemblies: amzn.to/3Zlzbc8
▶ Groove-Wheel Pulleys (Similar Item): amzn.to/41alOx1
▶ Aolihan Backup Alarm: amzn.to/3ZH0fT4
▶ Agrieyes Amber Beacon Light: amzn.to/3KVCGlh
SEE ALSO
▶ Fitting an Entire Loft Staircase in a Tight Space: • Fitting an Entire Loft...
▶ Single-Action Retracting Casters for a Mobile Welding Table: • Single-Action Retracti...
▶ $4 DIY Welding Table Clamps: • $4 DIY Welding Table C...
▶ Accident Scoreboard w/ Old-School Bulb Display: • Accident Scoreboard w/...
VIDEOS REFERENCED
▶ The Elevator (Channel): / @theelevator3615
▶ Blastworks - Detailed Garage Attic Lift Build: • Detailed Garage Attic ...
▶ Jay Bates - DIY Elevator: • DIY Elevator - 364
▶ Tom's DIY Shop - Attic Lift Fail: • Epic Fail - Attic Lift...
Note: I may earn a commission from certain product links.

[@WesleyTreat]

🎉PROJECT PLANS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!🎉 www.wesleytreat.com/shop/p/lift-plans

[@darrylhastings3378]

I don’t use Pay Pal. Is there another way to purchase?

[@WesleyTreat]

@@darrylhastings3378 Sorry, not at this time, but I may be able to add Stripe in the near future. 👍

[@xavierlozano9459]

Will this be able to lift 800 lbs.?

[@wolff000]

I think it is hilarious you added a genuine safety feature and say it is for fun. My kind of channel!

[@matthewb8229]

This was a very uplifting episode.

[@lmcsquaredgreendale3223]

Love it!

[@timderks5960]

Very clever, running that cable through the frame. I've seen a lot of elevator builds, and I've never seen anyone come up with that. One thing though: I know it's not that tall, but if you're gonna ride the elevator yourself, which I don't think you will, but... you know... Something like Jay's fall arrestor would be a nice addition. Really anything that'll prevent the elevator plummeting when the cable would break would be a pretty good idea. Also: This elevator would double nicely as a height adjustable workbench/desk. Pretty convenient.

[@SRCardow1]

Seen several with SLR's as fall protection but that is not what they are designed for. 😮😅

[@SmoothAlf]

I'm glad to see you were able to recruit some help with all that welding. Great build Wesley!

[@TimothyBrewer]

Wow that was actually a better design, sturdier and less complicated lift than I have seen on KZbin! Great Job!

[@theothermarshal]

I've been in a state of heightened alert in anticipation of this video... your clones have not disappointed. Also, my 80 yr old seamstress mother gave the stank eye when you seemed astonished by the tote full of denim pockets. Always save the denim pockets. Also, also... Cable through the frames is genius level stuff which, when the elevator is at the top, is even higher genius level stuff. Bravo! Also, also, also... Lights and slickety paint job are what we have come to expect and the 'alert' sound makes me smile.

[@MAW-sf6ru]

I was thinking about that, bin full of pockets might do well on Ebay!

[@soranuareane]

If you can't make it perfect, make it adjustable. I just stumbled upon your channel randomly thanks to the Holy Algorithm (praise be). I absolutely love how you began machining with little forepl--uh... I mean... little rambling. "You're here to watch me make things. So watch as I make a thing." Instant sub.

[@tomim7187]

Wesley, the shear joy on your face when it goes up with its fresh coat of paint, flashing lights, and siren warmed my heart! You did a phenomenal job! Bravo!

[@sparkythebuilder]

I didn't know they made strut trollies. That is worth the price of admission right there!

[@Jgn1skaane]

Yet a proof that the difference between a man an a boy is the cost of the toys 😉 Fun and inspirational video as always.

[@mattwilliamson1714]

Cool idea: running the cable thru the frame! Built one of these "material lifts" years ago (pre-KZbin) in a bigger Quonset. Used the same type of trucks/trolleys (just had deeper, heavier-gauge uni-strut - the kind with no holes), a heavier winch (10 ton), many, many more pulleys, no welds anywhere, and a metal trundle bed frame (single) for the floor (left all the springs in place & topped the frame w/a sheet of 3/4" plywood). Sadly, have moved since, but the last I heard, the lift is still in place, used, and greatly appreciated. At the time, had a full trailer load of concrete forms (2x10s & 2x12s) I'd salvaged (with permission) from a nearby construction site; used those to make 2 "posts" (actually "L"s) at the 2 outside (front) corners, and bolted two 2x12s to the back (flat) wall of the Quonset. Drilled the Uni-strut & boards to hold 3/8" bolts (for each pulley), put massive fender washers on the back of each post to hold each of the pulleys in place, and installed the pulleys high enough that a 6'3" man couldn't get his fingers caught in them. Like you, I also didn't want my cables "in the way," so each corner had a 3/8" cable permanently attached to the bed frame (used welded eyes bolted thru the frame with nylon nuts on each). Those cables went up (through several pulleys), over to the back wall, then all went along the back wall to a central point (just outside the lift's materials zone), before they all 4 went down thru another set of pulleys... and connected to a very large ring on the end of the floor-mounted winch. Was going to build a plywood "cover" for all the pulleys, but ended up leaving them open and set up a "checklist" for anyone using the lift: first thing was before use, had to look at each (numbered) pulley and check for structural integrity (there were several steps to that), physically look at all the cable connections, ensure the floor, and unloading zones were clear, etc. (After riding it up down at least a dozen times) I "load tested" it: set it ~6" above the floor, called six 200+ lb friends (men) to do one "bounce" in unison. None of the pulleys bent or warped, the bolts/fender washers didn't pull thru the wood, the bedframe (platform support) didn't bend, the platform floor didn't crack or shift, the posts didn't move, and the winch never sounded strained when we went up 6" and back down to the floor. Couldn't find any 120v winches back then, so wired a solar charger outside thru the wall to keep the battery charged up. Your video brought back fond memories... and introduced you to me for the first time. I'll have to go check our some of your other builds now.

[@ericcarabetta1161]

The lights and visibility tape are the perfect cherry on top.

[@chriscmoor]

Outstanding! The cable through the frames is genius. I think, were I building it (and think I probably will), I would make the base of lift fold up so that it could be stored out of the way even when the lift was all the way down. Thanks for the cool video and the inspiration.

[@RigItbyJim-gz2ig]

I like your style, you remind me of me, nothing fancy, plain and simple, make mistakes and show how to fix them, and the best thing of all , you don't waste time by talking about unnecessary things . Good job

[@nv1493]

Very nice! We are older and needed a better way up into the house attic than carrying stuff on our shoulders. Inexpensive 440lb electric hoist on pipe between 2 rafters over the attic stairs, plug into attic outlet. 3x3 cargo net with slings lets us put almost any shape into it. Attach to hoist hook, much easier and safer to guide the load up or down than carrying. We replaced a water heater awhile back and the plumber did a triple take when he saw it lol.

[@Katenpie]

Omg I had a blast watching this, from little chuckles to full blown laughter. You sir are fun to watch.

[@zeriousvolt1245]

This is the best and funniest construction video I have seen this year. I give it a 10+.

[@DBRGB]

Brilliant, genius, outstanding and down right gorgeous!!!! Love it. Now I will make one to get my 91 year old mother-in-law in and out of the house and get rid of the 51 ft ramp I made to get her in and out of the house. Building this will enable me to reclaim desperately needed parking space, which the ramp takes up. Did I say Brilliant???!!! Thank you so very much for this example of how to make a proper lift. The only other thing you need to figure out is, should the line break, there should be a safety that either Stops the lift in place or lowers it safely without a sudden drop. A secondary chain and sprockets with a derailer that has a slow gear should do the trick. Let us know how that turns out, if you make it? Great work!!!!

[@nshimala]

I never get tired of your builds and commentary. Another well done project.

[@sgsax]

I've been waiting for this one and was very much not disappointed! A very fun and practical build for your space. And the lights and siren are a perfect addition. I know the bored elevator face was fine acting, because I know I would have a stupid grin on mine every time I rode this thing. 😁 Awesome shop upgrade! Thanks for sharing!

[@daveayerstdavies]

"Putting the FUN in functional" I love it.

[@mirkovigezzi5493]

Il migliore video che abbia trovato, Ottima l´idea della carrucola elettrica sul Lato...Certo Lei e´ un Professionista e ha a Disposizione attrezzi che io posso solo sognarmi. Lo stesso Grazie per questo video molto informativo. Lei e´ un Genio.

[@fixins]

A guy I knew had a freight elevator in an old building he'd bought. He ended up having to call it a "vertical reciprocating conveyor," in order to get insurance on the building. Elevators are for people and VRCs are for cargo/freight. Very different set of rules for each machine.

[@lmcsquaredgreendale3223]

Thanks for pointing that out. That means I might build something that will prevent me from selling the property and I'll have to either store the stringers or all of the stairs so I when I remove the "elevator" I don't run afoul of our cities ordinances that the stairs are brand new. These are the same ordinances that forced me to go to this option. I also hadn't thought about what would happen with my insurance. Thanks for the comment because I was so excited by finding a possible solution to my issue that I didn't see beyond that. THANKS! Now I need a plan B.

[@dj1NM3]

...or, "goods hoist" instead of "crane": one is something anyone can operate, the other requires a dogging & rigging cert and a crane-driver's licence.

[@paulfrost8952]

In the UK we call them passenger lifts (for people) and goods lifts (for goods) then there’s the American term “the dumbwaiter” (for goods which usually has a sign saying not for persons or something similar.

[@violettownmicroenterprises1528]

...thank you...😂

[@violettownmicroenterprises1528]

...not an engineer...

[@Jer_Schmidt]

Oh look, my new favorite video! Great engineering here, I really like the cable going under and back up, and good thinking integrating the limit switch like that. I'm also oddly satisfied by that angle brace at 5:18.

[@WesleyTreat]

Thanks! Yeah, I went through a few iterations of the mount for the eye bolt that certainly would've worked, but were just awkward-looking, till I decided to use that bit of flat bar. 👍‍‍

[@KarlMiller]

I wasn't completely sold until you added the construction tape, paint and beeping flashing lights - now I just need to buy a house with a tall garage so I can build this! Also loved the through-the-frame pulley design.

[@Tensquaremetreworkshop]

Great build- I want one! If you are going to ride it, you should fit a cable tension released brake (like commercial elevators). There are slots at the back of the Unistrut they could engage in.

[@boardwalkbw7130]

I lOVE lOVE THIS....we are building a lift bed in our house...that lifts into the ceiling/attic flush with the bedroom ceiling...your video helped and gave me fun ideas!

[@davidmbeaudet]

Thanks!

[@WesleyTreat]

Thank you!

[@BigBlueMotors]

I see what you did at 19:13 with the pink Subscribe on your pants - must of used some of your mother's craft glue and sprinkled some sparkles - good job and thanks for putting a smile on my face.

[@videogalore]

The joy that your smile brings is hard to measure, I would love to work with you every day!

[@johndoughty7438]

One of the best I’ve seen. Maybe put a hydraulic sweep at the front of the platform so when you hit a button it hydraulically pulls your cargo off your elevator onto The loft floor so you don’t have to go up every time and take it off. Great job, I’m going to steal some of your ideas. I love the cable inside you’re too big idea.

[@frankripley5188]

This is what I need to build for my dog and I both. The trials of time have taken it's toll on our ability to traverse stairs.

[@alexold8183]

Great video, love the clone welders bit, and the final paint job and lights.

[@MakerMe59]

Oh how I wish I could have this for my condo. I have about 550 ft³ of useless, inaccessible space 11 ft above my room that would make a fabulous closet. Add a retractable gate on your idea and I would have the pre-modern elevator I envision. I am seriously considering taking up welding. 👏👏👏Love your video! I'll be a new subscriber.

[@jeremytolley2601]

I want to be Wesley when I grow up. The lift is rad, man. RAD.

[@amyh.2020]

Let me start by saying what a delightful human! So entertaining! Great skills and teacher! Can’t forget to point out the KILLER editing skill!!! So happy to have found this channel! Thank you!

[@wrayxphoto]

Hi Wesley, Running the cable through the frame is pure genius just the solution for my aluminium/ aluminum framed campervan/ motorhome bed. Thanks from the UK...Ray

[@timothyedmiston8756]

Oh, that was cool, especially the the strobe lights, that just added to the whole building right there

[@valveman12]

This video was very... ELEVATING 😁

[@Rockinrobbyboy]

Genius. You do great work, and I love your sense of humor. This is a project that is on my list for a wheelchair lift. Thanks for keeping it real!!!!!

[@chattavegas1]

Great job on this. I have been researching for some time to decide how to build mine. By far - best i've seen on youtube.

[@rfdave3980]

Westley you always make me chuckle. You design is awesome and putting cable like that , mechanical advantage. Sweet what a Treat HaHa.

[@lwilton]

What a clever way to increase shop storage space! You ought to be able to store 3 or maybe 4 totes on that platform. Maybe more in a second layer!

[@blastworks]

Thanks for referencing by build @WesleyTreat! You've taken the concept above and beyond anything else that's been done here on KZbin so far. Nice job!

[@kenc2257]

What a great build. Running the winch cable through the lift frame was a stroke of genius (like you noted, on a typical ladder-style life, the cable runs right down the center).

[@petem6291]

You do nice work the cable routing idea is brilliant..

[@freakygardener8033]

That is AWESOME! Now I wish I had a reason to copy it! I bet it was a SUPER FUN build!!! 👍👍

[@2OO_OK]

Those lights are great! Reminds me of the Alien movies.

[@daveash9572]

It's always a treat when you post a video Wesley. I've not yet seen your video, just wading through the pre-roll ads now. You might be interested in checking out what Herb-O-Matic built for his underground bunker...

[@Malkohm1]

Nice Build! I've been in process of designing a lift for my loft and I love the cable through tube pulley idea!

[@TimsLJ]

Just purchased/downloaded plans for my hoist project. Thanks for the great video, and the wonderful looking plans!! I cant wait to get started on this project soon!

[@braveheartz263]

Watching your video has reminded me of several home projects that I have to finish!!!

[@Qspecialman]

That is very clever, as suggested below, I like the cable running across the lift and back up the other side.

[@CihaPet]

10/10 Love your videos. Your OSHA additions at the end, and especially your reaction of sheer glee/joy, just put the icing, and sprinkles, on this cake. Oh, and I think there is a bulb burned out on your work zone sign. The 0 didn't look 'complete'.

[@WesleyTreat]

I think it's a bad solder joint, actually

[@CraigHollabaugh]

What goes up, must come down Spinning wheel got to go round Talkin' 'bout your troubles, it's a cryin' sin Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel spin Thanks for the excellent build video. Hero move.

[@JayMagana-j8j]

I love your work, thanks for sharing

[@tomcoryell]

Dude, I am so glad you through-bolted the top of your rail structure to the joist. If you would have lag screwed it I was gonna be soooo disappointed in you! You had been so thorough up to that point.

[@paulmorris1690]

Wesley - this has to be my favorite build to date - great job. My father owned a machine shop and he would have approved your welds - brilliant. "If it's worth building - it's worth overbuilding!!!"

[@thegentlemanmaker]

This video gave us a lift 😆 you’re so happy with it and your infectious laughter got us giggling too. Thanks Wesley!

[@markmarketing7365]

I looove all the creative shots. Really sets these videos apart from other making videos. :))

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Awesome. Thank you for masterful build and laughs.

[@9111logic]

Love it! That's the sort of thing I was thinking of doing for my new large workshop, avoiding building a bulky staircase. I am not sure if I shall use the winch which could be more useful for other jobs as it has been 🙏Thanks for sharing and my compliment for your partly humoristic video, well done 😍

[@brettster3331]

Wesley, you are so entertaining and likable, great video and project.

[@michaelwilkinson7845]

Love it especially the end with all the lights and sound

[@DavidHolguin562]

The Lights are an awesome touch!

[@goinggray]

I used to sneeze like that and my chiro said to keep it up if i wanted to blow a disk. He recommended more of a curtsy to save my back. Love the video 👍🏻

[@sheepfeeder]

Having way too much fun. I gotta go to welding school. Thanks for the great video.

[@countrymagic61]

Awesome build and thank you for posting. I enjoyed it. And YES, I will agree you do put the FUN in Functional! The amber lights sets it over the top.👍

[@xiggywiggs]

this is rad as hell! the sirens are a great touch! funny and crafty as always!

[@reginaldcrudstump383]

Absolutely brilliant project! And such a great idea to feed the cable through the tube with rollers at each end.

[@reddcube]

New video, what a lovely start to my Saturday.

[@gurugee2112]

That is freakin genius. Sadly you are insane !!! Love this video!

[@dass1333]

Cable through is brilliant. Even load without over engineering.

[@ottostadtgatineau]

Just found your channel researching for my unistrut lift, (mine will ride above stairs leading to my basement) hadn’t thought of running the cable through the tube. Great idea, sorry about your dad passing.

[@ineoeon8925]

Had so much fun watching this! Cool, pretty freaking cool ending!! 😂

[@Wayne5455]

You did a great job! Really nice workmanship and great creativity. Thank you for your video.

[@HaLo2FrEeEk]

Wesley my guy, I freaking love you. I love your sense of humor and your style of video, and the projects you make are all super awesome. If I ever manage to stop being lazy and start producing my own content like I've wanted to do for years, yours will be my primary inspiration. Thank you for sharing what you do with us

[@frankripley5188]

This guy is a craftsman!!! Nice work!

[@roberthamm9304]

That’s an awesome build. My old boss used a forklift mast to make an elevator in his house.

[@robschaffer2189]

I dig the lights and alarms, but no bell when it reaches the top? This is epic!

[@sixtyfiveford]

Looks great. Love the final touches.

[@nwhite5955]

No shortage of awesome here. Great job!

[@ryangross5446]

This is amazing. I've never thought to build my own elevator but now I'm considering it!

[@BeyondDuctTapeFixItRight]

Your build is epic good fun! The cable pass thru the back of the frame is a +1 win for sure.

[@Angelo-o4m]

This is a good job

[@jean-lucsponga6572]

Superbe travail - Merci

[@kddonn]

Nice Job

[@steveman223]

im really proud of my attic lift but man i love yours. it looks great. great work!

[@ramanshinde1542]

Nashik, Maharashtra, India 👍 Intellectual job 🙏

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Loved it. I might just need to make something similar. Gives me an excuse to buy a welder. "Hey Ellie, I need a welder. It's for you!" Thanks for sharing. Subscribed!

[@OhHeyTrevorFlowers]

I just love the vibe of these videos.

[@victorgarza6192]

EXCELENT PERFOMANCE, LOVE IT, GREAT SKILLS , BRAVO MUCHACHO !!! IT''S EXACLTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR, 👍😊

[@wookieecantina]

Love that Strong Hand gas cylinder bottle valve cover! I've got one as it's so easy to forget to turn off the argon for my TIG. Love your channel, honestly, you're a freakin' genius and your work is terrific.

[@lmcsquaredgreendale3223]

Amazing build. You sir are a hilarious genius. I hope the man who failed in his attempt wasn't badly injured although I did laugh. I am very ashamed of myself. Your innovation of running the line through to the other side and attached to the joist holding up the loft is brilliant and probably allows for better stability. My workshop is in my attic, yes I know that sounds insane, but I live in a city and unfortunately my building is considered historic and due to noise regulations even if I built a large enough shed I would need to make it soundproof so the noise wouldn't be complained about and that would be expensive, but the $250 fines would add up quickly. I used pulleys to bring my heavier tools up and had to patch the walls afterward. I have used jigs to make hand tools into stationary tools. My favorite is the jig I built, with some changes from a video, that turned my Milwaukee Magnum into a drill press. No one, so far, has found the source of the noise because the attic is insulated and with the attic window blocked by a pretty curtain and insulation I've been able to work undisturbed. (I always wait until my tenants go to work of course.) I can't always use pulleys so I often have to have the material I use cut down and have had mixed results and a lot of wood wasted. If I can build an elevator I can get rid of the stairs up to the attic. Now all I have to do is teach myself welding. I'm sure there are videos out there that teach welding or perhaps a class locally. My only question is how much weight can your elevator handle? You're a slim man and I estimate your weight to be around 170lbs or so but I have a major project I want to undertake before I sell this building and I am curious by nature.

[@WesleyTreat]

With a pulley, the hoist can pull about 800 pounds, but there are stronger ones. I don't know what the rest of my contraption can handle, but I don't expect to lift much. Thanks!

[@davestinyworkshop]

Brilliant project, and as entertaining a video as ever!

[@SRCardow1]

Looks like you had too much building your elevator. Also, you have all the tools in your shop. Nice!😂 Love the safety features.

[@billm4560]

Wesley that turned out awesome! That’s just what I need! As you said getting things up or down is a hassle! Sure glad I found your channel! Thanks for sharing!

[@kazoneill9709]

This really cheered me up no end. Great work. 🎉

[@davidrice7414]

The alarm should go off whenever Jimmy does a video as well. Keep it consistent 😂😂😂. Great video. As usual