Just to add to some of the suggestions on multi-stage lifts, Team175 (Buzzrobotics) has used aluminum square tubing, aluminum round tubing, as well as PVC for the stages. Provide enough clearance for Delrin bearings on the aluminum so there is no metal-to-metal contact between stages, and also reduces friction between stages. Instead of using metal cable, we use Spectra braided Cord (1/8" - 1050 lb tensile strength) Which has lighter weight, and allows for much smaller pulley radii, saving weight and space. In addition, we used a double drum-one side to wind up cord for lift, and the second to wind down for retraction of the lift, driven off the same motor. We install an encoder or a multi-turn pot to control lift movement, and put tensioning rubber bands on the cable ends to provide some extra length that is needed due to cord overlap differences on the drums. This also keeps tension on the cord so they won't come off the pulleys. Good Luck prototyping cable routing.
