Just picked up a new Smithy

If you use an engine crane (hoist)....keep the load low untill you have jockeyed the rig around so that it will be a straight push onto the bench....with the castors straight and goin the right way. Then raise it with people at the sides to keep it from swinging.....and push straight in over the bench.

Insurance against tippy hoist problems.

If you stare at it for a while first, should go smooth and right the first try. If you really lucky, you can set it on the bench facin the wrong way and get to do it again.

If there is room under the bench for the hoist legs, can keep the boom quite short (stability). If you have to work with the boom extended......watch the boom weight limits......and maby ballast the rear of the hoist.

Piece of cake.......the second time.

Sam
 
I lifted mine out of the back of the truck with an engine hoist and then lowered it almost to the ground for the trip across the carport and into the shop. Only when it was next to the bench, did I hoist ip up high enough to put on the bench. Be sure the hoist wheels are lined up right before you hoist it up. My Smithy has holes in the side of the bed for hoisting. I used two biiig bolts and two engine hoisting chains to lift it at four seperate points. The engine hoisting chains are adjustable so you can lift it level. It was easier to do than explain and I did it by myself. The hardest part was getting the hoist to roll over a seam in the concrete. Good luck and keep yer fingers out from under it. Mac.
Mac's Shootin' Irons
Mac's Shootin' Irons
 
Can you take the milling head off and lift the lathe onto the bench then re-attach the milling head? I bought an 1100 lb. lathe, removed everything I could from it, got 4 great big friends and placed two 2 X 4's under it and they lifted it onto the stand. It was a strain but they got it up there. My rong fu bench mill was lifted by taking the head off and lifting the base and pole onto the stand and then lifting the head onto the pole. Did this with just myself and a friend. If you can break it down it just may not be much of a problem. Good Luck-John K
 
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