How to Figure Gearing, Motor Size (hp and Torque)

I would consider a 1000-pound 12-volt boat or RV winch, a small car battery, and a charger; with the cable end anchored high and passing under a pulley with a hook, and then back up to the winch.

The power of the motor must exceed the rate of increase of potential energy of the load by a factor that is at least the reciprocal of the system mechanical efficiency.

To the regulars, I don't work for McMaster Carr, but they are handy

http://www.mcmaster.com/#winches/=d605d3

They even have some diagrams.

If you do decide to use a winch, keep in mind that most winch manufacturers weight rating is at 50% of the cable length. in other words if the spool holds 10 wraps the weight rating is calculated at the 5th wrap. Ideally you would determine exact;y how much cable you need then leave 3 wraps on the spool and remove the remainder. I would not recomend double roping as this reduces the life of the cable by going around a pulley. Hope this helps

i was hoping to make one i have a 1/2 horse electric motor 110volt... and would like to figure gearing.. i am a machinist but i have never needed to configure something like this...

How about this

http://machinedesign.com/article/this-infinitely-variable-transmission-has-the-gearing-range-of-an-11-speed-automotive-transm