Home shop machinists often run into the problem of trying to move heavy equipment around in their garage. Professionals do this with forklifts and machinery skates.
In this video, I demonstrate some shop-made machine skates being used to maneuver a 5500lb lathe around. The skates are easily made and can transform a heavy machine from being an immovable object to something that one person can push around!
I've learned the hard way - pushing things around on round bars, prying with 6' levers, soaping the concrete, and renting forklifts. When it comes to arranging equipment inside a shop, this is now my favorite way to do it.
It should go without saying, but moving big equipment can kill you if you don't use your head and think things through. Be safe and enjoy!
A lot of people have asked which bearings to use and where to get parts. I tried to find the best deal on amazon for the parts I used. The links below are all affilate links:
Parts:
R10 Bearing: amzn.to/3D6lN1W
Axles (5/8" W1 Drill Rod): amzn.to/2yJBDg6
Ready-made skates:
Set of 4 Rollers for $200 amzn.to/3D7U9BC
Hilman Rollers 8 ton kit for $1200: amzn.to/2hvnJHK
Toe Jack:
amzn.to/3NIOHtZ
18 мар 2012
