Bridgeport response

Hi Marcus:
Thanks for the comments both from you and everyone else.... I hope our
newest (and perphaps youngest) member plans his move carefully. I have
seen one, and only one, liftgate I would regard as OK.... It was about 8
feet long and was probably rated for 10K or so; in other words, it was
REALLY sturdy (I gather this is the type that Jon was originally talking
about). That said, I would still stay clear of it in favor of one of the
other methods people have described (crane sounding the best of all)

One of the things I have learned as I have gotten older is how implusive
people are. My dad owns a die casting company and is a tool and die maker.
Needless to say, I grew up around machines. And I practice good common
sense. I never stand on the parting line of molds (ever seen molten metal
shoot out?) or spin off line of a lathe. Well, even so, this is what
happened to cautious old me (well, I'm "only" 38). I was considering the
purchase of an Emco Maier lathe (you probably have heard of them) that had
a spin on chuck. I was never a fan of spin on chucks! Anyhow, either I
pressed the wrong button or the guy had it wired incorrectly... my shock
rendered my recollection useless. Whatever the case, the thing started up
in reverse AND there was no locking collar (fault two) on the chuck. Well,
having safety hammered into me early, I was standing on the side of the
headstock out of harms way. I remember thinking... Oh s@%t.... that thing
is gonna fly! And then it happened.... My adrenaline pumped in or
something because I suddenly had this thought.... Damn, this isn't my
machine! So what did I do? You got it, I tried to "catch" the three jaw
chuck so it wouldn't "damage" the lathe. Why? Beats me! I certainly knew
better, that is for sure! I was lucky in that the chuck just walked up my
hand and then exited "stage right" across the floor. It could have walked
up my arm to my head (or just hit me in the chest if I were not better
positioned). The stiches I will never forget, though.... Fortunately there
was no permanent damage, just some major meat taken out; yes, I still have
a long scar on my palm that I like to look at to remind me just how the
mind thinks (or doesn't) under impulse.

I always think of the moral I learned that day.... it is pretty simple.
Fundamentally I believe in good planning. When moving machinery part of
that means making certain that your own (faulty) instincts ability to kick
in don't have a chance! In other words, if you are far enough away from a
machine that is going to fall, you won't have a tendency to run in and play
hero. In the case of my moving the Deckel that meant having a tension rope
on the machine to stabilize it. When it started to bounce it scared me,
but the tension line was in place. Never did I have an inclination to try
and 'save' the thing and if it had fallen I would have "only" been out the
machine.

Anyhow, that is enough on the subject... I think. It was a bit off topic,
but collectively I think that our new member has some good things to
consider. With the different approaches we have provided he should be able
to get the machine home safely I hope.

--Alan



Original Post:
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2001 18:23:55 -0700
From: "Marcus & Eva" <implmex@...>
Subject: Re: Re: Bridgeport Questions **JOHN.... PLEASE READ**

Hi Allan:
I am truly glad to see your comments regarding machine rigging safety.
They are very welcome on the list, at least from me!!
I know all to well from personal experience, the cost of inadequate
rigging.
I had an 1800 lb surface grinder tip over and fall on top of me years ago.
I can still work up a sweat just thinking about it!!
I was bloody lucky to have sustained only minor injuries in the accident,
and under $2000.00 damage to the machine.
In my case it was a set of rollers that got away from me and allowed the
machine to tip over on top of me.
I second all of what you have criticized about tailgate lifting of
machinery: I would most emphatically say DON'T DO IT!!
These things are designed to move boxes and other comparatively low center
of gravity type of loads.
Do yourself a favour and have the goods delivered by a HIAB truck
(boomcrane
truck for those of you across the pond) and rent a good sturdy pallet jack
to maneuver the equipment into your shop.
If that is unworkable, consider getting professional riggers in to do the
move for you.
At the very least, plan the move carefully, with safety uppermost in mind:
a
bargain will do you no good at all if you are dead!!

Marcus