Could I get a bridgeport down here?

T

tigtorch

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Guys,

I have a daylight basement shop that has plenty of room for a bridgeport, but it isn't accessable with a vehicle. I would have to get it (probably in pieces) down this sloped sidewalk. As you can see at it's max slope it is about 18 degrees. I have a pallet jack or could make other dolly(s). My only thought is to put anchors in the lawn and use ropes with block and tackle type devices to slowly play out the rope? Does anyone have a better idea. Can I do this? I got my logan lathe down this on a two wheel dolly (the type that goes horizontal and has two more wheels at the handle end) with a friend.P1010639.JPGP1010640.JPGP1010641.JPGP1010641.JPG

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You aren't getting a Bridgeport down there WITH A FRIEND!!!!! Well,it might get it down there out of control!!! An ordinary dolly is completely inadequate on every count.

Even if you take everything clear apart,the column casting would be quite heavy. Just the table(different lengths,of course) weighs 400-600#. How much for the main casting?? 900#?? Better find a way to take this tall,top heavy machine down the curved incline with something that has good brakes and good steering. Even then,I'd be very concerned about the mill falling over. Think this out carefully!!

P.S.: HOW THICK is that concrete walkway? Even if it is 4" thick,the mill might press those relatively small sections into the ground,possibly crack some,and generally mess up the walkway. Even if the sections are actually 1 section with just lines in it,it is still weak because it is narrow.

I have quite a bit of experience moving machines like Bridgys,heavy lathes,horizontal mills,etc.. Listen to me.
 
To be clear, I don't intend to even come close to trying this until I have a logical plan that I am totally confident in. That is what I am asking for.

It seems to me a pallet that has adequately sized, small wheels, a platform on this pallet that can be raised so as to keep the load more or less vertical, and secure ropes from at least 3 places that will allow it to go down very slowly.... It is doable. Whether I want to do it is an entirely other thing.

That smaller Chinese mill is looking better every day....
 
The only way I'd attempt that move is with the mill taken apart and move each casting(base casting laying on its side or bolted to a heavy pallet) one at a time with a skid steer with forks. Even then I would only do it when the ground is completely dry and you removed some of that landscaping on the inside part of the curve so the way down would be level. It would much easier to make room for it in the garage.
 
Oldmachinist, you are of course very right about the garage... long story there.

The more I think about this, I believe I will look for a smaller mill.
 
If you have the money,you could get some proper machinery movers(riggers) to move the mill for you. It would not be real cheap,though.
 
Can you get it down that slope? Of course you can! Gravity is a wonderful thing.:whistle:

If you are serious about doing it I think you could come up with a doable plan. Making the turn would be the hard part. You could lay multiple sheets of plywood in the grass, hire a wrecker and winch it down on some type of dolly(s). It's hard to tell from the pic's but does it level out some at the bottom so you could then move the plywood and use a come-along to pull it the other direction?

You might also check a local equipment rental place about renting one of those - I can't think of the name - rigs they use at construction sites to lift material. They have off road tractor type tires and a boom on the front with a set of forks.

Just depends on how bad you want the Bridgy.

Steve
 
Have to agree with Steve. All depends on how bad you want it. I believe where there's a will there's a way. The smaller mills would sure be easier but you'd probably start wishin for a larger one unless you're working on watches. Buy it, put it out in the front, then see how fast she gets you to move it.
dickr
 
Wait for dry weather

Put it on a flatbed wrecker truck

Dismantle a fence section and drive the truck down over the grass to get it down there. Wouldn't take long.
 
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