[dkaustin]

Another option is an overhead track and trolley. Even though the vise and 4th axis are a b***h to lift, they're lightweight as far as material handling hardware is concerned, so it needn't be expensive.

For about $50 at McMaster-Carr, I got a piece of Unistrut track and a four-wheel trolley. I lagged the Unistrut into the joists over the PCNC and was good to go.

The only other thing needed is a chain fall, which you may already have. If you don't, Frank Ford shows how to make a nifty one on his website: http://www.frets.com/HomeShopTech/Pr...minihoist.html

[Don Clement]

Another option is an overhead track and trolley. Even though the vise and 4th axis are a b***h to lift, they're lightweight as far as material handling hardware is concerned, so it needn't be expensive.

For about $50 at McMaster-Carr, I got a piece of Unistrut track and a four-wheel trolley. I lagged the Unistrut into the joists over the PCNC and was good to go.

The only other thing needed is a chain fall, which you may already have. If you don't, Frank Ford shows how to make a nifty one on his website: http://www.frets.com/HomeShopTech/Pr...minihoist.html

I have a chain fall. Thanks for the great idea. BTW Frank Ford's website is really cool.

Don

[Magnum164]

Another option is an overhead track and trolley. Even though the vise and 4th axis are a b***h to lift, they're lightweight as far as material handling hardware is concerned, so it needn't be expensive.

For about $50 at McMaster-Carr, I got a piece of Unistrut track and a four-wheel trolley. I lagged the Unistrut into the joists over the PCNC and was good to go.

The only other thing needed is a chain fall, which you may already have. If you don't, Frank Ford shows how to make a nifty one on his website: http://www.frets.com/HomeShopTech/Pr...minihoist.html

Thanks for the idea. My only problem with this idea is I have a finish basement in the area I have my machines (at least sheetrock on ceilings and walls). I would hate to have to mess that up.