At
86 lbs. for the large Emmert, shipping an Emmert is quite a task. The
Oliver vise is even heavier. Here's what I've learned.....
I
have received several Emmert vises and have paid $20 to $50 for the
crates. With one Emmert, only the crate bottom showed up with the vise
bolted on.
What a mess! UPS is a great service but some workers are gorillas.
Here's a picture of a crate that I like and is very simple to make. It's
made of 1/2" plywood with glued and screwed 2x2 corner and bottom
supports. The inside width is just big enough to hold the vise jaws. The
length is about 1" longer than the vise. The vise is opened almost to
maximum to distribute the weight, the handle removed, then place the 85
lb. Emmert in the box. Tighten the screw (spindle) to clamp onto the 2x2
support on the bottom (supports are screwed to the sides). This keeps
the vise from sliding in the box. Next screw some 1x2 supports to the
inner sides of the crate just above the vise. These supports are longer
that the vise is opened and keep it from bouncing up in the crate. Place
the handle, tilt adjustment bracket and other items in bubble wrap. I
like a Ziploc bag for items with screws and nuts in case they come off
in transit. Next, screw on the top (no glue!) and label "OPEN TOP FIRST".
My top was the full size of the crate and screwed to the 1/2" plywood
sides. On the outside of the box, don't forget to write FRAGILE, DO NOT
DROP and HEAVY. Also add two 1x2's to the bottom far enough apart to
allow a hand dolly to slide under the crate. Rope handles are a nice touch
but may allow moisture in.
Lastly, a couple of notes on UPS charges. The maximum shipping weight
for UPS is 150 lbs. Always, always, always insure the package. Cast iron
is high in carbon which makes it brittle. Cast iron will crack and chip.
In calculating insurance, I would add $100 for the crate (and hassle) to
the sales price. The UPS insurance charge is only $2.45 for an $800
package and $3.85 for a $1200 package.
Now for the package pickup. A strange thing about UPS is that they
charge more for taking a heavy package to the UPS Customer Counter. For
a heavy package like these, it is $15 to $20 cheaper to have them to
pickup the package (One time pickup) on your door step. They charge more
to take it to their Customer Counter. It's more work for you to lug a
120 lb. box into your trunk, get it out and cart it to the counter and
it costs more. It doesn't make sense. Check the rates for yourself.
