Gantry Crane I-Beam Clamp – Free Plans
Introducing a new product to the Mechanical Elements family of Do-It-Yourself Plans — as Free Plans in our launch celebration! Well, is it really FREE Plans? Yes. For the introduction, use the coupon code on the Beam Clamp Product Page to get the plans for FREE.
The I-Beam Clamp is a simple product to solve a couple things for owners of a Gantry Crane. For a lot of Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts, the garage is not quite big enough for everything you have (or want), so equipment flexibility is a blessing. This new Beam Clamp magnifies versatility for our Gantry Cranes. So, if have a Mechanical Elements crane, then check out this product. It may be the perfect enhancement.
What is an “I-Beam Connector Clamp”?
The main beam of a gantry crane attaches at each end to the legs or supporting elements. For many cranes, the main beam is an I-Beam which is known for its high strength to weight ratio. This image shows a main beam attached to the legs using bolts fastened through holes drilled in the I-Beam. This is, of course, a very sturdy attachment method, but it’s not very flexible. True, you can turn this leg around and bolt it with the top plate facing the opposite direction, but this only allows the leg adjustment of several inches.
The beam clamp, does not require holes drilled in the main beam. It is not as strong a connection, but for the right circumstances, it offers a unique way of attaching. This way, the main beam attaches in a flexible way, allowing the leg to be positioned anywhere along the I-Beam.
Made For The Do It Yourself Builder:
The clamp design is simple, and the implementation is easy as well. The intent is to clamp a flat plate on the I-Beam without drilling holes in the Beam. This allows infinitely variable positioning to clamp the legs anywhere along the length of the beam.
A frequent hiccup in connecting things to an I-Beam comes because the horizontal faces of the beam flanges are not parallel to the bottom face. When bolting, special washers can compensate for the angle. To conquer the problem for the Beam Clamp, parts are cut from C-Channel or from a section of I-Beam. In this way, the angles match perfectly.
I-Beam Connector Clamps & Gantry Crane:
Here are a number of really cool applications for the new I-Beam Connector Clamps.
Application 1:
Gantry Cranes made with plans from Mechanical Elements are big, and the legs are bolted on at the beam ends. Sometimes it would be nice to change the distance between the legs, thereby making it easier for storage or for working around other equipment. With I-Beam Connector Clamps, legs are no longer constrained at the beam ends, so they can be set easily at any spot you want.
On a personal note, I want a long beam for some uses, but it doesn’t straddle well in my garage around the car and workbenches. With the beam clamps, I move one leg in so it fits perfect over the car, then put the beam high so it’s perfect when I need to lift something off the truck. Just back the truck in, lift the goods, pull the truck out, and set the goods on the cart. No crane moving needed. Then, when I’m ready for other crane duties, it’s super easy to re-configure.
Application 2:
Strength and length of the I-Beam determines a gantry crane’s capacity. When the beam is long, say 15′ (which is perfect for many applications), the load capacity is much lower than if the beam was shorter, say 10′. With the I-Beam Connector Clamp the effective length of the top beam can be shortened as needed, thus increasing capacity.
To illustrate this, we’ll use numbers from our Gantry Crane plans. If a 6″ steel I-Beam is used at the top, at 16′ length the crane capacity is 2200#. Shortening the top beam to 12′ increases capacity to 3200#. If it is effectively shortened to 10′, the capacity rises to 4000#. The I-Beam Connector Clamp makes all these configurations possible on the same single crane. Just mount the legs with the proper spacing for the desired loads.
Application 3:
A gantry crane is a wonderful piece of equipment for so many applications. The hiccup with them is the load must be between the 2 legs. Sometimes that’s not convenient, so we use something more like an engine hoist to reach out. Hoists also have limitations, so in certain situations, the Beam Clamps can change a gantry crane into a cantilever. It is very important to understand the ways this can work, but it is possible.
A word of CAUTION: The I-Beam Connector Clamp does not defy the laws of physics. If you configure a crane for a cantilevered beam, it REQUIRES counter-balance. If you try to lift something on the end of the beam, that is heavier than the other leg, the crane will tip toward the load, and if you don’t pay attention, it may come crashing down doing damage. Use the cantilever carefully, only with small loads, and only when you put proper counter weight on the other end of the beam! Please don’t use this to earn the Darwin award.
Application 4:
To hang something from an I-Beam in a non-permanent way, just fasten it to a plate and clamp it to the beam. The I-Beam Connector Clamps will hold it in place, then it can be moved later if needed.
Please Note: we always recommend using the I-Beam Connector Clamps in pairs, so make your plate long enough to span for one on each side of the load. Load capacity is a function of the material, so live within the limitations of your particular clamp system.
Application 5:
An I-Beam Connector Clamp makes a great trolley stop on your beam. It will need a separate plate for the space, but when the clamps are not busy holding the crane leg, they can certainly limit motion of the load trolley. Or, make so they are ready when you need them!
How To Get Free Plans:
As mentioned above, Free Plans are available for the I-Beam Connector Clamps. The product page shows a price, but use the Coupon Code also on the product page to get your plans for free.
Free Plans are available for a limited introductory time, so get them now, while the getting is good!
Enjoy the Beam Clamp Plans! — From your Mechanical Elements, Do-it-Yourself Mechanic.
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