Hey folks, I’m working on a small home automation setup and I’m currently stuck choosing the right linear actuator. I’m automating a hidden cabinet lift in my living room, so I need something compact but strong enough to lift about 50 lbs vertically. The stroke length is another issue—I’m unsure how to calculate what I actually need. Anyone been through this before?
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Hey yeah, I’ve tackled a few DIY projects like this one, and I know exactly where you’re coming from. For your setup, you’ll want to focus on a few key specs: stroke length (how far the actuator travels), force rating (how much weight it can push/pull), and speed. When I built a motorized TV lift last year, I used an actuator with a 12" stroke and 150 lbs force—worked like a charm and was quiet too. You also want to think about mounting positions—some linear actuator allow for more flexible mounting, which is useful in tight spaces like a cabinet.
You can check out this collection of linear actuators, which has a pretty wide range of options depending on what you need:linear actuator
What’s cool is they include full datasheets and even CAD models, which really helped me during planning. Hope that helps!