Moving. How do I pack the ER?

[Underdog]

Been a while since I've posted, but as you can tell from the subject line life has been (and will be getting more) hectic lately. I'm getting ready to move from Denver to Portland, OR, in the next 60 days.

Currently, I have 2 shopsmiths are on stands and 1 in pieces. What is the recommended way to prep these for the movers? I'd hate to just let them pack things up as I'm not confident they'll take good care of things (I've moved before and inevitably something always arrives in worse condition than it left).

Any suggestions/recommedations?

Thanks,
Doug

[shorthaul]

It is best to have an inventory. BE ACCURATE! Sometimes you can only get the item replaced by the name you gave it this is important for basket SS's. So check the parts list from SS. Also use your camera to inventory if possible. All arguments are put to rest with a picture. Avoid the paperdoll pic-just one side or direction. Try to have the pic represent the item overall.

If you dissasemble the other two use masking tape to mark them and let the movers pack the parts. When the movers pack the parts have them mark it SS#1 etc. This will ID which items will match for assembly just as you took it apart.

Concerning the 2 SS. The movers will not want to dissasemble the SS. So you have a couple of options. Make your own crate (if you want to ship it assembled) let them inspect and attach the lid OR however it is packed mandate that nothing is to be stacked on your assembled SS. Unless it is packed in a sturdy crate. j

[dusty]

The last time I moved, I was my own packer and mover. I moved the Mark V and the Power Station with Belt Sander mounted fully assembled. I packed then securely into the front of the truck with all the empty spaces in and around fill with other "light weight" items. Everything arrived undamaged but I would not do that again and especially not with movers involved.

I highly recommend that you break down the equipment in smaller and easier to move pieces or assemblies. Then when it comes to pack them, make certain that they get packed as machine #1, machine #2, etc. If using commercial packers, that might be the hardest part of the move. They seem to want to pack the boxes "FULL" using whatever they can reach to cram into the available space.

I have never run around taking photos while the movers were busy doing their thing but that might be a good way to go, if they will allow it.

I hope this relocation works out well for you.

[anmius]

Should you wish to pack the machines yourself, attached is Shopsmith's "packing for shipping" guidelines. They are for the Mark V but I'm sure you will be able to pick up some pointers for your 10ER's.

[backhertz]

I've used my Honda Civic to for picking up 10E/ERs & Mark V's I purchased off of Ebay or Craig's list. The 10ER breaks down very easily in 10-15 minutes. If you are packing it in cardboard boxes, it's going to be easier if you first remove the motor off the headstock. Once that is done, I usually take a sanding disk and use it to hold up the tubes while I knock off the tube tie bar with a rubber mallet. Once the bar is off, you can pull the headstock off, then the tubes, etc. Put it on it's side & then you can remove the boards and wrap everything up.

The Mark V is easy to break down as well once you get the headstock off. You can always use some masking tape & mark the pieces as they come off if you want to assemble them exactly where they were originally mounted. I remember Nick Engler in one of the Saw Dust Sessions showing how to align the way tubes.

Tool wise, all you'll need is an Allen wrench, a Crescent wrench, a rubber mallet, and maybe a screwdriver. The headstock, motor, and tubes are heavy, so be sure to be careful not to pinch a finger or drop anything on a toe. The 10E/ER support base is the made of cast iron and is heavy. Be sure to take pictures if you are unsure of the assembly and use zip lock bags for any nuts, bolts, or other hardware.

Good luck.

[dusty]

Backnertz suggested using marked zip lock bags for the nuts, bolts and miscellaneous pieces. Very good idea. Just remember, at the other end you should need nothing to reassemble that is not in those bags and maybe more important - there should be NOTHING left over when you are done assembling.

It drives me nuts to have something left over and I can't figure out where it belongs. Happens all the time.

[fjimp]

Been a while since I've posted, but as you can tell from the subject line life has been (and will be getting more) hectic lately. I'm getting ready to move from Denver to Portland, OR, in the next 60 days.

Currently, I have 2 shopsmiths are on stands and 1 in pieces. What is the recommended way to prep these for the movers? I'd hate to just let them pack things up as I'm not confident they'll take good care of things (I've moved before and inevitably something always arrives in worse condition than it left).

Any suggestions/recommedations?

Thanks,
Doug

Doug,

I hate to see a good Shopsmith man move on, yet wish you the very best. We moved to Denver from Virginia this past April. I purchased a 14' box trailer and rolled all of the Shopsmith tools up the ramp into the trailer and tied them down securely. In fact 80% of all my tools and shop equipment followed my Highlander all the way to Denver. No damage what so ever and very little effort to have everything up and running in short order. Now if I can just get the builder to build my new shop before the end of the year. Good luck with the move, I hope the new doors it opens prove highly positive for you. fjimp

[charlese]

Been a while since I've posted, but as you can tell from the subject line life has been (and will be getting more) hectic lately. I'm getting ready to move from Denver to Portland, OR, in the next 60 days.

Currently, I have 2 shopsmiths are on stands and 1 in pieces. What is the recommended way to prep these for the movers? I'd hate to just let them pack things up as I'm not confident they'll take good care of things (I've moved before and inevitably something always arrives in worse condition than it left).

Any suggestions/recommedations?

Thanks,
Doug

Given that you are going to use a professional moving company (I suppose) Make some crates! Build the crates to fit each machine. The crate system worked excellently for me (Texas to Calif.) I used pine 2x2s for the frame and 1/4" ply for a skin. Just cut hand holes in the ends for movers. Remember you will have to fasten the machines to the crate(s).

[Underdog]

Anyone know what the average 10er weighs? Our movers are telling us that they estimate we will be well over the allowed weight for our move...

Thanks,

[mickyd]

Anyone know what the average 10er weighs? Our movers are telling us that they estimate we will be well over the allowed weight for our move...

Thanks,

Figure on about 200 lbs.