Moving a heavy lathe

Fizzy,

Get hold of some flat sheets of steel, 6' x 2', four lengths that you can lay on any uneven surface, grass, concrete etc to give you a smooth surface for your rollers/wheels or hire a set of machine movers.

Martin P

thanks - I have 4 strong blokes and a transit, going to be tough!

As has been said above, lathes are generally very top heavy! what I have done in the past is to remove the chuck, compund slide and tool post, and the tailstock, which reduces the top heaviness as much as is easily possible. I also remove any sticky out bits like handwhell handles or gearbox levers. I did not have the opportunity to unbolt either of my lathes from a stand, and if I had, I certainly would have done. I have used an engine crane in the past to both lift and move machinery, but I lift and then lower the machine onto two or three timber baulks placed across the legs of the crane, leaving some tension on the slings, then pull it rather than push it! If you are going over concrete, sweep it well first with a good stiff brush, and make sure the crane wheels are perfectly free and well oiled. if the concrete is rough, use a couple of sheets of shuttering plywood and rollers. If you have to traverse grass, or paths too narrow for the crane, use two scaffold boards slightly wider apart than the width of the machine, and use rollers. Always wear gloves and take your time!

phil