Pictures of mechanical Dumbwaiter?

15 years ago

We are building a new home with old-world look. We want a dumbwaiter - but not electric. It will be mechanical pulley system - pull the rope to move the car from floor to floor. I'd love to see pictures - anyone have one that could send photos?

Comments (7)

lucy
15 years ago
Hi - are you really planning to move the "car" from floor to floor :-)? My grandfather's house had a DW, but the problem of showing it to you (or at least a similar one) is that it's inside Âhe walls, and unless you can Google "images" of one, it might be hard for anyone to show you much about its structural aspects.
abnorm
15 years ago
How about an online book/reprint from 1909.....

Handy Farm Devices (and how to make them) By Rolfe Cobleigh

Chapter #3....."the step saving dumbwaiter"

http://journeytoforever.org/farm_library/device/devicesToC.html#contents
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lazypup
15 years ago
There is a very good reason why we hardly ever see a dumbwaiter in modern construction and before you specify one you better do your homework.

In most states a dumbwaiter is classified as a variation of an elevator and there are very strict laws concerning their installation and operation.

In most jurisdictions you have to apply for a special elevator license then the installation has to be done by a licenses elevator installer.

After it is installed you are required to have it inspected and renew the license annually.
old-fashioned
Original Author
15 years ago
lucy - picture from front with door open (what is opening size H & W?, what are inside dimensions side-side and front-back?), picture of the vertical rails (wood or metal?, on sides or in back?), picture of the rope (on sides or in middle?) would all be helpful. Structural stuff I can figure out. For the look, I'm hoping to copy some real (old) installations.

abnorm - if I can figure out how to find the book, I will definately take a look.

lazypup - I did check with building dept early on. The only real requirement mentioned at the time was self-closing door. I'll recheck.
abnorm
15 years ago
The book is Online....FREE.......I left you a link.....Try this.....Click on the link

Here is a link that might be useful: LINK
lucy
15 years ago
Old-F... I should have been clearer about what I said - my grandfather's house passed into others' hands many years ago and many, many miles away (now), and I seriously doubt the new people would have kept the DW in any case even if I were to have access, but it was a great old place at the time!
jegr
15 years ago
The other problem with a dumb waiter is that it is an open air shaft which is a fire hazard. You may need special closures to make it meet current safety standards. I run into similar problems when people want me to include laundry chutes when we are designing new wings for their houses.