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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
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    Brisbane
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    Default Lowering a bridgeport from a stand

    Hey people I have a small issue - my Bridgeport clone (https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/M5...=Search&s=bm22) is on 2 sleepers about 100mm high each and I need to lower it onto smaller pieces of wood, or just entirely onto the floor. Ceiling height is so low that putting it on the ground will mean the difference between being able to put its head upright and use it, or just have it permanently nodded so it doesnt hit the roof.
    Is there anything you can stick the bridgeport on that will allow it to be lowered gradually, some sort of adjustable feet or a screwing jack?
    I need it lower, obviously I cant use a crane as the ceiling is so low.
    Previously I used a big big lever to just raise and lower one side of the bridgeport at a time but I don't like doing it, I feel like its not great for the base (or my back).

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Melbourne
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    35
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    Default

    Don't stress about the base. Big crowbar and four big wooden wedges, just go around gradually and lower one at a time. I have done it twice today and I'm not a big Gent. Key is lots of leverage

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
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    Melbourne
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    4,779

    Default

    Yea, what cask said. If you don't want to commit to the entire height in one go then make a series of blocks of varying heights. Lower the base bit by bit working in a circle, replacing with ever smaller blocks.

    In a training exercise, we lifted and lowered a 1 tonne slab of concrete about 500mm using this technique, although we had 4 people with 4 crow bars, you can do the same in a very controlled and safe way.

    Simon
    Girl, I don't wanna know about your mild-mannered alter ego or anything like that." I mean, you tell me you're, uh, super-mega-ultra-lightning babe? That's all right with me. I'm good. I'm good.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    56
    Posts
    1,416

    Default

    If you don't want leverage, thread rod, a couple of nuts and a peice of sheet metal to protect the concrete will do it. I doubt you would hurt the base from leverage though.
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  5. #5
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
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    Perth
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by caskwarrior View Post
    Don't stress about the base. Big crowbar and four big wooden wedges, just go around gradually and lower one at a time. I have done it twice today and I'm not a big Gent. Key is lots of leverage
    Reminds me of how I once got a stump out of a large hole in the ground in our very limited access back yard.
    Levered up one side of the stump and shovelled some dirt underneath, levered up other side, more dirt etc. Eventually I had a filled hole with the stump sitting on top.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Toowoomba Qld
    Posts
    401

    Default

    I used to always use a big old crowbar, a while ago I bought one of these
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/hart-900...-bars_p0057180
    Found them really good for moving machinery, was much better than the straight crowbar. Shorter so didn't have as much issues with clearance and seems to get pretty good leverage. I use some steel blocks or could easily use some wood blocks and a piece of steel plate under the heel of the bar so you can raise it up for higher lifts.
    Looking at your link yours is about 1,100kg, my Bridgeport clone is probably 900kgs so a little lighter but the wrecking bar would make quick work of a job like that.

    Other option is something like remove the lower chip tray, get a length of threaded rod, cut into 4, drop a length through each mounting hold in the base, put a nut on the end between the bottom of the base and the floor. Wind them all up to lift the machine off the current sleepers then go around and lower each a bit at a time until it's lowered onto the smaller bits of timber, should be able to get as low as a nut's thickness.

    I'd seriously be going the pry bar tho, machine is not too heavy that it's not easily do able and by the time you cut a length of threaded rod in 4 the job would already be done with a pry bar.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
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    Athelstone, SA 5076
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    4,255

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    Reminds me of how I once got a stump out of a large hole in the ground in our very limited access back yard.
    Levered up one side of the stump and shovelled some dirt underneath, levered up other side, more dirt etc. Eventually I had a filled hole with the stump sitting on top.
    a mate of mine wouldnt waste his time doing it that way...he'd use black powder...and then waste his time filling an even bigger hole

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    sydney ( st marys )
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    64
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    4,887

    Default

    Could always try the suck it and see method.

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