I'm building an engine lift and don't know what size I beam I should use. I plan to run a 13' span across but don't have any idea as to what size the I beam needs to be for this length run. I'd like this to support approx 1,000 pounds or so. Anyone have any suggestions?

9" works for me

lol,can you come over to help lift it into place??

I'm trying to stay as small as possible - for lifting reasons - and height restrictions - do I really need to go 9"?

use w8x28x13-0 depth is 8'' and weighs 28#s a foot then for your columns use hss 4x4x1/4 square tube.make sure you use bolt on connections so you can take down and move.

Sonic 28,
Thanks for the info - I just had someone size this up on a computer for me and they came up with W6x9x13 - 9#'s a foot - that seems like a huge difference??

pls post some pics when you get er done! im thinking about building one myself. thx, ratman

yeah, post pics when your done!

Here is a site that can give you some information you're seeking.
http://www.wallacecranes.com/index.htm

Great site! Thanks for all the info - looks like I can use 6" I beam based on this site too. I'm planning on sinking (2) 6 x 6's into concrete and then run the I beam across the top. I'll post some pics when it's all done - probebly in the next 30 days or so. Thanks again.