The Forestry Forum
General Forestry => General Board => Topic started by: trim4u2nv on September 05, 2012, 09:39:14 PM
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Rebuilding a 1844 porch with a trap door (flat) we would like to counterweight. Has anyone else done this to make opening easier. Size is 36 x 96 inches 2x6 framing topped with 3/4 inch pressure treated plywood and 5/4 x 6 PT deck boards. Have already put on 3 web hinges on the narrow end rated 500 lb each. We have 24 inches from the hinge to a stone wall to hang weights. Current ideas are to use a steel cantilever arm and cable suspended disc (barbell) weights. Have seen many jobs with gas shocks like you see mounted on a hatchback vehicle, but they seem to fail at the worst time.
(http://www.forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10357/stairsbanister.jpg)
http://youtu.be/zcYxSXz82EQ