BilJax panel lift -Flintstone technology
Saw this subject come up in another thread, but didn’t want to hijack it, so I’m starting a new thread here.
I work alone. Recently had a 10′ clg. to rock with 5/8ths, so I rented a BilJax. All I could say is You gotta be kidding! The thing was like something out of the Flintstones. Or maybe based on a medieval torture instrument, or something. It weighed a ton, and was very cumbersome to manhandle (I had to get it up over a 15′ high second-story deck rail to access the job).
It is based on a winch with a cable (that keeps trying to bind). To reach a 10 ceiling, you have to use an extension. With the extension in place, you have to set the rock on hooks that are almost 5′ high. Very awkward. You set one end, and the thing acts like it wants to tip. Set the other end, and try to flop the rock over onto the thing, and it wants to roll away (oh yeah, set the brakes!).
If you have to lower it while the rock is on it (like to trim a little off, for example), it wants to come rushing down on you. The whole thing is held by a “ratcheting” sprocket with a thin bolt stuck between the socket teeth, very primitive.
To lower it, you have to free the bolt from the teeth. To do that, you have to raise it, a little. But if its tight to the ceiling, thats a pain in the arse.
Maybe its just ’cause I’m unfamiliar with it, but I hope I never have to use one again! Maybe the other manufacturer’s make a superior unit?
Replies
I borrowed a friends lift to put up 2900 square feet of 5/8" gyp on 10' ceilings. I don't think it was the brand you used. I would never want to be without one for a job like that, it's like having two extra hands.
Jaybird jogged my memory it was a telepro
Edited 4/7/2005 11:50 am ET by arrowpov
Telpro panel lift.....thing is a dream. If you do a search of these forums you`ll notice I`ve raved about it several times.
I`ve never worked with the Biljax, so I really can`t comment....but the Telpro is something else. Breaks down for easy transportation, requires no extension for ten foot ceilings (there is one available for higher), no need to raise in order to disengage lock when you want to lower it, wheels are spaced so that unit gets right up against wall.....I could go on.
I can`t beleive I worked so long without one. It paid for itself on the first job. Its actually faster and easier to rock a ceiling alone with this thing than with a helper.
ATTENTION FELLOW BREAKTIME MEMBERS:
If you`d like to discuss topics other than home building, come on down to the Woodshed Tavern. Great bunch of guys and gals letting off a little steam about everything and anything. Its not a special club, but.....as of Monday, March 14, the Tavern folder will go behind an access wall. Only those who request access to this folder by contacting [email protected] will be able to view and participate in discussions there.
Thanks Jay, Arrow & RW. I knew there had to be a better way! The Telepro & the Biljax look similar, but apparently there's a world of difference between the two. I originall tried to buy a telepro model from my drywall dealer for this job, but he sent me to the rental yard, said he couldn't beat their price. Turns out they sell the Biljax. So I thought I'd rent it first, to see how I liked it. Glad I did, learned a valuable lesson.
Theres only two right answers here. A telepro or Duane. The telepro has been covered. Duane is about 6'6", 320, and regularly hangs DW solo. He has no issues with a 12' piece of 5/8 on a lid unless someone tries to get in his way under the guise of helping him out. These poor souls I believe he eats before resuming his work.
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Whew, that second sentance gave me a pucker, till I realized you didn't mean me!!!
I refuse to hang more than one board on a 10' ciel. w/o a lift.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success, is not pleasing others, it is pleasing yourself"
Lifts take all the fun outta drywall over ur head .No more dropping the sheet after u and ur bud starts laffing( usually over why the can hole is on the wrong side) or that pleasent sensation of that lil button on top of ur hat burying itself in ur cranium as u hold up the sheet with ur head.
LOL...I have many a hat with that button cut off.
And that laffing is usually cuz one of us farted on the lift off and flip..
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success, is not pleasing others, it is pleasing yourself"
I can top that: I wore the hair right off the top of my head from doing that! Oh yeah, and the other matter: Did that just loading the sheetrock for the job, before I even started hanging.
Wait!
There's another brand of Panel Lifter. We get them at the corner of 6th and main where they assemble every morning at 6am looking for some Gringo in a pickup truck to stop and say ...!MUCHO TRABAHO!
They don't speak english, but if you point and grunt, they'll understand. Don't let them share thier food with you unless you like it hot. Comes out hot too.
They seem to recycle themselves, when they make a bunch of dinero, they go home and send replacements.