Move TM2 2'...adivce??

[behindpropeller]

I want to move our TM-2 a couple feet in one direction.

I'm assuming to just lower the spindle onto a block of wood and then move it with a pallet jack.


Is this the right approach? I don't have a forklift in the building.

Thanks

Tim

[Geof]

Concrete floor?

Just slide it on the pucks. If the floor is uneven check that a puck does not get left behind in a low spot.

Either use a come-along to an anchor point or a heavier machine or just inch it along with a big pry bar.

You don't need to worry about blocking the spindle, that is only necessary if it will be trucked a long way.

[CJH]

As long as the floor you are moving the mill is 100% smooth that shouldn't be an issue. Actually you could probably just hit the E-stop button and power the mill off this should lock everything. If you have to move it any kind of distance then either using the factory supplied shipping bracket or making a similar one would be best.

If you use a block of wood method make sure to cut a grove in the block to clear the drive dirve that register the toolholder. I'm more a fan of using the factory bracket for any moves. also make sure your pallet jack has enough weight capacity.

Chris

[behindpropeller]

Smooth concrete floor. I make some delrin feet to slide it on if that would make it slide easier.

Tim

[jasondaniell]

TM's only have to be "rough leveled" to operate accurately (according to the operator's manual). I have moved my TM-2 several times with a fork lift. In the past I have just hit the E-Stop and powered down. I don't think its necessary to go through the trouble of blocking the spindle or putting the shipping brackets back on. As for sliding the machine, again I don't see any real issues other than possibly scoring your concrete floor. The TM is not very heavy so moving with a pallet jack would also work fine.

[maxine]

E Stop, power down and then move with a pallet jack has worked good for me several times.

[John Crawford]

I needed to move my TM-1 about 10 feet on a level concrete floor and don't have a fork lift or pallet jack, so I made short arms that mounted a caster wheel on each of the height adjusting screws and pushed the mill to it's new location. Used a floor jack to raise the mill a little bit, slid the steel arms over the height adjusting screws and used a thick flat washer with a big nut to clamp the arm against the top of the existing adjusting nut. The arm extended outwards from the mill about 6 inches and had a plate welded to it that the caster wheel was bolted to. The arm also extended inwards maybe 4-5 inches to rest on top of the casting. This provided support and kept the adjusting screw from seeing a bending load. I used 6 inch casters from Enco that have a polyurethane tire. Worked great.