Lift Table

[Tom the Remodeler]

I can't believe you guys are paying almost 2k for that table with Felder stickers.  I've never spent more than 200 bucks on a used presto. 
Presto is made in the USA. 

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Hi [member=3891]WarnerConstCo.[/member]

Knowing that you have a great reputation as a knowledgeable machine guy, can you tell me of a mobile, foot-operated hydraulic lifting table in this configuration that would cost significantly less? I've searched for years and just haven't found one.

You keep bringing up forklifts and fixed, powered hydraulic tables. I bet they're awesome in a shop with thousands of square feet, but comparing them to these smaller, manual tables is Apples/Oranges.

I put casters on one of my Presto's.
All have long cords, just push a button and they go up. 

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Hi [member=3891]WarnerConstCo.[/member] ,

That's cool that you put casters on your tables but you're still comparing a $12k table (new) to a $2k table, so again it's apples/oranges. It's just not the same class or use case....

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I can't believe you guys are paying almost 2k for that table with Felder stickers.  I've never spent more than 200 bucks on a used presto. 
Presto is made in the USA. 

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

Hi [member=3891]WarnerConstCo.[/member]

Knowing that you have a great reputation as a knowledgeable machine guy, can you tell me of a mobile, foot-operated hydraulic lifting table in this configuration that would cost significantly less? I've searched for years and just haven't found one.

You keep bringing up forklifts and fixed, powered hydraulic tables. I bet they're awesome in a shop with thousands of square feet, but comparing them to these smaller, manual tables is Apples/Oranges.

I put casters on one of my Presto's.
All have long cords, just push a button and they go up. 

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

Hi [member=3891]WarnerConstCo.[/member] ,

That's cool that you put casters on your tables but you're still comparing a $12k table (new) to a $2k table, so again it's apples/oranges. It's just not the same class or use case....

Nothing is stopping anyone from buying a used one. 

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[Michael Kellough]

Maybe this one is an example of comparable lift tables costing the same? Also about the size of an MFT but the weight capacity is a ton and twice the weight capacity is less than 25% more. Might want to ad casters and I don’t know what the procedure would be to get an MFT style top.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Hi [member=3891]WarnerConstCo.[/member]

Absolutely, I agree with you that the used market is a great option for certain users.

I went through this process several years ago, and looked into the fixed, powered units you're referencing. What my research told me was that by the time I accounted for buying one at auction, paying the buyer's premium, paying for freight, paying for a one day forklift rental, and factoring in lost production time fussing with it, I was money ahead just spending $5k on the FAT 500S. Again, it's going to be a case-by-case basis, and really depends on how an individual values their time. You've mentioned you already have a few forklifts and thousands of square feet, so your considerations will be different than mine.

The larger point here is that there doesn't seem to be a one-to-one, lower cost alternative to these "Euro-" style, mobile (cordless), manually operated lifting tables. When I attended Fensterbau last year there were at least another half dozen brands selling this style of table in Europe, but none of them were coming in at a meaningfully lower price.

So, it's not as though folks are paying a premium for a Felder (or Barth, or Rangate) sticker, it's just what the machines cost, regardless of brand.

 

[Packard]

Maybe this one is an example of comparable lift tables costing the same? Also about the size of an MFT but the weight capacity is a ton and twice the weight capacity is less than 25% more. Might want to ad casters and I don’t know what the procedure would be to get an MFT style top.

The issue you would face, if you mounted a MFT top on top of the steel table, is you would not be able to use most of the Festool clamps.

You would have to examine the structure and determine if the steel table top is structural or just a table top.  If it is not structural, you could cut out the center portion of the steel top and leave the perimeter only.

Or remove the table top and fashion a rectangle from 3” x 3” steel tubing (or have it made).  You are probably looking at $250.00 to $500.00 to contract that out. 

 

[Vondawg]

[member=297]Michael Kellough[/member] that’s a good find! bolt on a wooden frame to make a MFT type table fit and work (room for clamps, ect.) and your set…very nice

 

[Cheese]

I've been looking for a good quality lift table for the last year and this thread just made me start the search one more time... It seems to me that anything that is robust enough to handle what I will throw at it will be at a minimum $1300 and probably more. Even the Chinese versions are at least $800 and that's minus casters and with a manual height adjustment screw mechanism.

The Presto's are really nice but are also $3800 new and still need to have the optional casters added.

The truth be told...the Felder units seem to be the best bang for the buck unless you can purchase a clean Presto used and that could be a difficult journey.  [eek]

This is what started me looking for a Felder alternative when I brought our dog in for grooming...a Chinese made table, without casters, with a 330# max limit and it still costs $700.

[attachimg=1]

 

[mattgam]

For a more DIY option I've been messing around with linear actuators, lifting columns and scissor lifts for a few projects. I've found Dihool in china makes "decent" quality products and for a light duty height adjustable MFT I have a Dihool Scissor Lift that can traverse from 195-680mm/7.7"-26.8" 8020 15 Series extrusions line up  perfectly with the mounting holes on the top and bottom,  so I used that to make a base with some drawers for tool storage, weight, height and mine has a working height of 23"-42" and holds 350 pounds.  I use an MFT Top from tracktubes and have a smaller top attached to a SWAG Portaband saw stand and a small router table, which has been very handy for a quick height adjustable tool station.  I also use a Milawaukee Inverter built into the base to provide the lift power so I don't have to trip over extension cords. a few 45 pound ruck plates have helped keep it stable as well. 

I am working in a

 

[Michael Kellough]

I used a lightweight electric lift to build a cabinet/stand for my Nomad 3 CNC mill.
The lift only goes up to twenty something inches. This lift is similar. 
The six drawer cabinet added enough height to make the top high enough to accept outfeed from the tablesaw.
Also added height adjustable casters to make it more capable in that function.
The Nomad is parked elsewhere when the rig is doing outfeed duty.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Sheik Maboutie]

Many years ago l had the same issue trying to find a reasonable lifting table till I had a light bulb moment ……..A hospital bed, I found one on ebay that was from a nurse training college and managed to get for £100.
This bed is brilliant, 2160mm x 1010mm wide, it is fitted with raise and lower pedals and a wheel locking pedal. I added the MFT TOP to add jig and clamping flexibility, it will raise or lower between 970mm and 650mm. I used to load it with 5 Jumbo sheets (3050 x 2050mm) of melamine faces board and adjust the height to infeed the panels onto my panel saw on my own. If l moved to a smaller workshop it could easily shortened with a cut and weld job to 1400mm long

Paulo

 

[Drich]

That bed turned out very nice.
  I did talk with the sales guy today for the rangate. Sounds like it is a heavy built unit with 1/4" wall tube for the frame. The casters and pump unit are from Germany he said. They do have a sale going on to save a few bucks. Also talked with the Barth guy and their H330 is like a grand more than the fielder or rangate. Not sure why that is as they all seem to be closely made the same. So sounds like I will be going the rangate way.

I do have a cnc machine so I will be making my own MFT style top for it.  I will be putting my MFT up forsale in the classifieds when I get some pictures of it.

Thanks Tom for the help.  I think I have said this before you gave me my first drink of the green koolaid back in 2014 in the twin cites when I was living there. I met you at a house you were working on to check out your kapex set up. Thanks again

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

That bed turned out very nice.
  I did talk with the sales guy today for the rangate. Sounds like it is a heavy built unit with 1/4" wall tube for the frame. The casters and pump unit are from Germany he said. They do have a sale going on to save a few bucks. Also talked with the Barth guy and their H330 is like a grand more than the fielder or rangate. Not sure why that is as they all seem to be closely made the same. So sounds like I will be going the rangate way.

I do have a cnc machine so I will be making my own MFT style top for it.  I will be putting my MFT up forsale in the classifieds when I get some pictures of it.

Thanks Tom for the help.  I think I have said this before you gave me my first drink of the green koolaid back in 2014 in the twin cites when I was living there. I met you at a house you were working on to check out your kapex set up. Thanks again

Hi [member=42176]Drich[/member] ,

Thank you for the thoughtful feedback, I'm glad that at least some of it was helpful. I remember you visiting in 2015, it's great to hear fro you again.

Rangate has been a reliable, immensely helpful resource for me, I'm glad that you connected with one of their sales staff. The majority of my tooling is from Rangate, as well as the Knot Filler, Rot-Resist dowels, Pizzi glue dispenser, etc... I believe they are in the process of moving their location, so it may e worthwhile to discuss lead times and when they expect to ship your new table.

I think you're being sensible having a local CNC shop fabricate the top for you, it will be more precise and free up more of your time to be creative and productive. My top is 1" thick (2x layers of 12mm Baltic Birch) and I think the extra thickness helps. Festool track- style clamps still fit through the holes. On my "To-Do!" list is to fasten some 40mm x 40mm t-track extrusions to the underside of the tale around the perimeter to allow for easier horizontal clamping.

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate hearing your feedback after using the cart for a few months. Good luck, and work safe!

 

[Drich]

Hey Tom

Yes they are moving so they have them on sale till the 24th. I will get my ordered tomorrow. I have a Avid 48X48 CNC that I can tile the g-code to make it any size I want. Not wanting to make it to big so it can be mobile around the shop for different out feed table for my machines. I will also add some 15 series 80/20 to the side for clamping also. Will post picture when I get in finished.

 

[krudawg]

Hello

I saw this in a video on you tube and it looks great. I really like the idea of it being mobile and the adjustable height. I have a MFT but I have out grown it I think. Was going to add on to it but this seems much better. Any one have this brand? Thanks Danhttps://ruwi.de/en/shop/lifting-tables/ruwi-lift-table-classic/

What about this:https://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-60438.html.  $319.00. I own one and it is very nice check it out

 

[Drich]

Just wanted to up date on this new lift. I have it in the shop now and I was very happy with the shipping. Rangate wrapped it up very well and Zero damage to it. Very heavy built, nice casters. Super happy with it. I'm going to pick up a sheet of 1" BB for the top but will build a 4" spacer to set the top on so I can have a drawer for clamp storage. I will do a MFT style top for it and put some 20 series 80/20 on the long sides for clamping. Does any one know where I can order these Ruwi clamps at in the video that hold down the 80/20 material? Those would make life great for me as I have some sections left over to use.

 

[Drich]

Have the new lift table done. Very happy how it turned out.

 

[Vondawg]

Great table …I bet it will get lots of use in so many ways

 

[Drich]

Thank you, It will be an out feed table for every machine in the shop plus another work bench for cabinets to keep me from having to be on the floor installing slides. I was going to use it with the track saw but the top turned out so well don't have the heart to cut into it so I will make another top out of MDF to lay on top to use the track saw with. With having the file saved its super easy to cut out another one on the CNC.