Can I lift by the Spindle?

[harryinhbg]

I am a newbie to this forum, so please be gentle.

I have an order in for a G0704, but after hearing of motor problems, thinking about changing it to a GO619/SX3. Both have 90 degree head tilt, and that is one reason for my selection from the various machines available.

One question is, can I lift these machines up by the spindle? How close to level is the balance point if I do so? I have a 1 Ton shop crane, and was thinking I could make a small open box with 2x4's, and drill a recess in the bottom cross piece for the spindle, to assure it would not slip off.

Another is, assuming I have the floor space, and the $400 price difference is not a show-stopper, is there any reason not to go for the G0619?

[Fastest1]

Do you have a friend? This mill, the G0704 is only 300lbs or less. It should be pretty easy to move. I moved my RF30 with just 1 friend and I believe it is considerably heavier. As long as you are careful you can move it a variety of ways. Sling it or just place a 2 x 4 under the Z carriage and strap it to the column so it doesnt slide. You will need to retram anyway upon installation. Take your time is the key.

[fragger6662000]

one fit person can move the G0704 as it can be split into three easily by removing the head and table. The Column and base is heavy but movable in dead lifts.

[harryinhbg]

Fastest & Fragger:

Thanks for your notes.

Since I posted my original question, I have ordered a different benchtop mill (Shopfox M1111 A.K.A. Sieg Sx3, Shipping weight is 437 Lbs and the mill itself is 364 Lbs. Since I am almost 73 and a candidate for a knee replacement, I am not about to try to hustle this thing around by hand. I have a 1 Ton shop lift with wheels, specifically for things like this.

Also, although you guys are adept at tearing things like this down, I hesitate to take a brand new machine and mess with it.

I only questioned whether I would damage anything by lifting it by the headstock.I sent a note to Woodstock International (Source for Shopfox products) Tech Support, and got this answer:

"It is best to lift the M1111 using a combination of the headstock and table making sure to use block if necessary so no vital parts are damaged when the straps tighten up while lifting the M1111."

That pretty much answers my question. My thanks to all. I am really excited about this and already have two projects for it. I was originally going to get the Grizzly (G0619) equivalent, which would have required either a large truck in my driveway, or a 4 hour round trip to the Grizzly showrrom in Muncy PA with my box truck. Then I discovered a Shopfox dealer only about 20 miles away, who found one in stock at his source, for only $75 more than the Griizzly, and no shipping charge.

The white looks classier, anyway...


SHOP FOX® 6" X 21" Mill/Drill

Harry in Harrisburg

[Swede]

Hi Harry - here's what I'd recommend with your shop crane - I don't know if you have any, but look for nylon strapping in the appropriate load rating and skip any chains, unless you want a chain on there (loosely) as a 2nd safety. I'd add a safety regardless, something to prevent catastrophe if the primary fails during the lift.

These machines can be tipped without too much trouble to get a strap underneath. I'm even able to tilt my 1-ton mini Bridgeport to do this, because their height gives you a leverage bonus.

You want the straps under the base either side of the CG. Bring them up to the tie point. The nice thing about straps is that you can tie them (use a hitch with about 4 to 6 loops minimum) and they won't slip, yet can be untied with ease. I then use a vise-grips to pinch the end, "just in case", but the straps will not untie.

Next, the head (top) of the mill must be absolutely stable relative to the tie point, the peak of the lift straps. This can be done with another strap wrapped around the head several times, that leads to the tie point.

At the tie point, the straps should be continuous, so you can hook into solid strapping. You're not tieing the straps to the hook, the hook is going UNDER solid strapping. When you lift, 99.9% of the weight is on the straps beneath the base, and the head strap only stabilizes. Get it off the floor about an inch, then confirm that the load is totally stable. Wobble it a bit, keeping feet away from the base. When you have total confidence that it is good to go, hoist away!

Good luck! And stay safe. If there is any doubt, don't do it, seek assistance.

[LewisCobb]

Hi Harry -
Was there a long lead time for your mill, or did the dealer have it in stock? I have been considering this mill as well, and didn't know about the Woodstock international version. It looks like a nice "calming" color as well - something that I need sometimes when I am in the workshop trying to do a job with the wrong tool ......

Keep us posted on your progress,

Thanks
Lewis

[harryinhbg]

Hi Harry -
Was there a long lead time for your mill, or did the dealer have it in stock? I have been considering this mill as well, and didn't know about the Woodstock international version. It looks like a nice "calming" color as well - something that I need sometimes when I am in the workshop trying to do a job with the wrong tool ......

Keep us posted on your progress,

Thanks
Lewis

Hi Lewis:
My dealer's source has it in stock, but will wait to ship when another item he has on back order, is available.
I expect it in sometime next week. Will let you know how it plays out.

Harry in Harrisburg

[turboglenn]

I don't know if i would go from the spindle it's self, but you can surely grap it from the head and column areas. (spindle being seen as the spinning part, which wouldn't be good for a couple reasons IMO)