Jib Crane

I've used a replacement wheel axle for boat trailer for some small jibs. They come in different sizes for trailer weights. Used the ones which have a square tang for attachment. Which are machined for taper roller bearings. Drilling and tapping two holes perpendicular to each other on the tang. Using these to level the jib in the column. Just have to adapt the arm for the cups of the bearings.

My friends have used ready made ones from http://www.mcmaster.com/#jib-cranes/=rh4yy8

These guys give you drawings with enough detail to build your own using their drawings.

Which bearing will have to "work hard" depends on your design. Unless you want it swing very smooth and easy a ball or roll bearing is an overkill.

I would go for a more reliable bushing ( e.g. bronze). Some ready made solutions do not even use that, but a steel bolt.

You have to decide before you start your shop of you want a wall mount or free standing unit. If wall mount, make sure you have the design of the building done to accomodate the jib crane. Bearings aren't really necessary. Even commercial units only use high strength bolts or pins for the pivot points.( I have several wall mounted jibs in my shop).

Advantage of free standing is, theoretically anyway, it can be moved anywhere, where as wall mounts will be fixed in one place, unless you have the building designed for multiple locations.

Purchase a new, tested, prequalified crane from a vendor.

Think of the crane options that you want. Don't go for less than a ton....

Retain all paperwork. Investigate periodic test requirements from the authorities where the crane will be located

There is little to be gained from "designing and building" your own

There is little to be gained from "designing and building" your own

That would depend entirely on where you were, what was available and on the fabrication skills/facilities on hand.

This is a pretty simple bit of rigging and a very large FOS is intrinsic to that design and the materials being used.......so long as the supporting structure can withstand the moments it will be subjected to that is....and even this can be bolstered.

Agreed. Unless you have the qualifications to do the design, and probably the build as well, best off with an "off the shelf unit" which should come with the proper certifications. Although I have done the design/build thing previously, even my choice is to purchase a unit already "pre-certified".

If you are using this in a workplace that employs people, there are health and safety rules you have to follow, make sure you know what they are and are prepared to follow them.

Depends where you are.

Rules and standards are a luxury in some places.

Invoking the knack is sometimes the only option.

Yes, rules vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but in my experience, where they are a luxury, the regard for safety(ie., human injury or death) isn't a factor in designing and building things. Only have to look at the factory collapses in Bangladesh, etc., as examples. Maybe it's my "western" world outlook, but I tend to err on the side of caution. Better safe than sorry.

...but not all the buildings in Bangladesh are collapsing.

...erring on the side of paranoia is not productive.

I went fully mobile: Engine hoist.

Fine if the ground is solid & level.

Cranes are mainly used for movement of materials from one place to another in industries, storage areas, power stations, construction sites etc. Cranes differ in their designs widely according to the need for the operational requirements.

Thank you for all your support and comments