curdy
ArboristSite Operative
OK, so I was looking around on the Wood-Mizer website and noticed a really cool set of loading ramps that had spring loaded teeth that would raise after the log rolls over them and safely stop the log so you can re-position your cant hook. I called them and they sell them for about $480 (included tax and shipping).
I think I could build something similar for a lot less that would fit my needs better (they seemed a bit short and steep). I need to be able to get the logs up onto short saw horses (Woodshop design, maybe 2' high). So having the ramps be a little longer so they can go higher but still be at a lesser angle would be ideal. I figure that eventually they could be used to get up on the side of a trailer one day too...so that height should be taken into consideration as well when designing them.
I tried to get a better picture, but this was the best I could get to work.
Here's the web address you can go to and watch the movie that shows them working. Its part of the 'Pro-Pack' that is mentioned about half way through the video.
http://www.woodmizer.com/en/sawmills/manual/lt15/video.aspx
My thought would be to use 2 smaller sized I-beams. Turn them on their sides (so they look like an 'H'). Use the gap to lay the teeth with bolts through the side...then have compression springs under them. This way, when the log rolls up the ramp it will push the teeth down, and the spring will bring them back up after the log passes over them.
I can try to do a rough sketch and scan it in if the description isn't enough.
Thoughts, tips, ideas on this?
I think I could build something similar for a lot less that would fit my needs better (they seemed a bit short and steep). I need to be able to get the logs up onto short saw horses (Woodshop design, maybe 2' high). So having the ramps be a little longer so they can go higher but still be at a lesser angle would be ideal. I figure that eventually they could be used to get up on the side of a trailer one day too...so that height should be taken into consideration as well when designing them.
I tried to get a better picture, but this was the best I could get to work.
Here's the web address you can go to and watch the movie that shows them working. Its part of the 'Pro-Pack' that is mentioned about half way through the video.
http://www.woodmizer.com/en/sawmills/manual/lt15/video.aspx
My thought would be to use 2 smaller sized I-beams. Turn them on their sides (so they look like an 'H'). Use the gap to lay the teeth with bolts through the side...then have compression springs under them. This way, when the log rolls up the ramp it will push the teeth down, and the spring will bring them back up after the log passes over them.
I can try to do a rough sketch and scan it in if the description isn't enough.
Thoughts, tips, ideas on this?