Rudi wrote:Jim, Rick:
Excellent. I see possibilities here... very doable. Next question, can I use the brackets and shafts (substitute sheaves or similar for the bearings) ??
I'm not sure I understand the question you are asking. Typically on overhead door hardware, the axle is peened to the inner race of the wheel bearing and the outer race is an integral part of the wheel or roller. So I'm not sure what use you could make of these parts if you don't use the C Channel.
The easiest way to make overhead trolleys is to use a 1/2" bolt as the axle. Get some cheap needle bearings, 1/2" ID and either 5/8" or 3/4" OD. Get sheaves having either 5/8" or 3/4" bore to match the needle bearing OD. For as little movement as this door will get, I'd look for the cheap cast aluminum sheaves/pulleys.
The bolt head is towards the building
a brass washer is slid on the bolt
the sheave with bearing is slipped on
another brass washer is slid on
the door hanger slides over the 1/2" bolt threads.
The brass washers act as a poor man's thrust bearing for lateral loads, and the needle bearing is the load support. By careful use of washers and spacers, you adjust the location of the door until it hangs straight down.
You will probably have no more than 3 doors and likely only have a pair. Using this setup with 1/2" bolts etc. will require 2 wheel/hangers per door. So we are looking at:
4 1/2" bolts that are "long enough"
4 1/2" needle bearings
8 1/2" brass washers
8+ 1/2" nuts
4 hanging straps bent to fit
Assorted washers and/or spacers.
Does this help? Or have I completely missed the boat, again?
Rick (Sidewalk Superintendent) Dulas