[TRed]

Looking at possibly building a table. Would like to have your solutions on placing material on the table without damaging anything. The largest piece would be 6' x 12' x .75" about 2200 lbs.

Would like to use a forklift but not sure how to lay on the table.

Thanks,
Tim

[digger doug]

I fixed/ran a torchmate 5x10, and even dealing with 1/4" plate full size, is a job.

I used a forklift to get it up and over the "back end" and laid wood rails down
to slide it down.

Major pain to keep from dinging the ways. After a couple of times I could see
where an accident will occur.

Buy the HarborFreight gantry crane at $700, it will do just what you need,
carefully and fully controlled "flying it in" and down onto the table surface.

[plasmamatt]

We use an overhead jib crane with a spreader bar and magnets. It works very well. You could also use your forklift in the place of an overhead crane and just hang the piece of steel from your forks with a spreader bar and magnets.

[TRed]

Thanks Guys

I think we will have to use the magnets and spreader bar to do it safely. The magnets while pricey are not as expensive as I thought.

[millman52]

I bolted a couple "standards" on the back side of my table. to help align plate parallel.. Carry plate in with fork lift I always leave apx 1' of plate extend beyond fork tips...... once carried over table lower & tip out till edge of plate makes contact with slats Then back out. Plate will slide down forks as you back out lowering second edge to the slats without any banging around. I Handle & place 4' X 12' A 1" A36 this way also 1 1/2" X 4' X 8' sheets.