C&P Disassembly tips

When I moved mine, I removed the wedge that holds the small gear on the right, and removed the gear. After removing a bolt-on inside collar, you can then take the main shaft and the flywheel off in one piece. That narrows the press a bit and reduces weight and bulk. I have been told that the press, when fully closed, is a bit narrower sideways than it is in width.

Use a digital camera to take pictures of everything you remove. Makes assembely much easier.

How much would I be able to do by myself? I want to start taking it apart tomorrow, but I’m having trouble finding someone to help me out. I am not going to move it, just get it ready to move.

To those who have documented the process with photos, do you have them on hand? I would love to see what order & process you took.
Thanks.

Where are you and is there someone nearby that has done this before and can lend a hand?

This has been discussed a number of times here. Do a search of the archives to find all of them, but here’s one previous http://www.briarpress.org/16214

An 8x12 is fairly easy to take apart by yourself if you have some basic ability to work safely with heavy awkward objects. A 10x15 or larger press I’d want a helper to assist with the heavier more awkward parts like lifting the platen out or lowering the bed to the floor.

but take as little off as you can get away with. and remember that a closed C&P may be narrower front to back than side to side.

I’m located in Philly, and the press is about an hour outside the city, in Bucks County. Thanks for you help Arie.

Hi Scott, I recently moved a 10x15 Old Style C & P out of a narrow basement and up a staircase. I had two people helping but would rather have had 3. I definitely recommend taking a digital camera and photographing before and after as you take it apart. Whenever I would take out something like a screw, I photographed in my hand next to where it goes in the press. Definitely bring a brass hammer and a wrecking/crowbar. We had a lot of trouble getting off the flywheel because someone had stuffed a brass pin in there that wouldn’t budge. We ended up using a torch to burn it out. If you just take your time and document it well, you shouldn’t have a problem.
I looked at the Briar Press archives before moving it and found some really good information.
This is really helpful too.
http://dolcepress.com/blog/2008/01/05/70/
Good luck!
Marianne

Thank you so much Marianne! I am hoping to move it this Sunday.

Scott - I documented a partial disassembly and move on my web site - http://www.excelsiorpress.org/photos/2002.0109-Crombie

Basically, you’ll probably just want to remove the flywheel - which is basically easy, but that can be tricky if your pinion gear does not come off easily.

Best way is to tap the small drive (pinion) gear on the right - towards the press frame - with a block of wood to free it up and remove the key. Just slide the gear off, then go back to the other side add remove the 3 screws that hold the flywheel hole cover in place on the left. Once it’s free, just slide out the flywheel and shaft together..

I’m less than an hour away from you - up and across the river in Frenchtown, NJ. If you’d like to come by and discuss your plans, I’d be happy to show you how it’s done.

- Alan

Scott, What type/size of C&P do you have? How did the moving and disassembly go? My father has the same problem—moving an 8x12 and 10x15 old-style C&P up the stairs.
Several people on this site gave me info last year. We now have a contractor who is hoping to discuss this info with someone who has done it.