Hello All,

I have a very heavy National NC-2-40D. How practical is it to ship this? How
would one box this up so it could survive a trip across the country?

Thanks
Nick L

"Nick Lamendola" wrote in message ...
Hello All,

I have a very heavy National NC-2-40D. How practical is it to ship this? How
would one box this up so it could survive a trip across the country?

Thanks
Nick L

Hey Nick, shipping receivers of this size is very practical, as long
as you follow a few simple rules.
1.)Use a good sturdy box big enough to contain the radio and the
layers of padding that will surround it. A computer box makes a very
good container.
2.) Remove all tubes and wrap them individually in bubble wrap, and
place them back into the interior of the set because, chances are,
they will vibrate out of their sockets on the trip and wind up broken
and useless.
3.) Wrap the radio itself in at least 2 layers of bubble wrap. This
will keep the radio from receiving "rub marks" and other damage caused
by movement, and will provide a layer of padding for the more
breakable parts.
4.) Surround the radio with at least 3 inches of rigid styrofoam board
insulation on the sides and top, with 4 inches on the bottom, making
sure that the radio is held firmly in place by the packing, and not
allowed to move excessively.
5.) Tape the box securely on the outside by continuously wrapping
bands of overlapping packing tape to reinforce the box.
6.)Lastly, even though this part won't make much difference, clearly
mark the outside of the package as "FRAGILE!" in several conspicuous
places. I like to think that this will give the monkeys at your chosen
carrier a little pause before they start to use your package as a
throw toy!
I have shipped many heavy sets using this method, including a
Hallicrafters SX-28, a National RBL-5, a National HRO-60, and several
others, and all arrived safely in the condition in which they were
sent. The rigid foam board costs about $7.00 a sheet, and can be had
at any home improvement store. Be sure to get the rigid board with the
plastic coating, and not the plain styrofoam, because it will take
much more abuse without breaking. Also, UNDER NO CONDITION SHOULD YOU
USE PACKING PEANUTS!!!!!!! These cursed things will shift and become
useless, and, if the set is not wrapped properly in bubble wrap, they
will end up hopelessly wedged into every nook and cranny in the
interior of the set! I hope this helps.

73's

Greg Gifford / KG4MMY

Greg wrote:
"Nick Lamendola" wrote in message ...

Hello All,

I have a very heavy National NC-2-40D. How practical is it to ship this? How
would one box this up so it could survive a trip across the country?

Thanks
Nick L


Hey Nick, shipping receivers of this size is very practical, as long
as you follow a few simple rules.
1.)Use a good sturdy box big enough to contain the radio and the
layers of padding that will surround it. A computer box makes a very
good container.
2.) Remove all tubes and wrap them individually in bubble wrap, and
place them back into the interior of the set because, chances are,
they will vibrate out of their sockets on the trip and wind up broken
and useless.
3.) Wrap the radio itself in at least 2 layers of bubble wrap. This
will keep the radio from receiving "rub marks" and other damage caused
by movement, and will provide a layer of padding for the more
breakable parts.
4.) Surround the radio with at least 3 inches of rigid styrofoam board
insulation on the sides and top, with 4 inches on the bottom, making
sure that the radio is held firmly in place by the packing, and not
allowed to move excessively.
5.) Tape the box securely on the outside by continuously wrapping
bands of overlapping packing tape to reinforce the box.
6.)Lastly, even though this part won't make much difference, clearly
mark the outside of the package as "FRAGILE!" in several conspicuous
places. I like to think that this will give the monkeys at your chosen
carrier a little pause before they start to use your package as a
throw toy!
I have shipped many heavy sets using this method, including a
Hallicrafters SX-28, a National RBL-5, a National HRO-60, and several
others, and all arrived safely in the condition in which they were
sent. The rigid foam board costs about $7.00 a sheet, and can be had
at any home improvement store. Be sure to get the rigid board with the
plastic coating, and not the plain styrofoam, because it will take
much more abuse without breaking. Also, UNDER NO CONDITION SHOULD YOU
USE PACKING PEANUTS!!!!!!! These cursed things will shift and become
useless, and, if the set is not wrapped properly in bubble wrap, they
will end up hopelessly wedged into every nook and cranny in the
interior of the set! I hope this helps.

73's

Greg Gifford / KG4MMY

I'll add my 2 cents worth.
1. When it comes to bubble wrap, use the stuff with big bubbles, not
the tiny stuff like they sell at the Post Office.
2. The styrofoam stated is great for keeping the box intact but adds
little to cushioning so that makes Item 1 even more important.
3. I personally prefer double boxing but on a large item that may send
you into the "Oversized Parcel Post only" cost stratosphere if shipping
via USPS. Double boxing is well worth the effort. Chock the corners of
the box-in-a-box with wadded up newspaper, heavy foam or something to
keep it centered and the rest can packed tight with peanuts, etc. This
really helps for the inertia damage like the power xfmr bending the
chassis when the parcel makes an abrupt stop.
My credo is that if I'm not comfortable to throw, drop or otherwise
abuse the parcel then its not fit to go into the "system".

-Bill (Zone 8)