How to move a heavy table in the same room?
8/21/2010 2:49:36 PM
How to move a heavy table in the same room?
Hi all,
I own a vintage 4x8 (playing surface size) table (1.5 - 1.75" solid oak construction, 3 slate).
It's been setup at its current spot in my basement for 10 years, in a properly sized room.
For the next couple of years, my son wants to setup that room as a home theater, and I don't want to get rid of the table, since I'll want to play again when he's moved out after university.
I'd like to move the table and position it against the back wall, at 90 degrees of its current position.
Problem is: this table weighs a TON!
Any ways to move something like this without seriously affecting the table slates nor ruining my back? I suppose the slates would have to be resealed and re-leveled whenever I put the table back at its current spot, down the road. I'd just like to be able to swing it and put it against the back wall as-is, without having to dismantle it.
The other alternative would be to sell the table and buy one some years down the road, if I want to own one again...
thanks for your advice.
How to move a heavy table in the same room?
Replies & Comments
jags on 8/22/2010 9:15:42 AM
I would buy 4 of these. and lift one end of the table at a time. Wheel the table to the corner and just leave it on the dollies until you move it back. If the table is that heavy the slate should not be disturbed.
http://clarkecasters.com/catalog/carts-dollies-three-wheel-dollies-c-27_2182.html
rstl99 on 8/22/2010 10:41:37 AM
Thanks! Looking for a supplier in Canada, I found these 3-wheel dollies that look up to the job (the steel ones, with capacity of 1300 pounds!).
http://www.avenuesupply.ca/material-handling/dollies/d-87867-87867-153074
I have a 20-ton hydraulic bottle jack that I can use to raise one end of the table at a time as you suggest, and once the table is on the 4 dollies, hopefully we will be able to wheel it around to the corner.
That would be great if indeed the slates aren't disturbed by this!
Cheers.
The jack may be ok for the first end but I would caution you that when you go to do the other end it could easily roll off the jack. I think it would be much safer to have two people lift the end and another to put the dollies in position.
Yes I had also thought of that (rolling off the jack). I hope two men can lift one end (whenever I've tried to lift it for fun, I can't budge it at all - this thing is HEAVY). I have moving straps so could wrap that underneath at one end, and have 2 other guys lift some of the weight that way (with 2 other guys lifting from the end). And a fifth to slip the dollies under the legs, of course. Still, easier than taking it apart to move it a few feet!
I said people, don't rule out the womens, they have some awesome leg strength!
dduffett on 10/8/2010 12:23:58 PM
no way--take it apart or you will seriously damage the integrity of the frame.
Mitch Alsup on 10/8/2010 12:54:16 PM
I am one to recommend taking the table apart and storing it.
The probability that you culd successfully move the table and put it back so that it remained dead flat is rather low. Thus, you are likely to have to reshim the bed flat after moving it back anyway.
The probability that after sitting for another years without use the rails will have gone dead is moderate.
And Finally, any unuseful bump along the journey can crack the joint between the slates anyway--at which point you need a table mechanic to set up the table all over again anyways.
probilliards on 10/11/2010 5:08:10 PMI'd agree with Mitch. Disassemble and store. For one it will take up less space. The likelihood of moving it and maintaining the integrity of the level and setup is doubtful on a 3pc slate table.
How to move a heavy table in the same room?
- Title: How to move a heavy table in the same room?
- Author: rstl99
- Published: 8/21/2010 2:49:36 PM
