Small, lightweight scissors jack

[RatLabGuy]

I have a youth team robotics application that necessitates lifting something about 8". The weight load isn't much, less than about 30 lbs, and the component being reasonably lightweight matters (in the end the thing will have to lift itself)
Something like a small car scissors jack would work perfectly - but that is much larger and heavier than we need. Has anybody seen a commercial thing like that, that's just scaled down and maybe made of AL (except for the threading rod of course)?

 

[braxton357]

How good are you with arduino programming or stepper controls? I've got this stepper motor slide table sitting in my office that I'd be willing to donate, otherwise if you got some drawings could 3d print or make out of AL some arms for a lift. I'm not the formost expert by any means but I've done a good amount of automation and never seen a baby scissor lift type

motion device.

 

[RatLabGuy]

I really appreciate it, but hat looks awfully big and we're not allowed to use any of the electrical stuff.
This is for FIRST Tech Challenge; the robot has to fit in an 18" cube at the competition start (can expand after start), and has to use motors and controllers that come for a select set of sources (Tetrix, Andymark, Rev, etc). So the electronics are off limits.

 

[shawn]

What about one of those aluminum floor jacks from Harbor Freight? I hear they go on sale sometimes, and they're a whole lot lighter than the steel ones.

 

[RatLabGuy]

What about one of those aluminum floor jacks from Harbor Freight? I hear they go on sale sometimes, and they're a whole lot lighter than the steel ones.

No hydraulics.

Plus - you're an asshole

 

[Chris_M]

Window regulator?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[jeepinmatt]

It should be simple enough to build a scissor jack with some aluminum bar, nuts, and bolts. And that would give you the opportunity to optimize it to your application.

 

[rodney eppes]

If it has to be smaller than a car scissor jack, you probably gonna have to make something, or modify a screw jack. Maybe something using a threaded rod & nut.

 

[Chris_Keziah]

This may works, only 6x6 footprint and 8.5" lifting capacity.
Lift Table Aluminium Oxide Lab Stand Lifter Scientific Scissor Lifting Jack Platform (6''x6'') https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKWNG5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1nzTBb0XS5PZR

 

[Fabrik8]

Get a small Acme screw and a few Acme nuts, and make the rest of the linkage.

 

[RatLabGuy]

This may works, only 6x6 footprint and 8.5" lifting capacity.
Lift Table Aluminium Oxide Lab Stand Lifter Scientific Scissor Lifting Jack Platform (6''x6'') https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKWNG5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1nzTBb0XS5PZR

I looked at those, that one doesn't say but the 4x4 version is only rated for 22lbs, which may be pushing the limits we need

Window regulator?
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Interesting idea. Will look into that.

It should be simple enough to build a scissor jack with some aluminum bar, nuts, and bolts. And that would give you the opportunity to optimize it to your application.

that's the backup plan.

 

[Chris_Keziah]

I looked at those, that one doesn't say but the 4x4 version is only rated for 22lbs, which may be pushing the limits we need

Similar one I found that was a 5x6 was rated at 50 pounds.

Honestly I'd prob build one like @Fabrik8 said

 

[rodney eppes]

You made me do it! Confused as to what you need, but here is a Toyota jack I have. It's 5.8 Lb., on my scales.

 

[drkelly]

Go to the junk yard and search the small cars trunks.