Hey everyone! I'm looking to buy a used jointer or table saw, but I don't have a truck and I'm not sure how to manage the heavy lifting on my own. Has anyone here successfully picked up heavy tools like this solo? I've thought about renting a truck with a lift gate when the time comes, but I'm worried that all these added expenses might just lead me to buy a new tool instead. Any advice or personal experiences would be super helpful!
4 Answers
When it comes to used equipment, you definitely have to consider the risks. I would say a jointer is a safer bet. However, I’d be wary of used table saws, especially for precision work. You can end up with issues like warped fences if you're not careful. Just something to think about!
I once picked up a big table saw by taking it apart into smaller pieces. It took about 15 minutes to disassemble, but it made loading much easier since I could carry each part separately. The seller didn't mind at all and just watched the process. Definitely worth considering breaking things down when you go to pick them up!
If you're thinking about renting, a trailer can be a game changer. It makes loading and unloading much easier, especially if you have ramps or jacks. I once had to get a 700lb mill out of a basement using just a few tools and my own strength after everyone ditched me. Trust me, a trailer is the way to go.
I had a similar experience buying a large table saw a couple of hours away. My brother helped disassemble it before we loaded it into my car. Once back, I even hired some strong guys from a local service to help move it onto the stand. Totally worth the small cost; they got it done in just a few minutes! Look into services like Lugg.com if you need some extra hands.
I never thought about disassembling it! Was your saw a cabinet model? I always assumed they were too heavy to take apart effectively.