Moving heavy plate

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I would like to solicit some advice before I move on to my next project; a welding table. I am getting ready to build a welding table for my garage and the top will be 4' x 6' x 3/8" steel plate. Using calculators that I found online I estimate the weight to be about 367 lbs.How would you move this from the truck into the garage barring the use of a forklift? Right now I am leaning towards a hand truck but would love to hear some of the ways others have approached this.Thank you for your time.-Tom
Reply:I don't have the use of a forklift or the space for one for that matter.Easiest and cheapest would be somone on each corner.Not so easy getting people together these days though.And most of the work I do at home is alone.I use a 2 ton engine hoist to lift heavy metals from the truck and to put my welder, and gang box into and out of the bed. I've found it a great help.Cost on it was $145 I do believe. It also folds up into a very compact, and stores nicely in the corner.I find myself using it quite a bit.I'd get an engine hoist and tack a mount to it to slipa choler through, and have at it.As far as the handtruck you could probably make it work I suppose. Just slide it out of the bed and stand it up, ratchet it to the truck, and off and rolling. HOW are you going to lift it up onto the table to though. A 4x6 is heavy and awkward...1981 Lincoln SA 200Miller Trailblazer 302gMiller 211 Mig Welder w/ AutosetI'm learning to stick metal together
Reply:Thanks for the advice. I had wondered about using an engine hoist... As far as getting it on to the table I will end up laying the plate flat on the ground and attaching the frame upside down. I suppose the hoist would make flipping the table over much easier as well.Starting to get the idea now.Thanks again!-Tom
Reply:put pipes in the bed of the pickup first  and roll it on your table   http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=45095Last edited by T E B; 03-10-2011 at 10:04 AM.
Reply:I remember that thread! Great looking table too. Unfortunately the order is being delivered and I am not sure if the truck would be able to get into my drive. I think I am stuck on the build process. Thanks,Tom
Reply:I went through the same issue. I used 3/8 plate too. The steel company delivered it and they left it flat on the ground. I was not there. I took my floor jack and a pry bar to get it up on the floor jack. I then got the floor jack as close to the center of the plate as I could and lifted it up a couple of inches and dragged it in to where I was making my bench. I then left the plate on the floor and made the frame first then welded the frame to the bottom side of the plate on the floor (no need to lift the plate to the frame). This then made it easier to flip/roll over once the base frame was welded to the plate.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:Originally Posted by T E Bput pipes in the bed of the pickup first  and roll it on your table   http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=45095
Reply:All great suggestions today! Thanks again everyone, it really helped me get a plan together.-Tom
Reply:First, build the table base with large wheels. Slide it onto the table base.
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderFirst, build the table base with large wheels. Slide it onto the table base.
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550. . .you can probably just furniture-walk it into the garage and avoid all of this.
Reply:So here is the biggest wrinkle in my plan right now. The delivery guys will help get it off the truck "to the best of their abilities" which may mean I have to do it by myself. Anyone with a forklift want to stop by on Wednesday? *facepalm*
Reply:4x6x3/8 is really not a big deal.As mentioned, with the 4' on the ground "walk" it.Or use the wagon, skate boards, shovels as skids... anything.Good Luck
Reply:Agreed, it shouldn't be too bad once it's on the ground. I'm sure I'm just making a mountain out of a mole hill.Thanks again for everyone's suggestions!-Tom
Reply:Originally Posted by tjzelickSo here is the biggest wrinkle in my plan right now. The delivery guys will help get it off the truck "to the best of their abilities" which may mean I have to do it by myself. Anyone with a forklift want to stop by on Wednesday? *facepalm*
Reply:Originally Posted by AquafireWhat kind of steel company is that!?!?  To the best of their abilities?!??!!  Delivery involves dropping it at the customer's point!  Otherwise it's just a steel DRIVING service. I'm picturing two guys with prybars and a couple of 4x4 blocks levering it off the truck and leaving it where it lands.  Time to look for a better dealer.
Reply:Originally Posted by AquafireI'm picturing two guys with prybars and a couple of 4x4 blocks levering it off the truck and leaving it where it lands.
Reply:That's not that heavy, honestly.  I say that because you're not ever going to need to 'lift' it in its entirety.Once it's on the ground, prop up one side and slide a furniture dolly in there.  Then move it wherever you need to go.  If a slope is involved, use a rope and pulley.A hand truck would also work, with the 4' side the vertical.Mine was smaller, but an inch thick.  It weighed 510 pounds and I had to get it up on top -- and then flip it like a pancake.  I used some steel dowels, some rope, a jack, and a lot of patience.Last edited by Jack Olsen; 03-11-2011 at 02:15 PM.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:just go down to the local watering hole and get 4 guys that want a 12 pack apiece.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Just a quick follow-up. The steel company, BMG Metals, did a great job. I can't say enough how nice everyone was and the driver was beyond helpful in the process.Thanks again to all of you for your advice - I ended up using a variety of the methods: An extra helper, leverage, a rolling jack, etc. Now it's time to revisit my plans and build this table!-Tom
Reply:Glad to hear it's working out. I also use BMG metals at their Manssas, VA location. Very friendly and some of the lowest prices around.
Reply:start doing squats and deadlifts xDelse those chain pull systems are pretty good if you have something you can hang it from.last year i had to move a 250kg anvil out my car. that was a strugle with 2 ppl :s but we managed . I dont really know why you would take a solid plate for welding table, i still think multiple single parts is better because you have more spaces to clamp stuf at.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanI'm picturing the driver pulling just in front of the dropoff, removing the straps, gassing it in reverse, and stomping on the brakes.  Wheeeeeeeeeeee.
Reply:Hmmmmmmmm   I have a buddy that I call when I have heavy crap to lift....Big John is 6' 6" and 320.......Not to many things he can't move......  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock