Light weight floor build

[jjkoolman]

Hey guys,

Finally have a free second to post my sim build. We recently built a new home with a 4 stall garage, with one of the stalls' dedicated to my sim. The floor is heated so I wanted to be able to try to not "insulate" myself out of having that benefit and also be able to raise/move the floor platform out of the way for when I don't use the sim as much in the summer.

Here are some pictures of the build. I used 2x2's to form the backbone to try to save weight and then used 2'x4' greenhouse plastic bench tops for the floor. This allows air flow and is also very sturdy and not terribly more expensive than plywood. I am able to lift the floor myself when I roll up the putting green, but have since added a winch to leave the putting green attached. Let me know thoughts/comments! Thanks to this whole forum for ideas for the build.

[Kmurray]

Well done , that looks great and an innovative approach.. I like your GC2 slide mechanism too. Is it timber with ss rod and linear bearings?

[jjkoolman]

Kmurray - the SS rods and bearings are attached to some leftover tongue and groove flooring that I had laying around. It was the thinnest material I had that would hold a screw and not elevate the GC2 to much, but also allow it to slide back and forth. Works perfect! Thanks for the kind words.

[Kmurray]

Great, the slide mechanism looks really good, can I ask what dimension of ss rod you chose , and the travel distance that you achieved . The rods look quite slender in the photo and am interested in the amount of bow if any ?
I am looking at building something similar and am interested in the span aspect because I want to try to accommodate HMT also which would up the weight on the tracks and the bow in the rods.
Thanks for your reply.

[jjkoolman]

This is the shaft I used - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
TEN-HIGH Linear Shaft CNC parts kits 2pcs 1000mm 39.37inch Steel Linear Shaft

The bow isn't to significant as a tiny bit of weight is supported by the floor since it brushes the top of my turf. When I pick it up on both sides and the unit is in the middle it will bow maybe 1/2"-3/4". I think my travel distance is about 30 inches total.

[Smudge7204]

Could you provide a link to the 2'x4' greenhouse plastic bench tops also what would you estimate the weight of the floor? I have a golf sim in my garage and with winter coming i was looking for something to roll the turf onto without going on the dirty floor. Mine is not as permanent so need to come up with a lightweight option

[jjkoolman]

Smudge7204 - These are the ones I went with - https://www.berryhilldrip.com/24-x-4...d-Nursery.html

[Gman17]

A very nice and creative build! Congrats and enjoy!!!

[blitz12]

That is really cool. I have not seen a build like that one yet!

[jjkoolman]

Thanks! I thought it turned out well!

[Sloped]

Great build. What did you use for hinges and are they recessed to stay flat on the floor?