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Moving VPI TNT, Wheaton Triplanar, Transfiguration

I'm moving my VPI TNT, Wheaton Triplanar, and Transfiguration Phoenix across country using a moving company (insured as 'high value item' for full replacement value). The moving company is going to crate the turntable, but I'm not sure whether to dismount the cartridge and/or tonearm. I would prefer not to have to start the setup from scratch when I arrive, as everything is set up well now. But, it's certainly not worth risking damaging anything in the move. I'm thinking the best thing may be to remove the tonearm either totally from the table, or along with the removeable armboard, and leave the cartridge attached to the tonearm, transporting those parts together, but separately from the table. I'm concerned that the bearings/other parts of the tonearm might be stressed if left on the table. I thought I would also take the platter off to prevent wear on the bearing. I thought I would remove the feet and rubber balls that support the table, and pad the table as carefully as I can. I have the original packaging cushions for the table but the box is in no shape to travel. I also have the original boxes for the tonearm, cartridge, and motor, with all the foam, etc. Any advice would be appreciated.
What do people do when transporting tables to shows? I wouldn't think they would completely disassemble/reassemble them, but I'm sure it's a more controlled environment.
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ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
An additional tip that helped me alot for setup later. This has to be done before you move it but it made set up at the new spot less frustrating.

The TNT has a large footprint and the detachable legs make actual relocation of the legs difficult I found when it got moved around. Especially if one person was doing it.
Making a template of the legs and motor/flywheel made setting it up much easier.

If it rests on a light colored isolation platform like mine did you can trace the legs and motor with a crayon or something else that is easy to rub off. Or you can get a large sheet of thick paper – the kind they use for krafts. Just prior to moving slide it under one area at a time. Trace again. When you remove it, cut out the holes for the legs and motor/flywheels. Put this template down on the new surface first and begin the assembly. When set up just cut the template out.
Cheers
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Seems you are taking all the right steps. I would carefully read and engage your carrier with a full discussion of the specific insurance that will cover all your items. Having the carrier pack everything, while expensive, is the way to go. It is very important that the shipping manifest detail each item and that each item be valued at new prices (including taxes and shipping.) The latter needs to be done before the carriers truck moves anything. This all needs to be done before anything is packed. It is not unusual for the insurance to cost $5K to $10K as it should be a separate policy that is written just for your move and its goods. I went through a similar move about ten years ago and it took me two years to get a settlement from the carriers insurance company. I had to pay a lawyer about $3K. The insurance carrier, not the mover carrier, is the one to investigate. I paid $7K for my insurance policy. The covered damages were $109K. Remember insurance companies have a policy of delay, deny, deceive. It is what they are all about.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,370 posts
 
When I moved across the country, I packed the platter, the motor assembly, and the turntable seperately.. I took the arm myself with the cartridge well protected, and travelled with it in the glove compartment of the car.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
i have a vpi tnt jr and have moved it and would never move it without seperating the tonearm from the pivot as well as taking the platter/bearing off the table. I have always moved it myself. I did assemble a protective cover out of foam so that I can leave the benz glider cartridge on the tonearm. use alot of foam and protect everything that looks protectine four times, than go do everything that doesn't need protecting twice.
elinor's avatar
elinor
275 posts
 
Yes to any or all of the above. I'm so nuts, I took all but the speakers and my stand with me in the car when I moved from coast to coast. If I had room for the speakers I would have taken those too.
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