So that's how they did it. I once visited a fun restaurant in Portland that had a table top move up and down slowly enough to not be noticed, that is, until your food and drinks were in a ridiculously high or low position. They also had an ultra-slow rotating top that was unnoticeable (until it wasn't anymore.) A good laugh.😂 Super clear video 👍
After spending thirty minutes looking for the parts online I finally looked here. Thank you for all the help and the instructional video. A big time and life saver!
I’m a techie and I’ve started to do some woodwork lately. I am building something like what you have and have been looking into a linear actuator or servo for the job. This is one of the best... I repeat BEST videos I’ve seen for quality of the video, audio, information, examples, etc. I’m definitely following after this video and going to try this out. Thank you!!!
Hey Techie, how would keep these synchronized so they don't bind up. His build using two will get out of sync and bind as soon as it's operated with more weight on one side of his bench than the other.
I'm building a standing desk right now and was struggling on how I was going to wire up the actuators to the rocker switch and the 12v DC convertor. This video really helped me out and I can I see it is really not that difficult. Thank you for making it simple for my simple brain. Thank you. Instant subscribe.
This was singlehandedly the most helpful video on linear actuators that I have found on TH-cam. It has helped build my confidence for a current project I have been working on, but wanted to automate a bit. Thank you!
Im a tech engineer woodworker on the side, I wanted to make a standing desk and was having problems deciding how to lift it, I wanted to make mine out of oak, this is perfect I will be buying your plans and altering for my desk. thanks!
Hi Tommy. I'm a finish carpenter here in the Bahamas and I like your explanation of the actuators, most definitely going to install in my future builds . Thanks
Nice and simple explanation of how actuators can be controlled. This system is an open control loop, as there are no feedback to see what speed the actuators are actually running at. Yes, a speed controller would make it possible to make two different actuators run at same speed. As long as the load are the same. If one really want to have them run with same speed, one need a closed loop, that is there has to be a feedback so that the system knows which speed each actuator actually run at. Because the speed are dependent on the load. So if you move a heavy weight, like a computer or stack of books, from one side to the other, they will run in different speeds. Then you need some simple controller, like the new Raspberry Pi nano controlling both actuator and reading how fast each are running, so it can adjust power or time that each run, adjusting for the changing load. Yes, in most cases that could be over complicated, compared to have two buttons that control each actuator separately, so the operator can adjust for changed loads. Then the operator provides the feedback of the system and are the one responsible of leveling the actuators. Or better, just use one actuator, and the problem with balance is removed all together. ;-)
I've absolutely no idea for using these in the future but I do know a great demonstration video when I see one !! Thank you for sharing and you are a natural at explaining in a very logical and sequential manner.
That's really nice to hear because I actually think I'm really bad at presenting and I have to do lots of editing to clean things up. I'm getting better :)
@DaveCline But isn't it great when you think of a new project, it'll have some movement, you'll think, By Jove! The answer lies in... Actuators! lol at least that's what happens to me. @TommyTompkins I too thought it was a great instructional video, glad you didn't try to talk over some TH-cam's "free license" background music. Audible - your voice comes across well, comprehensive but not overwhelming, begins at the beginning, knows how to stop at the end hahna. I'm brand new to Making and dying to automate everything but research first and this was a perfect place to begin. Thank you. PS: I sub'ed
Very informative, thanks for sharing. I want to build a sewing table for my wife and be able to have the sewing machine drop down out of sight and raise up to position. This video opened my eyes and really helped me understand how I’ll be able to make it happen. Thanks again, very well done!
Enjoyable, understandable and this guy doesn't TALK IT TO DEATH! (like some video makers!) Nice layout on the parts too. Liked the humorous (facial smirk) bit near the end.
I like how you show a close up of the switch! No bias here, I just think that the industry within the past was so bullshit with all thier terminology when really it's the product and how it opporates that gives a person the understanding of what's going on! So makes sence when you show that one switch going back to it's neatural setting as it won't keep the actuator going!
So incredibly helpful, concise and well explained! Thanks a million for this video. I’m a GC and a good part of my business is converting shipping containers. I am looking for a system for a moveable wall and am researching hydraulics vs linear actuators and your video was the deciding factor. These are much more simple than hydraulics and assuming I can find actuators with a large enough capacity, I’ll be using them. Thanks again, you’re awesome!
Thank you so much. This is the best video I have seen that explains linear acurrator and how to set it up. Many thanks. One question, what is the clips you used to connect the wires so there look like spade connectors and what is the wires. Cheers for this very informative video 👍
Dec. 13th 2020 just found your video, Awesome. LOL, I was about to ask the question using two of them do you have a matching problem, and you answered the question before I asked it. NOW that's a great presentation. Going to use this hiding my Porter Cable jointer in my work bench. Thanks so much.
@Tommy Tompkins FYI, I am an electrical engineer so I am only telling you this to protect your equipment. ALWAYS hook up the negative side first in electrical circuits. This way if you hook up the powerside electricity has a safe path to travel. While a 12 V System will not hurt you. The power-surge from improper grounding can burn up motors without any fuse protection. I also recommend some sort of fuse protect to protect the electronics. AC Power causes burst of power also, this can jump up to 140 volts at an instantaneous moment (With AC Power when you hear 120 or 110 it actually means the average voltage). If enough AC Power gets into the voltage divider circuits the this can increase greater than 12V of power which in turn increases the power through the circuits. This can in turn damage your motors and controllers (PCBs). I would research how much current is needed to power the motors and either use a poly fuse or normal fuse to protect. Poly fuses reset themselves on the next start up after the threshold current is met.
Reading post below are asking a lot of good questions. The length of wire and the amount of current determines the size of gauge of wire to use safely. There are many charts online to help with the size of AWG gauge. Remember as well, that a device, if rated for 2.5 amps, there is an inrush of current when first turn on, due to copper coils in the motor are cold, more current because less resistance. So, 2.5 amps maybe 3.0 amps for a second or less. This also help with sizing a fuse for circuit protection. Using a high end digital multi meter (DMM) like a Fluke 87 type 5, will measure 15 amps inside the meter with the newer fuses. Using two actuators in parallel adds to the amperage, so 2.5 + 2.5 = 5 amps, but add cold start current by measurement (Digital amp clamps are good & cheap) is the best way or guess using smaller fuses under a dead load. The dead load increases amperage requirements to start a heavier load to get moving. The "Speed Switch" is more likely a (PWM) pulse width modulation type. So these are a duty cycle type, example; 50% duty cycle is on half of the time & on half of the time, therefore you will expect half speed of the motor. Just note, the total amps required for your device, must be determined before you order the PWM speed controller so it does not fail due to higher amperage than it's rating. To be safe, purchase one with twice the current rating of the actuators / devices being used assembled in a real word project. Test, know, don't guess! The fuse is to protect the wires in the circuit and not the device. The device is designed to be change, while the harness is not. And for Harold Buford, people by habit, create tic's in there speak. I know a guy that says "On There" at the end of each sentence. Ah, Uh, Ums, You know...are all habits, a little annoying but it will not kill you. No ones perfect. Hopes this helps our fellow creator, inventors and wood-workers! A very tall eye lady eye doctor told me, that her husband & her both had counters in their house adjustable with actuators...it cost $14k extra. But how much is back surgery?
Thanks for the good points and thoughtful comments Dean! Back surgery isn't cheap, but boy am I glad I pulled the trigger on that one. I'm 100% back in action and enjoying every second!
Yeah! This gives me an idea. I've wanted one of those Veri- desks or what ever they are called. I do woodworking and I'm a draftsman. So I am used to the actuators on old school drafting desk, like the one you show. However, those Vera or Veri- desks are pricey! Anywhere from $400 to $800! Building my own with linear actuators sounds like a cheaper way to go. Thanks!
Great video. Now I have find a project to make use those guys. One big recommendation, though - don't use a 5 amp power supply to run two actuators. You want to have 25 to 30% overhead. I'd recommend an 8-amp power supply minimum. For three actuators, the 10-amp supply will be fine. Cheers! David (an electrical engineer, aka EE) Remember, you can't spell "geek" without a double-E.
One of my hobbies is boat building, and after seeing this, I just might use a linear actuator to engage and dis-engage the drive system on my next project. It would be awesome to engage drive (or reverse) by pressing a button. Might use them for other things too. Thanks for directing my attention to these.
Great Video, Looking to build the same sort of desk you made; regarding the power supply, when looking to connect the power supply to the switch, would you just remove the end piece they have on it to splice it?
Is there a brand you recommend now? I'm planning on making the head of my bed adjustable instead of buying an adjustable base. It's on a short wood loft bed with 4x4 corners and 2x4 bracing. My bed is laying on plywood and I was going to use hinges for the bend. If the 2x4 brace doesn't work, I might try some metal angle iron.
awesome Video! thanks so much! If I was wanting to control it with a timer instead of a switch, I would just replace were the switch is with the timer? Or would I put the timer between the power supply and the relay that I have?
So that's how they did it. I once visited a fun restaurant in Portland that had a table top move up and down slowly enough to not be noticed, that is, until your food and drinks were in a ridiculously high or low position. They also had an ultra-slow rotating top that was unnoticeable (until it wasn't anymore.) A good laugh.😂
Super clear video 👍
After spending thirty minutes looking for the parts online I finally looked here. Thank you for all the help and the instructional video. A big time and life saver!
I’m a techie and I’ve started to do some woodwork lately. I am building something like what you have and have been looking into a linear actuator or servo for the job. This is one of the best... I repeat BEST videos I’ve seen for quality of the video, audio, information, examples, etc. I’m definitely following after this video and going to try this out. Thank you!!!
Thanks for the kind words!
Hey Techie, how would keep these synchronized so they don't bind up. His build using two will get out of sync and bind as soon as it's operated with more weight on one side of his bench than the other.
I'm building a standing desk right now and was struggling on how I was going to wire up the actuators to the rocker switch and the 12v DC convertor. This video really helped me out and I can I see it is really not that difficult. Thank you for making it simple for my simple brain. Thank you. Instant subscribe.
This was singlehandedly the most helpful video on linear actuators that I have found on TH-cam. It has helped build my confidence for a current project I have been working on, but wanted to automate a bit. Thank you!
Great to hear! Glad the video helped you.
Ditto
I highly appreciate your presentation style! Please continue making these educational videos!
Thank you!
YOU ARE AWESOME and just opened my builder world UP 💫
Let the magic of move-making erase the need to explain why something doesn’t go the way you wanted. Good job on the video!
This is really perfect whan using a large TV or Monitor & you want it to go back & forth relative to your distance. ❤
Im a tech engineer woodworker on the side, I wanted to make a standing desk and was having problems deciding how to lift it, I wanted to make mine out of oak, this is perfect I will be buying your plans and altering for my desk. thanks!
very well presengted and gave me confidence to start playing with actuators. Thanks
Mate, thank you! You made this so easy to understand and demystified the whole idea.
Hi Tommy.
I'm a finish carpenter here in the Bahamas and I like your explanation of the actuators, most definitely going to install in my future builds .
Thanks
Very helpful...I wasn't sure where to get ones that weren't so noisy...Sounds like an alternative...Thanks for posting this video!
Glad it was helpful!
Exactly what I was looking for for a loft bed project. Thank you !
Any update on your project? Would love to see your progress!
This is my friends dad I just was him
The best explanation I have found. Thank you so much. You helped me on my project. Thank you!
Nice and simple explanation of how actuators can be controlled.
This system is an open control loop, as there are no feedback to see what speed the actuators are actually running at. Yes, a speed controller would make it possible to make two different actuators run at same speed. As long as the load are the same.
If one really want to have them run with same speed, one need a closed loop, that is there has to be a feedback so that the system knows which speed each actuator actually run at. Because the speed are dependent on the load. So if you move a heavy weight, like a computer or stack of books, from one side to the other, they will run in different speeds.
Then you need some simple controller, like the new Raspberry Pi nano controlling both actuator and reading how fast each are running, so it can adjust power or time that each run, adjusting for the changing load.
Yes, in most cases that could be over complicated, compared to have two buttons that control each actuator separately, so the operator can adjust for changed loads. Then the operator provides the feedback of the system and are the one responsible of leveling the actuators. Or better, just use one actuator, and the problem with balance is removed all together. ;-)
Thanks for the great video,now I finally understand everything about it,greetings from Belgium(Europe) 👌🏻
Excellent video and presentation! I don'thave any project at the moment, but now I will create one.
this is just the video I have been looking for - thanks for making it.
EXACTLY the video I needed. Thanks a lot Tommy!
5yr old video but absolutely BRILLIANT, thank you 🙋
Love how you explained everything !
Great explanation, quite simple and straight to the point. Regards from Costa Rica
Thank you so much I was trying to figure out how to get different size actuators to sync up at finish! The speed controller is what I needed.
Glad the video helped!
Me 2
Casey's model is an excellent visual resource :) :) :)
Hahaha yes, yes it is :)
I've absolutely no idea for using these in the future but I do know a great demonstration video when I see one !! Thank you for sharing and you are a natural at explaining in a very logical and sequential manner.
That's really nice to hear because I actually think I'm really bad at presenting and I have to do lots of editing to clean things up. I'm getting better :)
@DaveCline But isn't it great when you think of a new project, it'll have some movement, you'll think, By Jove! The answer lies in... Actuators! lol at least that's what happens to me.
@TommyTompkins I too thought it was a great instructional video, glad you didn't try to talk over some TH-cam's "free license" background music. Audible - your voice comes across well, comprehensive but not overwhelming, begins at the beginning, knows how to stop at the end hahna. I'm brand new to Making and dying to automate everything but research first and this was a perfect place to begin. Thank you. PS: I sub'ed
I agree that the presentation was well done, it was very informative and will help me when I use actuators for raising and lowering a TV unit.
Thank you for this great video. Now understand some more thinks because you explained and show it easyli
Very informative, thanks for sharing. I want to build a sewing table for my wife and be able to have the sewing machine drop down out of sight and raise up to position. This video opened my eyes and really helped me understand how I’ll be able to make it happen. Thanks again, very well done!
Awesome video. I’m an electrical noob. I really feel like I learned a lot from this video. Thanks for making it!
Glad you liked it!
Enjoyable, understandable and this guy doesn't TALK IT TO DEATH! (like some video makers!)
Nice layout on the parts too. Liked the humorous (facial smirk) bit near the end.
Glad you enjoyed it Larry!
Excellent content. Thank you for putting this. I have been going in circles trying to figure this out. Not any more. :) Thank you
Great video. Helped me out completely with my aquarium stand project. Thanks
This was sooo helpful, I want to build a desk for my fiance actually excited now
Very helpful!!! Now I understand it way better!!!!!!! Thank youuu really appreciate this!!!!
I like how you show a close up of the switch! No bias here, I just think that the industry within the past was so bullshit with all thier terminology when really it's the product and how it opporates that gives a person the understanding of what's going on! So makes sence when you show that one switch going back to it's neatural setting as it won't keep the actuator going!
Hola... Muy buen video. ...Gracias por enseñarnos tus conocimientos.. Ya m suscribí... Saludos desde Bolivia
So incredibly helpful, concise and well explained! Thanks a million for this video. I’m a GC and a good part of my business is converting shipping containers. I am looking for a system for a moveable wall and am researching hydraulics vs linear actuators and your video was the deciding factor. These are much more simple than hydraulics and assuming I can find actuators with a large enough capacity, I’ll be using them. Thanks again, you’re awesome!
Great, glad I could help!
Thanks so much, this was very simple and helpful. I learnt alot from this video. Please do more of this kind of video 😅😅😅....
Excellent demonstration, and offers so many options, both for furniture applications and more!
Thank you, and yes I agree that there are many applications that span beyond furniture.
Thank you so much. This is the best video I have seen that explains linear acurrator and how to set it up. Many thanks. One question, what is the clips you used to connect the wires so there look like spade connectors and what is the wires. Cheers for this very informative video 👍
Excellent tutorial of basics of actuators and the wiring involved. Thanks
Great pains you & your wife has taken, greatly appreciated 👍
Excellent teaching! I can’t wait to create my standing desk.
Thank you!
This was a really good explanation. Thank you!
Great job! Who in the world would thumbs down this?
Thank you! I always wonder about the mind set of somebody that takes the time to thumbs down a video.
Man you just answer so many questions thank you for sharing 👍👍👍
Tommy, great video!!
Thank you for this easy and simple video to understand. =]
Great demo. Thanks for taking the time to do it.
great demonstration. thank you very much
Awesome video.Thanks for sharing!
i have to click the like button for your explanation sir....
Thank you sir!
I really needed this today. I almost gave up on making my bed move up and down in my van.
Thank you. This is a very informative video for the basics. This has put me on the right track.
You're welcome. Glad the video helped.
Dec. 13th 2020 just found your video, Awesome. LOL, I was about to ask the question using two of them do you have a matching problem, and you answered the question before I asked it. NOW that's a great presentation. Going to use this hiding my Porter Cable jointer in my work bench. Thanks so much.
Wonderful explanation/demonstration. Thanks for taking the mystery out of linear actuators.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!
That was very helpful, thanks for taking the time. I'm about to install my first linear actuator and this has clarified a lot. Thanks!
Great presentation
Thank you! Clear, quick, to the point. Much appreciated.
Very concise video. Thank you!!
I love finding local TH-camrs! Great vid!!
I love the sound of these things make. I would buy one just for the sound!!! Fully James Bond Shxt!!! Haha
Great video . Thanks .
Thx a lot man. God bless all ur family.
@Tommy Tompkins FYI, I am an electrical engineer so I am only telling you this to protect your equipment. ALWAYS hook up the negative side first in electrical circuits. This way if you hook up the powerside electricity has a safe path to travel. While a 12 V System will not hurt you. The power-surge from improper grounding can burn up motors without any fuse protection. I also recommend some sort of fuse protect to protect the electronics. AC Power causes burst of power also, this can jump up to 140 volts at an instantaneous moment (With AC Power when you hear 120 or 110 it actually means the average voltage). If enough AC Power gets into the voltage divider circuits the this can increase greater than 12V of power which in turn increases the power through the circuits. This can in turn damage your motors and controllers (PCBs). I would research how much current is needed to power the motors and either use a poly fuse or normal fuse to protect. Poly fuses reset themselves on the next start up after the threshold current is met.
This is a great video Tommy, well done!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Reading post below are asking a lot of good questions. The length of wire and the amount of current determines the size of gauge of wire to use safely. There are many charts online to help with the size of AWG gauge. Remember as well, that a device, if rated for 2.5 amps, there is an inrush of current when first turn on, due to copper coils in the motor are cold, more current because less resistance. So, 2.5 amps maybe 3.0 amps for a second or less. This also help with sizing a fuse for circuit protection. Using a high end digital multi meter (DMM) like a Fluke 87 type 5, will measure 15 amps inside the meter with the newer fuses. Using two actuators in parallel adds to the amperage, so 2.5 + 2.5 = 5 amps, but add cold start current by measurement (Digital amp clamps are good & cheap) is the best way or guess using smaller fuses under a dead load. The dead load increases amperage requirements to start a heavier load to get moving. The "Speed Switch" is more likely a (PWM) pulse width modulation type. So these are a duty cycle type, example; 50% duty cycle is on half of the time & on half of the time, therefore you will expect half speed of the motor. Just note, the total amps required for your device, must be determined before you order the PWM speed controller so it does not fail due to higher amperage than it's rating. To be safe, purchase one with twice the current rating of the actuators / devices being used assembled in a real word project. Test, know, don't guess! The fuse is to protect the wires in the circuit and not the device. The device is designed to be change, while the harness is not.
And for Harold Buford, people by habit, create tic's in there speak. I know a guy that says "On There" at the end of each sentence. Ah, Uh, Ums, You know...are all habits, a little annoying but it will not kill you. No ones perfect. Hopes this helps our fellow creator, inventors and wood-workers! A very tall eye lady eye doctor told me, that her husband & her both had counters in their house adjustable with actuators...it cost $14k extra. But how much is back surgery?
Thanks for the good points and thoughtful comments Dean! Back surgery isn't cheap, but boy am I glad I pulled the trigger on that one. I'm 100% back in action and enjoying every second!
How these things operate has always been a mystery to me until now............ thank you
I needed this video 12 months ago. Thank you so much for the knowledge, now I have some furniture to take apart & rebuild :)
Ha! Well at least you'll have some fun doing it :)
BRILLIANT &&&&& Extra ordinary explanation Thank you very much for sharing BYE from INDIA Love
Thank you!
Bless you and your wife.
new education to my ear!! Good teaching.
Thank you.
Yeah! This gives me an idea. I've wanted one of those Veri- desks or what ever they are called. I do woodworking and I'm a draftsman. So I am used to the actuators on old school drafting desk, like the one you show. However, those Vera or Veri- desks are pricey! Anywhere from $400 to $800! Building my own with linear actuators sounds like a cheaper way to go. Thanks!
Great video. Now I have find a project to make use those guys.
One big recommendation, though - don't use a 5 amp power supply to run two actuators. You want to have 25 to 30% overhead. I'd recommend an 8-amp power supply minimum. For three actuators, the 10-amp supply will be fine.
Cheers!
David (an electrical engineer, aka EE)
Remember, you can't spell "geek" without a double-E.
Well, if an electrical engineer says so, I'll take your advice. Thanks!
Thanks for the info david!
Awesome video and gives me a bit of insight on how to use this linear actuator a friend gave me.
Thanks! What do you plan on doing with your actuator?
That's perfect for a project of mine. I really thankful ! 😀👍
Wonderful!!!! Exactly what I have been looking for!!!! Thank you so much!!!
Thanks for sharing brother God bless you
One of my hobbies is boat building, and after seeing this, I just might use a linear actuator to engage and dis-engage the drive system on my next project. It would be awesome to engage drive (or reverse) by pressing a button. Might use them for other things too. Thanks for directing my attention to these.
Nicely explained video. Sir can we install hall sencers to stop actuator at desired position at both ends ei retracted and extended. Thanks
An excellent teacher
Great Video, Looking to build the same sort of desk you made; regarding the power supply, when looking to connect the power supply to the switch, would you just remove the end piece they have on it to splice it?
The power window switches in old Chevy trucks (pre-97) are DPDT momentary switches as well.
Great simple video mate. Thanks heaps.
So informative this is a game changer for my project
Glad to hear it!
This video was FANTASTIC! I just realized I wanted to learn about these, and stumbled across this. thank you!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome video. Is there a way the jig can be made without a drill press?
As an old electrician, I would suggest connecting the power last not first. Otherwise, very good info. Just subscribed, too.
Good suggestion. Thanks for the sub!
Is there a brand you recommend now? I'm planning on making the head of my bed adjustable instead of buying an adjustable base. It's on a short wood loft bed with 4x4 corners and 2x4 bracing. My bed is laying on plywood and I was going to use hinges for the bend. If the 2x4 brace doesn't work, I might try some metal angle iron.
Great demo. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Nice explanations, clear et concise. I understand now! Great, thanks.
Great video. Very clear and helpful!
Thank you for a great introduction to these things, I feel tempted to make something silly/useful with them now :).
You're welcome. Build something silly or useful!
awesome Video! thanks so much! If I was wanting to control it with a timer instead of a switch, I would just replace were the switch is with the timer? Or would I put the timer between the power supply and the relay that I have?
wow this exactly what i needed! thanks so much and great job of keeping it simple and so clear.
Glad it was helpful!
Not sure what I would ever use one of those for but that was great info & very well presented. Thanks for posting.................
Thanks! Actuators make things more fun. I'm sure you can find a fun project to use them with.
Pure class mate
Supper helpful thank you so much. I’m working on a project to make a nightstand or desk that has a secret pop up compartment.
This was exceedingly helpful. Thanks!
Glad it helped you. Thanks for watching!