[FTC]: Stabilizing scissor lift
 

Hey guys, we have a fairly short scissor lift, and we are trying to figure out how to stabilize it. We have thought of most of the obvious things and tried them, but our lift is still bendy.

Anyone have any creative ideas?

Thanks!

Re: [FTC]: Stabilizing scissor lift
 

Which parts are you using to build your lift? We have found that channels or any tubing work better than the flat brackets.

Re: [FTC]: Stabilizing scissor lift
 

Can you post a pic of your robot with the lift up right now? That may help to give advice!

Re: [FTC]: Stabilizing scissor lift
 

Unfortunately I don't have a picture now, and I won't be with the robot until Monday.

But, our lift is made of Tetrix flat bars. Through each end and the middle of each flat bar, there is a long 1.5" screw. But, there is another layer of flat bars about 3" away so the screws meet in the center. There they are screwed to a metal piece. There are also axel collars on each screw to keep the bars in place.

The base is fairly stable, it's just all the weight of the other bars/components/crates on top of the lift causes the lower bars to bend, especially during the lifting process.

Re: [FTC]: Stabilizing scissor lift
 

From what you describe that's a lot of weight. Tetrix is handy but have you considered aluminum 5/8" or 3/4" c-channel? You'd have to do some fabricating but it would be lighter weight and provide better lateral stability.