I would like to order a machine now, get it assembled, and play with it for 5 or 6 weeks. Then I move. How reasonable is it thinking the machine is moveable without hurting anything? I am looking at an XL, either the 4 or a Pro. I would love to have the XXL but am concerned it is just TOO big for the space I have AND moving it would be more difficult.
Moveable? Or should I just be patient and wait until I get to my new location. Thanks for any input or experiences!
Secure everything that moves. Zip ties work well. If moving a long distance, maybe remove the “Z” plate to reduce weight on the “X”
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I moved my 4x4 last year. I left it assembled on the table, created a 2x4 cage around it with boards spanning across the y axis and screwed down into the table. I removed the router, and blocked the x axis at the back with more 2x4, so it couldn’t move. I left all the wiring except the computer stuff attached, and secured it lightly with tape under the table. I wrapped the entire table and machine with a tarp and secured it tightly with duct tape. I built special small dollies for each leg, maybe 10"x10", with four - 250lb casters on each dolly. I screwed the dollies to the table feet/leg so they couldn’t come off. I then rolled the entire 500lb contraption onto a 7’ wide dump wagon using its ramps as a base, and plywood screwed on top. It took three people to get it on, but it went much easier than I expected. Strapped it down, and took it to its new home, with no problems. A covered trailer with a ramp would work fine as well, and a winch would have been nice. My table was a solid wood unit, but if I had one of the metal assembly ones I might have tried taking everything apart, but then I’d have to put it together again.
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People move Shapeoko machines all the time. The key is to either secure the gantry or remove it to make it lighter. The SO5 is quite heavy so you want to support it as much as possible during the move. Be sure to sit it flat and strap it down. After moving go through a squaring procedure and you should be good to go.
Thank you Man! I appreciate the recommendations!
Thank you dustmite! I appreciate the information. If you could move that beast, I should be able to move my top and machine. I will make the table so I can knock it down. PS: Love the nickname!
Thank you Guy! I appreciate the recommendations.
Although it’s moveable I am way to lazy to want to set it up for 5 weeks and then take it down and move it.
Another strategy may be to simply spend those 5 weeks learning the software and trying lots of different designs to see what kind of style you like. Then have the machine shipped to your new location and once set up you will have a ready supply of projects to experiment with.
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Thank you Cullen. That may well be the best thing to do. Tom
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