Shop wireing Question
 

I have a pressure wash tank to clean the shocks
the problem it the cover is so heavy that I can no longer open it. :eek:
I want to put on a piston off a snow plow to open it using the 12V pump unit is there a converter that I can switch the DC requirements to AC so I can use shop power on this pump ?? :confused:

THANKS

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

I do not have an answer for your question but I am wondering if you could rig something simple like putting a handle on the lid and using a simple ratchet strap or similar to open the lid or rig a handle to gain leverage.

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

Depending on the current draw requirements of the 12Volt pump, you could run it directly from an automotive battery charger, or just buy a 12 volt auto battery and run it directly from the battery and just recharge the battery when it gets low.

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

Bill:

How about a simple block and tackle set up? They can really help when trying to light something heavy. Hang it over a rafter right about the tank lid.

Tim

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

you need a RECTIFIER to convert AC to DC voltage. DD

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

If it is the cylinder that lifts the plow it takes enough power that a converter to run it would be $$, a less expensive way to power it would be a battery and small charger, another option would be a liner actuater --- something like this
http://www.mcmaster.com/#electric-actuators/=ve3zzp --

or perhaps some gas struts like used to hold hoods up on modern cars
http://www.mcmaster.com/#electric-actuators/=ve3zzp

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

As stated previously, car battery kept on a trickle charger.

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

The older hydraulic pumps were driven off engine, could be driven with electric motor.
Get the control valve off old plow truck for your up and down.

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

Kurt is right......a rectifier that is capable of handling the current load that you're probably considering will not be cheap. Can you post a picture (or a name and model #) of your pressure wash tank lid and maybe we can come-up with another more-workable solution for your situation. DD

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

How about cylinders as used on modern automobile hoods or SUV back doors and windows. No electricity needed. Or does the lid need to go both up and down without assist from the operator? You have shop air how about an air cylinder and a hand valve or foot operated valve?

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

Check out local bicycle shops and look at the pulley system for lifting bicycles up to the ceiling and out of the way. Maybe something could be adapted. Or maybe just a couple of small pulleys from the local hardware store.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

Bill - sent you a PM

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

cable to a pulley to a foot peddle

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

How about making a lighter cover? I think that might be the easiest solution. Maybe a sheet of aluminum or plastic. Then again I may not be picturing what you have.

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

Bill, here is a picture of the electric motor and ram from an old power lift chair.
I put an ad in craigslist, that i needed an old power lift chair that works, but
the upholstery could be shot and not worth recovering. I got a couple old
power lift chairs given to me, just to save them from a trip to the dump.

Just plug them in, and push a remote button for up or down.
I am going to make can crushers out of them, as they are very powerfull,
and one ram has 7" of travel, and one ram has 8" of travel.


Click on picture to Enlarge.
.

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

I'm thinking deep cycle battery and one of those lift gate pumps.

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

I would think you should be able to come up with some simple counter balance system. Just a couple of pulleys, rope and a weight close to the weight of the lid.

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

One other option is an air operated ram either power in and out or just out and let the weigh of the lip depress the ram when you open the valve assuming you already have a compressor in the shop. Just a thought.

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

Can you not counter balance the weight of the lid with a weighted arm or arms attached to one or both side of the lid with the weight behind the hinge?

Re: Shop wireing Question
 

If everything else fails go to Autozone or any parts store and get you a couple of spring loaded cylinders that is used on trunk lids and some hoods and install on each side of the lid to help open it.