Lathe Moving Dolly

In this episode we modify my custom dolly for moving lathes. A friend wants to borrow it to move a lathe at his shop and I wanted to make a small modification. Several viewers have expressed interest in seeing some of the construction details. We also show how the dolly is used when moving a heavy lathe. Some lathe work and a little welding.

[@glenndavis2762]

Sending this video to my buddy who is about to aquire a new lathe, looks like we will be building a set. It will be nice to have a set around, when you need them, you need them. Thanks Tom, Glenn

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Glenn, Thanks for spreading the word. This is the easy way to move a heavy lathe. Send him the toe jack link while your at it. With those tools moving heavy stuff starts to become easier. Regards, Tom

[@vajake1]

That is a really good tip about "steel on steel no deal"! I never really thought about that before. Thanks!

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Vajake, The cool little saying came from a viewer. Really makes it easy to remember. Cheers, Tom

[@obfuscated3090]

That dolly design could do more than just help move lathes about the shop. Because you wisely upgraded to those longer bushings instead of nuts you could safely bolt the dollies to the ends of any suitable bar or heavy tube for a much wider track to positively control machines during loading and transport. I bolt my outrigger setups to lathe and mill bases (mine are just heavy, downward facing channel but it was free and works well) but your design would be faster to attach to an outrigger slid beneath the machine, and could work like the old wrecker dollies used on tow trucks. Your video helped inspire my design which moved lathes, mills and cutter grinders on and off my car trailer safely. Thanks for posting!

[@razorworks9942]

I love it when I learn something like this, especially from a friend!! Thanks Tom... Razor!

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Ray, Good to hear from you. How's it hanging up North? Playing with some of those tools you got at the bash? Talk to you soon. Best, Tom

[@razorworks9942]

oxtoolco, Hey Tom, great idea again on these skates. Things are still going, and yes, I am using some of those things from the bash. Other items such as the height gage with the "tenths" indicator I got from you is still on hold!!! Talk soon...

[@laurentcnc6662]

Another great idea Tom ! Thanks for sharing.

[@oxtoolco]

Merci, Cheers, Tom

[@k5at]

Thanks for sharing Tom, That's a great system, well engineered!

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Herb, Thanks for the comment and compliment. Regards, Tom

[@aryesegal1988]

Awesome, dear Tom! :) I liked the setup A LOT! :)

[@JackHoying]

Nice method to move a heavy lathe! I built a cart for my Bridgeport and used 6" Fairbanks 236-RB Cast Iron V-Groove wheels that I got on eBay. Mainly made for straight line moving, but can be pivoted easy enough. The v-groove allows it to ride on angle iron rails in case your floor isn't nice and flat. (or even over gravel if need be)

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Jack, I like the idea of laying down a track over rough terrain. I'll keep that idea up my sleeve for when I do some four wheeling off road. Cheers, Tom

[@ericr.3201]

oxtoolco agree

[@gordonagent7037]

Hi Tom, about to move my Milling machine so this will be a great way to do it, many thanks

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Gordon, Yes this will work for a milling machine as well. I generally like pallet jacks for moving small milling machines. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@Abom79]

Short and sweet Tom. I like it. The dolly system looks like it would work good. I need another similar to yours only it went under the lathe from both ends and you use ratchet straps to pull them tight. One end had fixed casters, and the opposite swivel. Ill probably build something for myself when it come time to move. Adam

[@jtkilroy]

Adam when you go to move that Monarch I bet you will need more than 2500kg capacity. I could move my Rivett with that but my pacemaker would flatten those pallet jack wheels

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Adam, Ratchet straps is a good idea. You could always have more than two wheels for the heavy end. Shouldn't make much difference in turning ability. Thanks for the comment. Best, Tom

[@jtkilroy]

Seems to be much more stable setup than skates I like it

[@oxtoolco]

James Kilroy Hey James, What is the weight of your Pacemaker? Swing? Length? Best, Tom

[@jtkilroy]

Its a touch under 8K last time I picked it up. 18"

[@Customairseals]

Ok off to the workshop right now to make one. Thanks

[@libertarianlife3651]

Slick set up. I use good old sand to avoid steel on steel.

[@mlr1941]

Hi Tom, thanks for the vid! Have a lathe to move also. this helps a bunch. Mike

[@tobyw9573]

I saw some wheels like yours that were held on with chain that crossed from side to side and the chain was attached with chain hooks. Looks like it worked well, but hard to see the details on video. I worked in a garage when I was young and they had a welding cart with about 24” welded up wire wheels. You could just about drag that thing over a creeper, LOL. Nice balance too with the high axle. Do not think I would risk wire wheels on heavy machines, but you weld better than me.

[@MaturePatriot]

I would need a toe jack to get that under my 13x40 lathe, as it sits now. Was thinking about putting heavier, longer, leveling bolts on it to raise it two inches. Then they might work. Smaller wheels would lower it some, too. Good idea.

[@wyattoneable]

That's just plain cool.

[@9531-d7w]

If the base of the lathe was all the same level just use heavy gauge pipe rollers cut to about 5’ lengths say 3” diameter. More cost effective and time saving.

[@erickieffer8440]

Thank you Tom for such a great idea. I'm trying to workout the feasibility of acquiring my first lathe. Besides increased capacity wheels, would you change this design any for a lathe in the five to six ton range? Thank you for such entertaining and educational content.

[@PetterPJ3W]

I made a set of these after seeing your earlier video. I had some wheels rated at 400lbs. each and found that if I put them in almost the middle of the lathe

[@oxtoolco]

Hey Mike, Great idea. Many lathes are skinnier in the middle where the center of gravity is so moving the dollie to this spot might not work. I would love to see some pictures of your setup if you have any. Kind regards, Tom

[@Buckrun11]

Wish I had something like that when I moved my lathes. I can see another project in the works.

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Steve, Gee if you just knew somebody that could cut out some real nice steel shapes you could make some sweet little dollies. All the best, Tom

[@GordysGoodworks]

These are similar in function to the machinery skates i used to move my lathe into my shop. Without them moving a 7500 lb machine was in my eyes very dangerous. Very clever design that is anchors to the machine in a sense. The skates I used just had nylon pads on top.

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Gordy, How did the nylon work on the skates? Did it have enough friction to stay in place? I wouldn't normally put plastic in between skates and the machine. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@GordysGoodworks]

oxtoolco The skates stayed in place perfectly. All of them would swivel once in place and lock in any orientation you wanted. They had tank tread looking things on the bottom except every link in the track was a roller, the rollers rolled until it caught a crack in the floor or a change in level then the track would start rolling.

[@GordysGoodworks]

oxtoolco www.zorotools.com/g/00054988/k-G3302257?Google_Shopping_Feed&kw=%7Bkeyword%7D&gclid=CMXkhOWrw7wCFepFMgodLQMA4g these are the ones I used

[@vclubamp]

Nice idea! I'm thinking they could easily be cobbled together with short scraps of round stock instead of the pallet Jack wheels...whatever is available. We always seem to have an abundance of "shorts"

[@oxtoolco]

Hi V, Some solid rounds would work fine. I had the pallet jack wheels so it was an easy decision. The dolly works great for moving lathes. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@reideichner8597]

Hi Tom, Do you prefer Tig over Mig with these kind of jobs? I noticed you Tig most of the time but kind of suck with mill scale. Nice, clean setup for moving a lathe. Heavy duty but simple. Thanks for showing us. Reid

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Reid, Good question. I use TIG more often because its quieter and I'm usually wearing shorts. I'll drag the MIG out when there is significant welding to do. For small jobs I generally reach for TIG. If its in a weird position say really close to the floor or up high then I would gravitate to MIG just because the foot pedal is bothersome out of position. Best, Tom

[@Opinionator52]

Very nice setup Tom, I could have used something like that a few times... Oh well the heavies are where they be as long as I am around, ug. :o] O,

[@miguelcastaneda7236]

steel skate looks pretty good beats old school short metal bars under and monster pry bar pusher..have moved turrent lathes and screw machines

[@MAYANPLASTIC]

Good job,

[@dob2030]

That's a good idea.

[@paulreider]

Love your channel Tom, thanks so much for sharing your skills and knowledge...btw, what's the title of your book and how do I get a copy...cheers!

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Paul, Thanks for the comment and compliment. The title of the book is "Sink or Swim Metalworking" and "Metalworking, Doing it Better" Both are available from Amazon or directly from Industrial Press. Cheers to you also, Tom

[@mikedelam]

Slicker than snot on a doorknob

[@deepwinter77]

might be better to have a threaded connection for the pivot skate on the front, with a T handle on the turning bar, to help with tight turns.

[@Patroand]

Hi Mr.Tom How did you make the swivel head on the small dolly ? I am returning to see this video again but that part is not explain. I believe it's the most critical part of the system. Thanks again Robert

[@oxtoolco]

Robert Patoine Hi Robert, The swivel head is a commercial machine foot like this. www.mcmaster.com/#6111K56 Its just threaded into the plate with the wheels. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@RoyalTDynoman]

Thanks for the great tip! Im fabbing a set tomarrow to move the used lathe I just purchased problem solved any suggestions or tips on moving a Foremost 120 mill ? I just purcashsed one for a super good price but where it is located it will have to be driven out by a slide back wrecker on a old logging road Yikes ! [It was brought in on a aircrane] any suggestions ? Thank you

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Trent, I move mills with a pallet jack these days. They seem to work out pretty good. The only problem is they don't work on rough terrain. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@austin3538]

nice job as usual

[@RichMenzel]

Where did you get the axle spud, or did you make them? Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@krazziee2000]

very nice,

[@keldsor]

Hi Tom ! These big wheels 'sounds' like made of plastic - how much are they rated for ? Best regards Keld, Denmark

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Keld, They are plastic wheels from a pallet jack. The load rating is 2500kg for the pair. Cheers, Tom

[@keldsor]

oxtoolco OK, then you have to be aware with some of your machines, I beleave ... at least the one outside ;-))

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Nice job on the dolly build! I see you use a tig torch and I would like to purchase a welder. Would you recommend tig over mig? Mr Tig as they call him on youtube seems to be all tig also. Ideas? Thank you

[@oxtoolco]

+Jeff DeLuca Hi Jeff, A tough question to answer in a few lines. If you want to build trailers and workbenches get a MIG machine that can run at least 150 amps. If you want versatility and fine control get a TIG machine and supplement with a stick welding stinger. You can do anything if your willing to stick weld. Most folks lack the gumption to properly learn stick welding so they opt for the easier MIG. Its actually harder to make a perfect sound pressure tight weld with MIG. But folks that don't get paid to weld might argue that point. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@jeffdeluca1153]

I actually stick welded a trailer together years ago, First project but that trailer is strong as an ox. The welds all look good. Good suggestions. I guess the argon shielding helps with cleaner welds but I'm probably not going for surgical precision. I may be moving some heavy equipment and your ideas will be an asset. Thanks again!

[@RoboCNCnl]

"Vieuwers Question :)": How do you choose what type of welding technique you will use... You were TIG welding, but on what base should you choose TIG, or arc, or mig/mag..? (hope stupid questions still not exist :))

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Robo, A good question as many people wonder how these decisions are made. For me it always boils down to weld size and volume of welding. My criteria for choosing a process really depends on how much welding is required. For quick small welds length/volume I would generally reach for TIG just because its so versatile, clean and controllable. For heavier welds with a lot of fill or length to them then I would probably reach for the MIG. If the base material were an more uncommon alloy, say stainless steel and of large weld volume I would probably reach for SMAW (stick) welding. I hope this answers your questions. Regards, Tom

[@RoboCNCnl]

oxtoolco This answers my question perfectly, thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge Tom, really much appreciated !!

[@1jtolvey]

WISH I'D KNOWN -- STEEL + STEEL = NO DEAL ! GUESS WE HAD A SEVERE LACK OF COMMON SINCE ! :-) STEEL WHEELS = SUPER CLEAN FLOORS !!

[@MaturePatriot]

Steel on plastic is no deal, also. Responded to a radioactive spill where a 10ton object slid off a truck because the riggers placed plastic between the object and the cribbing, instead of under the cribbing.

[@jeffwill5738]

Hey Tom I'm having a really hard time finding these wheels. Nothing I find actually mentions the load rating. If it's easy a precise reference to them would be really appreciated. jeff

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Jeff, Look in McMaster under replacement parts for pallet jacks. You should find something there you can use. The wheels I have are off a pallet jack. Keep in mind the pallet jack rating is 5500lbs total load distributed over four wheels so you probably won't find the large ones with a 2500 lbs rating each. Hope that makes sense. Best, Tom

[@jeffwill5738]

oxtoolco Hey - got it - I got confused by earlier mention of 2500 kgs per pair. I was looking for the elusive 10K plus pound pallet jack parts... j

[@gdglock]

When moving heavy machinery that has a high center of gravity, such as lathes, mills, drill presses, you want your dollies as close to the ground as possible. Looks like toys skates and wheels are 3.5" + off grade. Got to get down to 1". If you lose that skate, or break. A

[@oxtoolco]

Hi gd, All good points you make. Part of the system shown is the ability to transfer the load to a pallet jack. On long machines it is not always practical to be super low to the ground. This is shown as one possible way a heavy lathe can be moved without a large equipment investment. Thanks for the comment and participation. Regards, Tom

[@GnosisMan50]

I'm wondering, are those wheels plastic?

[@oxtoolco]

GnosisMan50 Yes they are. They are off a 5500 lb capacity pallet jack. Thanks for the comment. Cheers, Tom

[@PetterPJ3W]

Oops. I didn't need the steering skate at the other end. Just balance the lathe on the wheels and swivelled it when needed

[@skippy1460]

Could of use one of those 4 day ago :)

[@Stephen1455]

Hey no problem, at the start of your video it says dollie, maybe you want to change it so Aunt Dollie doesn't call you!

[@MrShobar]

Air bearings would work much better for moving equipment.

[@gdglock]

A wheel, that lathe is gonna roll over. I've seen it happen, to so called experienced riggers/movers. As you show, only odd number of "points of contact" with the equipment. Keep your dollies /skates/rollers as far apart as possible.

[@SomeGuysGarage]

Here's what I did for my (much) smaller machine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnnbZKuuiK1qkLM

[@gdglock]

For some reason my iPad added wrong letters,characters to my comment.

[@notusingmyrealfuckingname86]

Really? All that and you don't actually use it to move anything?