Title
Build An Engine Hoist

Author
FordBuddy390

Published
Saturday, May 1, 2010

This tutorial will show you how to build an engine hoist out of spare and scrap plastic. The hoist can be used to hold and display motors, or be used in a diorama.



First, you must find some scrap plastic and decide what you think would work the best. Long, skinny pieces work the best. This is the lot I chose. Keep in mind you must also look for something that will work for small roller wheels.



Here are the basic tools I use to make a hoist. A ruler, knife (your best friend while making this), clamps, plastic welding solvent (Tamiya Thin cement, Plastic Bondene, etc), a pair or sprue cutters or wire cutters, and the desired paints.



I began by breaking off strips that are a bit larger than 1/8". I then eventually glued those together, but we will get to that later. However thickness and shape are just preference. You could make this entire thing out or tubing is you wanted to. For now all you need to do is look at the graph and hoist that's labeled below and this should lead you right as far as the lengths go.



Here I have labeled the parts.



Here are the measurements of all the pieces you will need.



I had very thin material to work with so I will have to glue pieces together. Here is a mock-up of the basic shapes everything will come together as. As far as the small half-circular cylinder support, I cut that out of what's left of a plastic sheet.



I then glued all the pieces to create the support beams and legs. Now sand them down with a sanding stick or sand paper to get an even finish.



To create the upper support arm, all you need to do is glue the spacer on the main arm as shown. Then glue one end of the upper support arm and let it dry. Next bend the other end over the spacer, glue and clamp it.



To get the correct angles on the legs that go against the wheel support, stack them on each other and cut the angle on the end of both. This will ensure both are the same angle.



Glue them against each other and cut the mid-support arm to fit about 3/4" ahead or the rear wheel supports.



Now you can start assembling! You will need to cut the ends of the main arm at an angle so it will lean. Also on the other end so the upper arm will sit at a lifted angle. I find gluing the main arm and the main arm support work well at the same time. It allows you to see if it is straight and adjust if needed. At this time you will also want to glue the hydraulic piston and the hydraulic cylinder together.



Now glue the upper arm and the hydraulic assembly arm on. They both support each other for easy gluing!



Next I primed and sanded off as much imperfections I could. I then painted it a dark metallic blue. I let it sit and painted the wheels black in the meantime. I glued the wheels on, and painted the hydraulic piston silver. I added the chain and glued it using super glue gel. I then rummaged through my decals and found some warning labels and placed them on the hoist. There you have it! You now have an awesome engine hoist that you can use for display. Thanks for looking and good luck!