I checked the
book that I have (forgot to write down the title/author – its pretty generic). It notes that two key items in the
revolve are getting the
point of rotation at dead center, and getting the wheels exactly perpendicular to the diameter. For the center pivot, the example showed a short pipe bolted to the floor. A smaller diameter pipe connected to the
revolve fit into the large pipe. (There may well be some standard "hardware" for this.) I'm also under the impression that there in no weight bearing down on this center pivot.
To access and install this center pivot, the construction must be such that there are no structural members through the center
point of the
revolve. The text also implied that a built-up
stage floor is often used around a
revolve to hide the drive
system. The same text also implied that the cable driven systems are used on relatively small revolves, but the text didn't suggest other options either.
I suppose one could even mount the motor and wheel assemble under the
revolve such that the drive wheel was on the floor and pushed the
revolve around. But, it seems that the electrical cable could get twisted with that arrangement. And if something goes wrong with the motor/drive, it may act as a brake, preventing
manual operation.
Lubrication of that center pivot bearing will be needed and may make a mess of the floor below.
The
revolve will probably need a lot of wheels. Partly so that you don't have long spans, partly to minimize friction, and partly because the
revolve/set weight will be so heavy and each wheel assemble can only take so much weight.
Another detail that was not
clear at all was how to make the curved sides of the
revolve. (Okay, its probably standard carpentry, but its way out of my league.) If they bear the force of the drive mechanism, they will need to be sturdy and hold the circular shape.
Another thing to consider when you design this is how you will assemble it. Unless its highly modular, you may have to
build it in place. You'll have to have the wheels in place before you add the
platform/structure. Remember, the weight of this is going to be at least 1,000 lb, and probably more. If the wheels are to be added after its built, be sure to design the
revolve so that it can support itself if jacked up and blocked up on any
edge. (That's also
safety issue, working beneath it if its blocked up. Probably a really bad idea.) On the other
hand, if you take the modular approach, make sure you can fit the pieces onto your truck/through the door/up the steps (if built off-site) and that they are "light" enough to be handled by whoever you have to move them. More that I think about it, you probably need to assemble the wheeled frame and pivot first, then make sure it turns and that all the wheels are adjusted right, and then add the top
deck.
Joe