Golding Jobber #7 in in-house studio?
Hello,
I have been searching for a smaller/lighter floor model platen press, like a Pearl, without much luck. My studio space is a first floor bedroom over a basement, so I need something that isn’t too heavy and can be moved up 4 stairs into my house.
I did find a Jobber #7 locally that is in great shape for a good price…however, my research tells me this press weighs at least 1500 pounds, so I am anxious about putting this in my house. I have read other threads on here that say if I spread the weight out with plywood underneath this could be done safely. I also have a solid 1950’s brick house with 16 on center floor joists and a steel beam running down the center of the basement. Is this a good idea to consider? (Yes, I know I can also ask a structural engineer. I thought I’d get some advice here before going through that hassle/expense).
Personally, I wouldn’t do it without accounting for the extra weight. My sister in law had a noticeable sag in the floor in her house due to placement of a piano, which might have weighed half of what that press weighs.
Your best bet is to either consult a structural engineer, or add support underneath. With a steel beam you might be fine, but it wouldn’t hurt anything to add some wood bracing in the floor joists in that spot and a jack post, just to make sure it is stable.
Brent
It won’t be cheap but I’d agree – call a structural engineer! They’ll objectively look at your structure and what you want to do and give a detailed recommendation / plans. The age and condition of your house will impact their recommendations a lot.
All that said, I can tell you from experience that most 50s houses I’ve seen had floors that spanned about 12 feet, give or take. Almost all of them had issues with the joists themselves (plumber cuts, holes, damage) that impacted their strength. Often, if you jumped up and down, you could easily feel the ‘bounce’ – no bueno. In older houses with radiators you can easily see the sag and those suckers weigh less than half your press (and have no moving parts).
Personally, I would not put a 1500lb press on a conventionally wood framed floor. It was never designed to carry that much weight. If I had to I’d expect to run one or two beams on footers in the middle of the span – at least.
Thank you all for your wise advice. I decided to pass on this press.