4x8 sheet storage and handling

[FlatironFabrication]

Hi everyone I just got my new 4x8 FastCut CNC setup last week and was looking for ideas on the best way to store and handle full 4x8 sheets, 16ga - 3/8.
I have a forklift for unloading my truck/trailer but unfortunately the mast is too tall to get inside my shop doors. I will likely be storing full sheets outside. Does anyone have a great idea for a covered rack?
What is the most effective way to move the sheets from my forks to the table? I was thinking of building a rolling cart to load with the forklift and then slide the sheet off onto the table once inside. Easily done with lighter materials but how is everyone handling the thicker sheets? Most days I will be working alone and would like some ideas on how to safely move these sheets myself with the least amount of effort.

[acourtjester]

you may check this out, fairly sure this is a member here slick fix

[FlatironFabrication]

That engine hoist idea is fantastic, thanks for posting this.
Very good idea and not much work to make up the chain brackets. My engine hoist is about 2 inches too tall to fit under my table. Looks like I also need to lower the base of my hoist.

[djreiswig]

I built a cart to store sheets vertically. Basically an angle iron frame with posts on the corners. I use a chain attachment on a cherry picker to move thicker sheets. Thinner ones I usually just move by hand.
To unload from my pickup I use 2 chains like the video posted above. Then I use my chain attachment to flip them and put them in the cart. I also use the attachment to load them on the table.
The thickest I've done this way is 1/2" 4x8.
It works really well.
Here is a post with pictures.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=29924&p=181875#p180911

[weldguy]

Brilliant, I have seen this done before but this build is like the Cadillac version. Great vid! Thanks for sharing.

[tnbndr]

This is what I did:

[acourtjester]

Well I would say you did a great job Dennis, could you supply a simple drawing or images of the hydraulic ram lifting assembly??

[adbuch]

Nice job Dennis! I like the fact that is stores away under the table, so it doesn't take up any extra room in your garage/shop. And you can probably just slide the sheets out of the back of your truck onto your portable storage cart. Thanks for sharing your work. A friend of mine recently bought a motorcycle lift from Harbor Freight - it doesn't look quite as nice as yours. We are using it for working on an old Norton motorcycle at the moment, but maybe later we can re-purpose it.
David

[tnbndr]

could you supply a simple drawing or images of the hydraulic ram lifting assembly??

Sorry, don't know how I missed this request. I really don't have a drawing. I more or less just cut out the original ram and had to move a cross bar in order to fit the air/hydraulic ram in place. I also upgraded the wheels and axles to carry the weight of sheet metal.
I have attached some pics I took along the way.

I like the fact that is stores away under the table,

I had to modify the LDR leg braces a bit to get it to fit under, no big deal. And yes, off my pickup truck to the Plasma table or to the storage table. One man job.

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[acourtjester]

Now that slick, with a little head scratching and measuring a guy could build one like that. HF as a 8 Tom air hydraulic ram with a longer stroke and has eyelets on either end for easy mounting.
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-ton-lon ... 56215.html

[tnbndr]

with a little head scratching and measuring a guy could build one like that

Yes, it wouldn't take a lot to build the whole thing.
If you watch Harbor Freight ads the lift itself lists anywhere from $199 to $499. I've seen the same lift listed in the same ad on several different pages for different prices!!!!
I bought the lift for $199 plus some discount coupons and the air/hydraulic ram for around $120 or so. I just wanted to save some time.