I've been looking for options to make it easier to move my Logan lathe (~2000#) around in my (what will be) new shop. It's in a pole building with concrete floor.
I remembered a video I watched some years back of using an air cushion type dolly. Looking for it, I found this "Airsled" product: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Krk5zObNSg&t=65s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Krk5zObNSg&t=65s), but they are $$$ pricey $$$.
I'm wondering if I could make one from a piece of plate steel, but unsure how it would work given the unbalanced load due to the head end being heavier than the tailstock end.
Anybody have experience with these things ?
I've heard of them, never saw one though until this video. I can see where riggers or safe movers would make good use of those regardless of cost.
On another note I am almost in your neighborhood this evening, currently eating dinner just west of the Quad Cities. I have to load in Milan in the morning.
Have no ideas on an air dolly. But I used a cherry picker to move my 2K lb lathe. I straddled the lathe with the two roll around beams at the bottom of the cherry picker. Then raised the lathe above the two beams. Then turned the lathe 90° and lowered the lathe on top of the two beams. Keeping the cherry picker tought on the lathe. Using the cherry picker as wheels, I could then roll/move the lathe. Did the same thing moving a Bridgeport mill.
Quote from: chips and more on Apr 25, 2024, 09:54 AMHave no ideas on an air dolly. But I used a cherry picker to move my 2K lb lathe. I straddled the lathe with the two roll around beams at the bottom of the cherry picker. Then raised the lathe above the two beams. Then turned the lathe 90° and lowered the lathe on top of the two beams. Keeping the cherry picker taught on the lathe. Using the cherry picker as wheels, I could then roll/move the lathe. Did the same thing moving a Bridgeport mill.
Excellent idea Chips.
I had considered using one, but wasn't sure of the lifting height limit would be adequate or not.
What is the load capacity and lifting height of your cherry picker ?
I can't remember and it's buried in the piles to look now!!!! The beam is adjustable and depending on its extension will determine load capacity. I do remember having my wife at the hydraulic pump end of the cherry picker telling her to stand on the cherry picker to keep it from possibly tilting, LOL. OSHA was not present so was OK, LOL. And I remember taking the tailstock off. Lathes with a base are top heavy so please be careful.
Quote from: chips and more on Apr 25, 2024, 04:08 PMLathes with a base are top heavy so please be careful.
It should be okay. When I bought it, the guy lifted it onto my trailer using his shop hoist using a single lifting sling at the balance point of the lathe bed.