WNYPCRepair 1,875 #1 Posted December 22, 2015 I need some help with selecting a size for a beam for a lift. I have an 8' span, with the beam supported on each end, and a hoist will hang from the center of the beam. I am estimating the load to be lifted at 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. Thickness of the steel can be 1/4 max, preferrably 3/16. I had originally planned on a 2" square tube 1/8" thick walls, but worried that it may not be strong enough. Anyone have any idea? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 52,133 #2 Posted December 22, 2015 Give this a try. http://www.steelbeamcalculator.com/UserGuide.aspx 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 991 #3 Posted December 22, 2015 im not an engineer but been building structures for many years,i would not use the 2inch tube,but over an 8 foot span a guy could laminate 3 2 by 10,s and that will be strong,it would take a tremendous amount of weight to ever break that,in steel I would use a 8 inch I beam,again this is over kill but you would never bend that 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
