Moving a bandsaw

[mslatter]

Second "Machines are Heavy" thread in a day.

I've got a chance to buy a used Jet 14" saw (not sure which model yet) but I think I'm going to have to move it myself. The seller is a widow and, unless they've slipped some steroids into her hormone therapy, is unlikely to be of much help.

Size isn't a problem (my wife just coughed for some reason) but weight is, I don't think I could lift it alone into my van. I think my best bet is to disassemble the saw into smaller parts and move the parts. Never having been closer than four inches (coughed again, must be allergies) to a bandsaw, I have no idea how much they can be broken down, and what the best strategy for reducing the weight might be. Can the table be removed? Can the wheels be taken out? Can the top arm be separated from the bottom? Should I prop it on skateboards and drag it behind my car?

I appreciate any help that can be offered. I'd enlist some friends to help my move it, but the fact that I'm here posting on the internet should give you a sense of how many friends I have. Perhaps it's my attitude. Anyway, thanks!

[Stephen M]

The table top and motor should not be too tough to remove and will account for a fair amount of weight. If there is an integrated stand, that might be worth removing just to make the main casting that much easier to remove.

-Steve

[Fly-by-Night CC]

Having just moved a 700 pound band saw, I think I can offer a few tips. The absolutely easiest way would be to beg, borrow, rent or steal a utility trailer and heavy-duty appliance dolly. The appliance dolly needs to be one with the auxiliary wheels at the back that can be extended for support. You should be able to muscle the Jet band saw around with this setup fairly easily - these only weigh about 200 lbs. They are a tad top-heavy, so just be aware of that when you tip it back.

If you must do without the trailer and dolly, I'd recommend taking the table off (loosen and remove the two tilt/angle knobs on the underside of the table - the table should lift straight up off the trunnions); remove the drive belt from the motor and then unbolt the upper assembly from the base. With those three components separated, you shouldn't have too much trouble lifting by yourself.

I'd not separate the upper arm casting from the lower casting - just too much trouble and I don't think it's necessary - and I'm a 180 lb weakling... If you do decide to go this route, make sure you have a BIG wrench to fit the bolt and nut.

[dadiOH]

They aren't all that heavy...around 100#. Taking off the motor would reduce the weight the most followed by the table.

[mjmwallace]

I would download the JET manual for this and see how the thing was assembled and follow the reverse of that to get into pieces.

If you WANT to move it whole, why not see if a local moving company will do it? Sometimes these guys finish early in the day and might want to make a quick dollar.

Just a suggestion. Watch your back!

MJ Wallace

[Vic Baron]

The Jet weighs about the same as the Grizzly G0555 - a little over 200#. It's a bit top heavy but if you have an appliance dolly - should be no problem. If you plan ahead, you should be able to get it to the van and use the top heavy feature to tilt it on it's side and slide it into the van. If you use leverage properly, you should have no problem and not have to dismantle the saw.

HTH

[A Lurker]

[e-mail] wrote in news:1149615410.120167.26170 @c74g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:

Been there done that. Jet 14" Bandsaw with riser kit and jet 1236 lathe. Bandsaw was on mobile base, rolled it out of garage to pu-truck and tipped it in. Lathe was disaasembled off the base. Had some help to pick lathe to slide in. Only problem was breaking the "plastic ears" off the bandsaw pushbutton switch during transit. Tipped bandsaw out of truck myself onto mobile base in the garage. Had someone help ease lathe on base in garage. During the next several weeks had my daughter (25) help carry lathe downstairs to shop ^h^h^h^h basement. Later, son (27) helped with bandsaw up four steps and down a full flight. No dissassembly, just took off the fence & took all the blades and crap out of the base. It is top heavy, but with a handtruck and straps it is not a real problem.

HTH

Jerry

[Clint]

:) Yeah, my bandsaw is missing the cover of my plastic safety switch too, after a move. It was a choice of setting it down on the side with the switch, or the pulleys, and I chose the switch. I'd do it again, too. I think the useless vacuum port got busted in one of the moves, too.

Clint