table saw assembly

[dmr]

I've narrowed down my search to either the steel city 35675 or the grizzly 1023sl. If I go with the Steel City I have the option to pick it up at the distributor and save freight, but then I'm faced with trying to unload it off the back of my truck without benefit of a lift. No easy task, as both weigh over 350 lbs. ! I can enlist the help of a couple of friends, but still don't relish the idea of manhandling{ or in my case womanhandling :] } that much weight.
Regardless of which I chose, how much assembly will be involved? Is it something that I can do or is it best to have someone else assemble it for me? Or is that even an option?
I will be getting a mobile base with whatever saw I choose. With this base how difficult will it be to maneuver around? I have back problems already, I have noe wish to make it worse!
Sorry for all the questions, but it's better that I ask now than regret not asking latter!
Thanks!!

[Johanna]

I have unloaded (and loaded) some pretty heavy objects, but there are a lot of variables. For example, can you back your truck up so it is over the edge of the shop floor? If you can, then maybe you can tilt and slide the saw off the truck using some ropes to control the slide. That still requires at least 3 people to handle the weight. Hydraulic jacks come in handy for lifting heavy tools onto mobile bases, as do 4x4s.

Yes, there is usually some assembly, but I have assembled both a contractor's saw and a cabinet saw without any help. I would assume you would need to put the "wings" on the table. They are heavy, but can be managed with a bit of ingenuity. It is usually best to plan on assembling it yourself.

Regarding how hard it is to move things that are on a mobile base; I have a 1000 lb. planer on a mobile base that I move into position whenever I use it, and I am old and small.

I think your biggest issue is getting the saw into the shop. Frankly, I'd pay to have it delivered, and make sure that delivered means into the shop, not on a driveway.

[Carol Reed]

Boy, can I relate! Even with the bad back thing.

First, if you have not gotten a come-along, get one. You will also need a web sling. A come-along probably has a jillion names, but it is cable with a hook, the cable on a reel with a long handle that revolves the reel and holds it in place by a ratchet mechanism.

The web sling (or 2) wraps around what ever you are trying to move and is hooked to the come-along.

Another handy inexpensive item is a compound block and tackle. Google this to see how to make on if you can't find a ready made system.

To be really cool, get an electric winch.

None of these things are expensive, but they sure allow you to move/left things you would otherwise be above to move or lift. I got them all at different times fom Harbor Freight. They work just fine for me, and together they cost less that a few trips to the chiropractor and was a whole lot more comfortable! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

Last item I had to unload and then place on a wheeled dolly was my big spindle sander - some 400+ pounds.

First, I invited a friend. He also has a poor back, but between us we used our heads instead. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Backed the truck up to the doorway. Rigged a couple of 2x6's for a ramp off the back of the truck. Wrapped the sling around the box and winched it to the ramp with the come-along anchored inside the shop. My friend tilted the box and I winched it unto the ramp. Continued to winch it until it was ready to slide. It actually slid rather slowly, but we put a safety rope on it and ran that through a pulley anchored to the truck bed. When it reached the end of the ramp, I continued to winch it until it was where I wanted it, which was under a strong hook on the ceiling.

Then we ripped the box off. He tipped it one way and I got the sling under it. He tipped it the other way and I got the sling the rest of the way under it. We put a second sling around the other direction. Looked like we were getting ready to gift wrap it with two slings. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Then I hooked the come-along on the ceiling hook and connected it to the 2 slings and ratcheted the sander up into the air. Rolled the dolly under it and lowered it down. A little tipping in each directions and the slings came out.

Done!

Cool, huh?

[Carol Reed]

"old and small"

Ha!

Smart and wily, is my take.

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

[km]

For some inspiration: YouTube Video

[dwerden]

Note: I edited the post above because the link was improperly formatted (copy/paste didn't catch the first "h" in the web address).

[dmr]

That's incredible. Makes unloading that saw look like childs play. Thanks for the insight.

[dmr]

Thanks Carol ! I believe I can a come along somewhere. Now if I can only remember where!