Transporting Mark VII advice request

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:26 pm

I am about to pick up a MVII 150 miles away.

Am I correct in assuming the upper section('bench' and way tubes with headstock, carriage, end castings) can be removed from the base by releasing BOTH pivot clamps?

Any other suggestions????

TIA

chucks · Post by **chucks** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:42 pm

JPG40504 wrote:I am about to pick up a MVII 150 miles away.

Am I correct in assuming the upper section('bench' and way tubes with headstock, carriage, end castings) can be removed from the base by releasing BOTH pivot clamps?

Any other suggestions????

TIA

Don't know about that, I haven't had time to play with mine yet...I'm lucky enough to have a Pick-up, so I laid it on its side to get it home..

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 7:01 am

Yes, it will come apart that way.

jayp413 · Post by **jayp413** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:09 pm

The upper section (tubes and higher) come off by unlocking two latches on the top of the box. It really is a nice design. Once apart, both sections are suprisingly light!

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:35 pm

JPG40504 wrote:I am about to pick up a MVII 150 miles away.

Am I correct in assuming the upper section('bench' and way tubes with headstock, carriage, end castings) can be removed from the base by releasing BOTH pivot clamps?

Any other suggestions????

TIA

As others have noted - that's the best and safest way to do it. Lock the headstock in the middle of the way tubes, unlock both of the pivot clamps, and have somebody help lift. Its relatively light, though certainly top heavy once removed. Neither part should be lifted by yourself (I have done it, wouldn't recommend it again), but anyone reasonably mobile should be able to lift the other side.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:44 pm

damagi wrote:As others have noted - that's the best and safest way to do it. Lock the headstock in the middle of the way tubes, unlock both of the pivot clamps, and have somebody help lift. Its relatively light, though certainly top heavy once removed. Neither part should be lifted by yourself (I have done it, wouldn't recommend it again), but anyone reasonably mobile should be able to lift the other side.

Thanks for comments so far.

How heavy is the base? I assume it ain't very light!

db5 · Post by **db5** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:56 pm

JPG40504 wrote:Thanks for comments so far.

How heavy is the base? I assume it ain't very light!

The base is quite light - less than 50 pound if you take off the waytubes and the end pieces they are attached to. You don't need to take off the BOX atop the base unless it makes transport easier but it is an easy process. Take some zip-lock baggies with you to put nuts and bolts in and a Sharpie to label the bags so reassembly is easy. If you are going to rebuild this (which I KNOW you are) I would disassemble everything reasonable to deal with before transporting. That base is fragile and can easily be bent with too much weight so take everything off before you load it or it can be bent, with no way to fix it. Take apart THERE and you will have less transport problems and no damage.

Disassembly takes about 45-60 minutes at most. You have acquired an excellent machine. You need Phillips, Flathead screwdrivers, socket wrenches and box end wrenches, perhaps a Crescent wrench, pliers (maybe) and not much else. Wish I had been close enough to get one like it. I liked my MkVII much more than the 510 for a number of reasons but they are so difficult to find.

lightnin · Post by **lightnin** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 9:21 pm

I would guess the biggest problem would be the top heavy part.
I would consider having one person on each side with one hand either side of the headstock.
Seems like that would more stable from tipping... less chance of OH $%#*!!
Easier to place one end on a tailgate also.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 12:59 am

db5 wrote:The base is quite light - less than 50 pound if you take off the waytubes and the end pieces they are attached to. You don't need to take off the BOX atop the base unless it makes transport easier but it is an easy process. Take some zip-lock baggies with you to put nuts and bolts in and a Sharpie to label the bags so reassembly is easy. If you are going to rebuild this (which I KNOW you are) I would disassemble everything reasonable to deal with before transporting. That base is fragile and can easily be bent with too much weight so take everything off before you load it or it can be bent, with no way to fix it. Take apart THERE and you will have less transport problems and no damage.

Disassembly takes about 45-60 minutes at most. You have acquired an excellent machine. You need Phillips, Flathead screwdrivers, socket wrenches and box end wrenches, perhaps a Crescent wrench, pliers (maybe) and not much else. Wish I had been close enough to get one like it. I liked my MkVII much more than the 510 for a number of reasons but they are so difficult to find.

I am contemplating removing the way/lower tubes/castings/carriage/headstock as a unit from the lower base. I am planning on keeping the 'box' attached to the 'base'. How much weight does the 'box' add?

All the other loose stuff(tables, discs, blades . . . . will be placed in a box.

If that is a viable plan, I will need NO tools, and prep time is quite short.

Tie it all down and go.

Comments please!

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:26 am

JPG40504 wrote:I am contemplating removing the way/lower tubes/castings/carriage/headstock as a unit from the lower base. I am planning on keeping the 'box' attached to the 'base'. How much weight does the 'box' add?

All the other loose stuff(tables, discs, blades . . . . will be placed in a box.

If that is a viable plan, I will need NO tools, and prep time is quite short.

Tie it all down and go.

Comments please!

That's how I do it. Tie downs are a must. As noted, the base is relatively light (its mostly just sheet metal), but a little awkward. Biggest risk for that part is sliding around, or perhaps the side panels flying off during transport in an uncovered bed of a truck. The upper portion is top heavy if kept in its "standard" orientation. Easy enough to lay on its side using a shipping blanket or similar. should be strapped down no matter what, but especially if kept vertical.

Short version - your plan seems fine.