Word to the wise

[urbanrifleman]

Don't move a lathe alone. It can tip.

And it's really heavy. I guess I'm lucky it only took a chunk out of my hand and my thigh. It could have hurt me really bad.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

We fired a mechanic on my old offshore drilling rig for moving a lathe himself and dumping it on its side. Lucky all he lost was his job. Could have lost his life with the weight of that thing

 

[urbanrifleman]

We fired a mechanic on my old offshore drilling rig for trying to move a lathe himself and dumping it on its side. Lucky fired was all he got. Could have killed him

Sure could have. Ask me how I know!!

Unfortunately, I am often forced to do things alone.

Lesson learned.

 

[hpshooter]

You had a horseshoe and a rabbits foot secreted somewhere on your person. My 12x30 Hendey weighs in close to 2800 pounds.

 

[urbanrifleman]

You had a horseshoe and a rabbits foot secreted somewhere on your person. My 12x30 Hendey weighs in close to 2800 pounds.

Yah, my fiance was very upset. It was really stupid.

The most stupid part was trying to catch it.

 

[joshb]

Ouch! Be careful.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I never understood why they make the bases on medium sized lathes so skinny. Very dangerous. Last time I moved a lathe that size we also used a cherry picker, but we left the hoist attached to the lathe the whole time while moving so it wouldn’t tip over

 

[urbanrifleman]

I never understood why they make the bases on medium sized lathes so skinny. Very dangerous. Last time I moved a lathe that size we also used a cherry picker, but we left the hoist attached to the lathe the whole time while moving so it wouldn’t tip over

...and that's the solution. The cherry picker has to stay attached.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Oh, man, thanks for the tip! Glad you're okay.

I don't think I'll be moving a lathe anytime but this story should stick with me.

 

[skeeljc]

I just attach a 5' 2x4 at the far end of the top side ways using the tailstock stop bolt and have someone steady the lathe as I lift/lower and move it.

 

[Greg Y]

How's the damage? I had to solo my 2 lathes and mill into my shop. I spanned a bunch of joists and used a chainfall to get onto dollies.....even on dollies they don't inspire confidence.

 

[Sniperhandle]

Sure could have. Ask me how I know!!

Unfortunately, I am often forced to do things alone.

Lesson learned.

Don't use those machinery skates, That's usually how it ends. Weld up a set of dollies to set it on. Sorry to see that Buddy.

 

[Sniperhandle]

Also pick it up from the headstock end.

 

[Hal]

I'm glad your O.K. As long as you didn't get hurt to bad.
Last guy I read about about tried to catch his lathe about that size broke both his legs in multiple places.
Did you have 4 skates under it ?
Always try to use 3 skates ,with 4 skates you hit a low spot and one skate drops out and leaves one corner unsupported and then it tips.
Again the most important thing is alive and not busted up.

Hal

 

[paperpuncher]

This sucks! I’m glad you were not injured more seriously. I rigged equipment for about 15 years Moved lots of machines I hate top heavy machines. I am not a fan of those skates either esp if your working by yourself It’s to difficult to keep them pointing in the right direction working together Too often they will slip a little and that can get ugly I like to lift them put a heavy pallet under the lathe strap it with a heavy duty ratchet strap and move with a pallet jack Hope you heal quickly and your lathe is not too badly damaged.

 

[Sniperhandle]

This is Johns lathe from Hobby Machinist, The good thing is he has gotten it back together and looking like a new machine.

Urban, Call Sterling machinery in California, They had an Acer 1440 parts machine for sale a few weeks ago, You may be able to get what you need from them.

Glad you didn't get hurt bad!

 

[SVT_Tactical]

Glad it wasn't worse for you than it ended up.

 

[akajun]

Machinery moved around on pipes doesn’t generally tip
I’ve moved my whole shop around on 3/4” gas line, and when it’s not moving machinery, it’s got clamps on each end

 

[TylerFromMS]

Gravity is a cruel mistress.

 

[matthias]

That is nightmare stuff. Glad you did not get hurt worse.