Garage door opener rail for a launch rail.

Just had to replace my garage door opener. The old rail is about beefy aluminum I beam 8'6", three piece, and slotted. The slot opening is 3/8 wide and 1/8 thick T slot. The more I look at this thing the more I think that its begging to be used as a launcher with flyaway rail guides. Maybe a touch bit of filing on the inside of the transition from one piece to the next but the shuttle slides through pretty smooth. I did a search in the forums but didn't come across any one using garage door rails for launches. For a Big Daddy, Stretched Daddy and Super Big Bertha on Ds/Es and portability, it may work. Just need a base plate and a spreader at the top to secure it vertically. Has anyone gone that route?

Sounds interesting, pics?

This is what I've got to work with

Pic of the shuttle? Definitely looks like you could mate it to a Rockwell Jaw Stand and pretty much be done with it.

I was hoping you hooked up the door opener so you could remotely raise/lower the rail for......reasons?

Nytrunner said:

I was hoping you hooked up the door opener so you could remotely raise/lower the rail for......reasons?

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That was an after thought but the motor going out is the reason I had to swap it all out. Could still do it with a 12v starter mounted with a pulley though......!

dhbarr said:

Pic of the shuttle? Definitely looks like you could mate it to a Rockwell Jaw Stand and pretty much be done with it.

Click to expand...

I forgot about the jawstand. Thank you. The shuttle I was referring to is the plastic slider plate that connects to the garage door arm. Thought about trimming it up to minimize weight and use fly aways or pop off for launch!

It will work. It is basically a C slot rail or t-shaped slot.