moving c&p 10x15 full sized press
Hello,
This is my first post here. I’m in the process of purchasing my first letterpress. However, the one I found is he c&p 10x15 which is no small or light machine! The current owner offered to help disassemble it, but I’m wondering what the weight is for the main part is the machine disassembled? What do I need to move this? It will be transported about 50 miles. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Jen
Oops…please excuse my typos! Posting from my phone!
when stripped down, i’ve moved them with a pickup truck and 3 strong guys. Good Luck Dick G.
Hi Jen,
I’ve had experience disassembling and moving a c&p 10x15 recently.
We got our hand on a 2 ton engine hoist to help us disassemble and move the pieces. It was incredibly helpful. I’m not sure how we would have done it without it.
There are other techniques to moving these, but why not make it easy on yourself? Rent an engine hoist and you’ll have a safer and quicker time at it.
Also, I’m guessing the heaviest piece weighs no less than 700 lbs.
I have moved four C+P presses (3 - 10X15 and 1 - 12X18) and a Windmill using the same technique each time with great success.
You will need 4 - 4x4” X 8’ timbers, enough blocking to lift four corners 9”, Lag bolts and washers, 3-5 solid pipes, Tools (drill, bits, socket set, etc.) and a good jack. The lower clearance jack the better.
Here is what I summarized for the most recent move:
1. Move press into position to raise using pipes if needed. Step one may not be needed.
2. Raise press with block and rod system
3. Attach 4x4” cut ‘cross supports’ to press, front and back, perpendicular to the Flywheel - use (4) 6” Lag Bolts
4. Attach 4x4” cut ‘skids’ below ‘cross supports’ - use (4) 7” Lag Bolts
Step 3 and 4 establishes an “H” support frame for the press.
This “H” serves several purposes:
1. Widens the tipping point of the press front and back allowing the press to safely roll up or down a ramp using a winch.
2. Allows press to be moved with pallet jack
3. If pallet jack fails allows press to roll on pipe and ‘skid’ movement
4. Keeps the ‘skids’ from breaking and ‘tipping out’ (I have seen this almost happen when the skids were old and full of oil)
5. Allows press to be cribbed and loaded into trailer if ramp option won’t work
After the press is secured to the “H” we can remove the flywheel and shaft: Remove bearing screws. Remove slotted Pin on right hand side. Check for other pin. Hammer as needed.
With the flywheel removed we will pull the press into the trailer using the winch.
Once brought to your studio we will drop the ramp on the steps. If the ramp isn’t an option we can back the trailer up close and roll the press out onto the top step using pipes or pallet jack. The skids should be long enough to reach the step while the press is still safely sitting in the trailer. Then we just bridge the gap and bring the press onto the steps and into the building. We cross the 1” rise by placing pipes on the inside and pushing the press in as far as possible until the outside pallet jack or pipes reach the rise. The we go inside and pull the press over the rise with pipes or a pallet jack. The 6” Step will be overcome by raising the press a few inches above step height and building up the extra 4x4” X8’ skids below then set the press down on the ‘step high’ skids with pipes in between - roll the press with alternating pipes.
Repeat step 1 - 4 to remove the skids or leave two of the skids for weight distribution on floor. Set press in final resting location and NEW HOME.
WindmillSkid.jpg
WindmillRaised.jpg
WindmillBlock.jpg
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