Lattice Boom Crane Build (Wood)

[Rvjimd]

Got a start on my lattice boom crane. General plan if to make a pivoting crane about the size of my diecast Menck. This will most likely be barge mounted, but probably portable.

The main stringers are 1/8 wood dowel rod with 5/32 lattice.







Jim

[Rvjimd]

I think I mistakenly put this into the tech section and should have been simply construction equipment...

Jim

[modelman]

Your off to a good start jim-wood is a smart choice to build with. It is easy to work with and is strong if done correctly. I have always used wood to experiment with things I wasn't sure about how they should be built.

[Rvjimd]

Thanks,

My plan is to see how it goes and treat it as a prototype for size, and design. I loosely following the size and design of the Menck. I plan to use a wood base and possibly make a non functioning wood undercarriage. Then set it on a barge or on the unloading dock. I hope to use the clamshell bucket when I get it finished.

Bought a little miter chopper that I'm using to cut the wood parts, it make it pretty easy to cut repeated parts to length and at 90 and 45 degree miters.

Jim

[modelman]

Just a suggestion for under-carriage-plastic turntables start at 3"-dia.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#turntables/=nu1yac
Not sure what your plans are but this could work. I was looking under light duty plastic.

[Rvjimd]

I don't know exactly how i was going to do it, but I do plan on making it pivot.

Jim

[Rvjimd]

Slow going, have to basically glue about two pieces at a time and make sure they harden up before putting on the next one.



Jim

[doodlebug]

Hey Jim, have you seen this bruder excavator swing drive turntable setup?
http://www.cti-modellbau.de/CTI-Baumaschinen-u---Teile/
Cheer's, Neil.

[Rvjimd]

Got the main boom all glued up, working on the tip.





If I did the math correct there are 112 parts in just the main boom in the picture.

Jim

[modelman]

Looks good jim-I was going to suggest that you use the kicker spray bottle with the CA to make it instant glue and make the job go a lot faster but looks like it is a bit too late now. Your almost done. Keep us updated.

[Supermario]

Originally Posted by Rvjimd

Slow going, have to basically glue about two pieces at a time and make sure they harden up before putting on the next one.



Jim

What a true test of patience this is one thing that can't be rushed. Nice work Jim and keep the pics coming. Ill be watching this one and make sure my bro in law see's it

Mario

[Rvjimd]

Been working on the crane most of the day. Here it is so far, got a final short solid side tip section to finish, and figure out how and what to make the pulley sheeves from. The 1:50 Menck diecast is sitting behind it in one shot.







Got the mount glued onto the base and plan to use 1/8 brass tube for the boom base pivot.

Jim

[Rvjimd]

First pulley sheeve, only about a dozen more to go!



Here is my lathe, it may look a lot like a drill press if you tile your head as you look at it!



My big problem is still the biggest part the press takes is 1/2". I need about four pulleys of 3/4 or even 7/8"

I went to the new giant farm store AND Menards looking for pulleys or even a lathe and no luck with either, so I went back home and tipped the press on its side.


Jim

[Rvjimd]

Here is my first large pulley. I roughed out the wheel on the band saw, drilled a center hole, installed a bolt and chucked it in the lathe, err ah, drill press.



Jim

[modelman]

I like your lathe jim . Working with what you have is a phrase a lot of people need to learn. Hang in there- you'll get it. Will the entire crane be built from wood?

[Rvjimd]

Tom,

thanks for the encouragment! im planning to put this sucker to work on a barge so im going to use a few pieces of brass tube to bush some of the rotating parts like the tip pulleys just so they wear good.


Finished two pulleys! Ya! I think they will look good turning slow on the tip as the ropes move up and down.

My initial plan was 3/4" at the tip, but these are 1" and I think they will be okay, might look a bit bit but okay, I've seen a few full scale versions with what looks like really big pulleys on the tip.

[mazdaparts]

Do you have a michaels or hobby lobby close by? They might have pulleys or something you can use in the woodcraft dept. If you can use plastic pulleys the sliding screen door wheels might be about the right size. I know you can get replacement wheels at menards for them.

[Rvjimd]

I did see the screen and shower door rollers yesterday at menards and they were going to be too wide. I think I have looked at michaels but not hobby lobby. Haven't been in there for a while...

Jim

[TRUCKMAKER]

Jim, Have you tried any of the robot building websites? I know they carry small pulleys. I don't have the links with me but if you google robot parts all the online stores come up, shop around you might find some thing you can use. All that said I think that hi-tec lathe your using to make them yourself is probably the best route and more fun!

[Rvjimd]

TM,

ya, I think your right! I only need to make one more or maybe three small pulleys, so, I'm over the hump.

The big 1" ones had me worried cause I wanted them to look good, but I'm happy with what turned out.

Should start the drums and servo install today!

Jim