Backstory: My wife and I are officers in the Navy. I’m getting out to pursue furniture making and to be a stay at home dad. However, since the wife is staying in we will still have to move every 3 years or so. This poses a significant problem with my workshop since disgruntled Navy movers won’t move the equipment and would probably destroy it if they did.
I already have plans worked out to move everything in the shop except the bandsaw, an 18″ Powermatic. I’m going to have to fit it into a u-haul trailer, though, which means getting the bandsaw on its side without damaging the tool or killing myself. I’ve worked out a sled and caster design that will mount to the spine of the saw while preventing tipping and twisting. The problem lies in tilting the saw back onto the wheels. A chain hoist will handle the hefty weight, but I don’t know how to mount it without cracking the joists in my garage. I’ve found a mobile gantry rated for 1 ton that will work, but I would prefer not spending the $700.
Any engineers out there who can recommend a way to hoist an 800lb bandsaw?
Replies
Was the 700 bucks the cost of the gantry or the rental fee? Is there not some kind of nobile hoist used for car engines that you could rent? How about a fork lift? Don't know about the Powermatic but could it be broken in half like my little Delta14, where you put the riser blocks in? Thank you both for your service to our country, you deserve better than the advice I have come up with. Good luck.
significant problem.. since disgruntled Navy movers...?
"a significant problem with my workshop since disgruntled Navy movers won't move the equipment"...
Thank you for a good belly laugh to start my day!
Old Army grunt here and if a Officer told us to do something, almost anything, we did it. Like it or not!
I suppose times have changed in the military, but we often did 'favors' for officers such as your task. Hell, for a free beer or two, anyone could get 'workers for a project' whatever their rank. A little hard to get heavy equipment 'off base' but that could be arranged if really needed. Four or five 'in shape' men could easily do it by hand without getting anyone hurt. They are use to working together as a team.
I do not recommend it.. I do not recommend it... However, I had to do that same years ago with my Ricon 18" bandsaw and I was about 62? years old at the time. I had to get it down a long driveway, uncrate it, tip it down so I could clear the garage door and then raise it back up again. I did have help from my neighbor who was about as old as I was.
I made a take apart 'A' frame lift from common construction lumber and used a ratchet type wire puller. Sort of like in the following link. My take apart 'A' frame was made from doubled up 2X6 with a 3/4 inch plywood center core. Frame and hardware cost me about $100.00. I use it for many things.
http://www.csnstores.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=IRC2347&PiID=2939702
I was a tank recovery mechanic (Pro-Pay) so I know a 'bit' about lifting very heavy objects. My bandsaw has a lifting ring at the top of the frame that is sort of at the center of gravity. I have no idea if your bandsaw has a lifting ring. Lifting was very easy.
My machine was a.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M88_Recovery_Vehicle I would sure love it if you could arrange for me to help you out with my old recovery vehicle.. I wonder IF I would remember how to drive/use it? May take a hour of practice.
You HAVE to be very careful, VERY CAREFUL... as the load 'tips over' the center of gravity.. As in the load if lifted to vertical and it wants to go the other way (down again). If the 'A' is too narrow at the footing, the load... WILL TIP THE FRAME (front or back) and then disaster! BE safe and just get a few friends to help you!
I was never a stay at home father but I babysitted my two adopted grandaughters for about 6 years (overlapping). What a joy! But, then again, I only had them for about 10 hours a day, six days a week... Not like a normal mother! I got some free time....
I'd think you will have very little time in 'shop'!
I forgot! You said "which means getting the bandsaw on its side".. I 'think' it would be better for the saw if you transport the saw on it's back, main frame member and NOT on it's side. But then again you could frame it so it could lay on it's side but much extra work.
And a fun question... Both officers.. Who outranks who?
Now thats a rocking chair !
Keep it upright.
I would suggest buying the common ratchet type of hoist that uses a steel cable, they are typically rated to handle 2,000 pounds and can be had for under $100. The joists should be able to handle the weight but this absolutely depends on their design and whether they are in good condition, something that can't be determined from a distance. If in doubt you could install temporary braces under the joist a few feet to either side of the machine. I would definitely get the saw off of the base and bolted onto a pallet, the machine is way too top heavy otherwise. I would also recommend keeping the saw upright, laying it on its side or back will increase the chances of damaging it.
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