Quote Originally Posted by 1money View Post
I am permanently installing 2 pieces of tubing on the ceiling with a traveling one between. Thank you for the replies.
Dear 1money, [Noting that I am a practical person, not offering professional advice!] my initial thoughts are that you should do a little more homework. Firstly, I suggest that 500lbs is too small a load for this project. One can foresee that much greater loads might occur, not just by the weight of an engine but also e.g. when an engine gets wedged while lifting, and suddenly you are trying to lift the whole front of car.
Secondly, for clarity, it is evident that you are planning a gantry as distinct from an engine hoist.
Thirdly, I would be much more comfortable using .250 wall thickness tube, than .120 wall thickness, because the second-greatest challenge is failure by twisting. Any hoist will encounter sideways forces, and failure by twisting is a real possibility.
If each end of the beam will simply sit on a buttress [as distinct from being embedded and cantilevered] I'd suggest a maximum of 10 foot span.
Enjoy the project!
Cheers,
BigPete