Building an A frame type hoist.

[ENC]

Wow that is more than I expected. Is that considered like a working load or something more like break strength? For my needs I'm thinking 3000 pounds would be more than I ever asked of it. Probably gonna have more venison hanging off of it than anything else but I only want to build one.

 

[hlyautey]

The program calculates beam deflection. So long as the beam doesn't bend more than what is allowed for the load you have, it passes. I think you are safe to hang your 3000 pound deer.

 

[ENC]

Ha! That would be more than. 30 deer around here. Might have some engine to replace or move my welder though. Just thinking ahead.

 

[hlyautey]

The deflection will be less closer to the end. If you get nervous, just move over some.

 

[ETpilot]

If you build it cantilever style you get added strength. Fourteen feet is perfect for a 10' work space. I built a roll about gantry crane using a 14' 8" H beam. I have a 10' wide 10' high work area. Plenty strong for my needs. I never calculated any work load rating. I use it around the farm but mainly built it to pull an aircraft engine. Works great on aircraft. You can attach it then have plenty of space to walk around. Sure beats an engine crane that is always in the way.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I don't think it is a M shape based on the photo. The flange thickens at the web like the S shape (commonly called I beam) whereas the M shapes don't thicken where they join the web but remain the same thickness all the way across. See the details of the shape. I think it is an S shape but much smaller than the 25.4 # per foot. It should be stronger than a comparable sized M shape so your calculations should still hold if you selected the correctly matching dimensions of both flange and web.

 

[CNC Dan]

if you have an android phone,
there is this great app for beam loads called: epicFEM.

Has lots of common profiles including S, W, T and some euro profiles too.