HA! My buddy had about the same idea....he's not a woodworker though he just wanted big screen, futon and beer storage! LOL
I've thought a lot about the weight issue. It seems to be built pretty sturdy, but I do want to take a closer look at what kind of weight it can actually support. The joists are 2x8, which I figure is a good sign. Its basically an A frame type of truss structure. What I don't like is the joists are two pieces and are scabbed together with those metal truss plates. I figure that's my week point, although I know those things are a lot stronger than they look.
I have a friend who is very knowledgeable in this area that's going to look at it for me. It wouldn't be too hard to put a header across that seem if I need to.
A lift would be cool, and I definitely need to add some kind of slick just because type of thing at some point! A lift, a secret passage, something! LOL
For dust collection is it really a huge deal having it on the second floor? I figured so many people seem to run their ducting overhead that it probably not a huge problem.
A 2x8 floor joist system won't support much weight over any large span. If the joists are spliced with truss plates, they are really just functioning as collar ties and can only handle minimal storage loads - not safe for occupant load IMO. The truss plates are strong under tension loads but don't resist bending loads.
The problem with education in the School of Hard Knocks is that by the time you're educated, you're too old to do anything.
Ha ha!
Its Alan Schaffter's--reposted just recently in another thread:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showpost...35&postcount=7