Moving heavy shop equipment?

NickWheeler

NickWheeler

Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
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So it's usually done in small home shops the old school way, with pipes/round-stock as rollers and a "cheater bar."

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Some folks use those fancy machinery skates (VERY cool, but pricey at nearly $1k for a set of 4).

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Of course this is negating the idea of a large shop with a forklift or bridge crane.

Since I am in the midst of bringing in new, taking out old, and revamping the entire shop, this has been a topic at hand for me.

Luckily for me, I have two shop helpers that seem to just "snap their fingers" and make it happen! I thought I would take a moment to share! I am a VERY FORTUNATE man. :)


She's so strong, she doesn't even need rollers! :)

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Service with a smile! :)
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He's ready and willing to pull weight until the cows come home. The hardest part for him is the whole "finger snapping" bit. ;) :D

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Dogs are always loyal but the woman!!:eek:

So Nick I forget are you married? :confused:

If not you better marry her right away and if you already married her, hang onto her as she's a keeper. :thumbup::cool::D
 
You would be surprised what you can move with nothing but a 6' prybar. Not every piece of equipment works with rollers, and sometimes you can't get a forklift into an area.

My father in law (who I have seen pick up a heavy piano by himself, but that is another story) moved a 5,500 pound mill across 10-15 feet in under ten minutes with nothing by a prybar. Later another fellow moved a 4,700 pound lathe 5 feet the same way.

The power of leverage and human ingenuity can move surprising weights.
 
I have used the prybar method (called pinching) and it works very well. It can chew up your floor and knowing Nick it will drive you crazy. What we used to do at the machine shop I worked at was use a pallet truck or two. One under each end would pick up a mill easily and with a little coordination two of us could move it just about anywhere. We moved a 22x72 inch lathe that way. Move slowly and it works great. Now the old round bar rollers will work too. If I have a major renovation/remodel to do I just call my old boss and borrow his Hillman rollers and rent a forklift. I won't be redoing the shop anytime soon.
 
Yep, she is a doll, why do the ugly guys (except me) get all the great women?

Lots of my stuff is on benches with casters, I also use a engine hoist, the kind with the hydraulic cylinder, you can get one at harbor freight type joints for around $160. Get the one with the fold up legs, I still kick myself for saving a few $ and going with the rigid legs.

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Measure carefully so you know it will fit through doorways etc. Go slowly and make sure you'll be out of the way if there's a problem !
 
Nick if I had a helper like that get *NOTHING* done in the shop.

Im going to be installing a Beaudry #7 in the next month or 2, im going to do it the easy but destructive way, just knock a damn wall out and rent a crane for the day!
 
That is how i move my equipment. I have unloaded a big gorton and a deckel mill of trailors with pipes and come-along.
 
RMLamey said:
Nick if I had a helper like that get *NOTHING* done in the shop.

Im going to be installing a Beaudry #7 in the next month or 2, im going to do it the easy but destructive way, just knock a damn wall out and rent a crane for the day!
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Do it the REAL easy way and knock a hole in the ceiling then rent the crane :D

For moving my little hammer around I use one of the 2 ton cherry picker engine cranes, works great. The boom's adjustable, I had it set out for 1 ton:

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Haha! My thread was more tongue in cheek than anything, but I appreciate the serious responses too. Moving heavy stuff can be a real PITA!

Butch nailed it--- I've got some of the most expensive rolling stock in town ;) LOL. Mostly 1-3/4" W2 :)

The 100# LG is about 4,000lb. including the giant wood float it's sitting on, but it moves real easy with rollers and a bar. The Exacto that Angi's "pushing on" ;) is only about 1800, but still a challenge to move as there's no REAL easy access to get under it.

The lathe is about 1500-1600 and is sitting on a big, temporary dolly I made with industrial casters.

The one in the first pic is an old Cincinnati horizontal mill with a vertical attachment on it... that pig is about 5,000# and is a real bear to move! It's a short, squatty machine which makes for great rigidity for heavy cuts...but a pain in the behind to move!

Matt- I'm WAY jealous on the Beaudry!!! One of the best mechanical hammers out there (IMHO) Still wish I could get my hands on the pristine 150# they had at my old workplace!!!
 
Nick, (Please note that I didn't call you Mr. Whurler)

I really like the equipment in your shop, and I really like that good looking gal, but I want you to know that is one more fine looking dog.

I'm a dog-nut-zoid. I have two beautiful Boxers and two rescue Shi-Tzus. When I screw something up in the shop and say many unkind words about myself, my neighbors, the weather, or just anything.......... They always look at me with wagging tails. That makes everything "alright" again.

Robert
 
Thanks Robert!!! :)

We're still not sure if we will be able to keep him or not, but he has certainly carved a spot in my heart the 5 weeks he's been here.

IMHO, this is about as handsome as an animal can get! And he's got just as sweet of personality to match... :)
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Nick, keep on them about that Beaudry at some point some accountant is going to come to the conclusion its not making any money, then it will be sold off.

Great looking dog, has kind eyes.
 
RMLamey said:
Nick if I had a helper like that get *NOTHING* done in the shop.
!
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...so am I the only one to realize that nothing DOES get done in Wheeler's shop? Where are you now, Nick - three knives in six years?:D:D:D

-couldn't help myself, bro. Too easy!;)
 
Its always nice when you can count your machines by the ton :D :thumbup:
Keep your eyes out for A johnson bar Pretty handy and just neat....besides the big johnson jokes that come with it :jerkit::D
 
Matthew Gregory said:
...so am I the only one to realize that nothing DOES get done in Wheeler's shop? Where are you now, Nick - three knives in six years?:D:D:D

-couldn't help myself, bro. Too easy!;)
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It's all about image, he makes it SEEM like he get's so much done, but the reality is the opposite. :D
 
My real advice:

Quit rearranging that shop.

You have the important things in life a good dog and a good woman and a passion for your work.

Now, get a place with a big shop and a yard. Marry the woman, keep the dog and start making little Wheelers.
 
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