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Ohio

Im thinking about taking a spare tire rim and welding on one big metal loop in the middle of the rim for where the main hook will go through when lifting and also use the holes that are already stock in the tire rim to run my straps though. I havnt tried this yet but i think a aluminum rim would work better and easier to lug around because of weight. Think this will work?

Also wanted to know what kind of straps most people use and how many,also how far do you try to space straps out when lifting pumpkin.

If this works I want the patten so dont steal my idea,lol,though its probably already been thought of Im sure.LOL

Thanks for any help,

Brooks

8/30/2005 6:17:01 PM

Ohio

Also,for the bottom part that goes under the pumpkin,Do you think if i cut off some mine belt and cut out holes around the edges to run my straps though that this would work?

Brooks

8/30/2005 6:20:52 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

...be careful juggling a tire rim above your prized fruit!
Duff

8/30/2005 7:55:14 PM

Ohio

Duff, Ill be making some modifcations to it with a cutting torch as well,so no worries there ether,lol

8/30/2005 8:52:11 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

I think a spreader ring might make it easier to attach to the ultimate lifting device by virtue of having only one lift point, but have used P&P's strap lifter w/o a preader with equall success, and no apparent fruit stress either!
Duff

8/30/2005 9:24:55 PM

Ohio

Duff, what size straps do you use and how many?

thanks Brooks

8/31/2005 10:38:35 AM

Spanish Ontario

HI BROOK,S the one i made is like a upsidedown ice cream cone the ring is 20 in,s across with 6 bar,s welded to ring an all welded at top i used cleves on used 8 straps 8 ft long with loop,s on bottom then used a strapwith a snap on both end,s hooked into 1 loop ran strap through each loop.when i went to lift pumpkin put strapunder pumpkin as far as possible anpulled it tightas possible then tiedit off straps shouldbe 1.5 in,s hope this helps KEN

8/31/2005 12:19:26 PM

Eugene, OR

Brooks, it's obvious by your comments that you have the know how to run a torch and a welder. Have you thought about just buying some flat stock and welding one up? The first one I made for myself cost me all of $20 bucks including straps. By the time you finish modifying a steel rim, you could have built one entirely from scratch. I used 1 1/2" x 3/8" hot rolled to make the entire ring. I took a piece of flat stock long enough for the circumference of the ring and welded one end to a steel table. Using the cutting torch, I heated the stock as I bent it into a circle, spot welding it to the table as I went. Once done, just grind the spot welds off and you have a ring. The "spokes" of the ring were the same material. If you know someone who can roll the flat stock into a circle for you, you'll end up with a nicer job but this works as well.

For straps, any junkyard will practically give you all the seatbelt material you want/need. If you or someone you know can sew, you'll have a custom set of straps for free. I tested the joints I sewed with a regular sewing machine with an inline tension gage last year and they didn't fail until well over 2000 pounds.....and that's just one strap!

There's nothing complicated about these rings and you can make it as simple or as fancy as you want. The lifting rings we all use are total overkill for the weight we're lifting but it makes us feel better about lifting our babies so we do it anyway :-) Good luck!

8/31/2005 12:24:25 PM

Ohio

Thanks Ken,thanks Brian, Only welding I had was in High School Brian, I took it in 11th and 12th grade and really just goofed around in shop class,lol. Nows when i wish I would of payed attention in class!!This is also why I get on my kids to listen and pay attention in school.
When I was a growing up in school all i cared about was girls and where we where going out on friday nights,lol. Nows when I wish I would have payed attention and regret not listening!!! Made it alot harder for me in college also,I still cant spell!!,LOL Anyone can pass high school and still only have the brain of a 6th grader,kids can get by in school believe me,IM LIVING PROFF!,LOLOLOL.Seriously Pay attention to your kids,I am the worlds worst speller but I made sure that didnt happen to my kids,they get A's on every spelling test just about.,,,,,,MAN DID I GET OFF TRACK ON THIS lIFTING RING OR WHAT??,LMAO

Brain, anyway, Ill try that,all I have to do is go pick up the tanks from a friends house,my neighbor down the road has a welder that he dont know how to use.That is also a great idea for the seatbelt straps,and Ken,thanks for telling me how the straps will run,that will give me a rough idea. Thanks again,
Brooks

8/31/2005 1:02:09 PM