...The Post office "Priority Mail , medium sized Flat Rate Box" is an excellent shipping alternative. {8 1/2" *11" * 5 1/2" high}
The postage is $17.10 each direction
...The Postal service says this is a 2 to 3 day( travel time) service and I believe they count Saturday, which is quite fast, and for the price, excellent.
...There is a "signature required" optional service (another $ 1.35) but I do not recommend this as the postman must find me to get a signature before he can leave it; and as I am usually out in my workshop and can not hear the door bell there, this can add an extra day or two to the actual delivery time. We have a closed package delivery box by the front door for deliveries.
...To use this "Flat rate box" service, you must ship your package in their box, which they give your free at your local post office. ("medium size Flat Rate Box")
...I recommend the following to help ensure your parts travel safely:
- Add extra inside heavy hardboard lining (bottom and sides ) to increase box protection and strength.
- Pad your harmonic balancer all around being especially careful to protect the oil seal surface and the thin edge next to any machined "v-belt" grooves.(Tightly crumpled newpapers as tight as possible all around the outside and on top, also, is the best protection.) (please see photos below: }
- Tightly pack the remaining space inside with tightly crumpled newpapers (two layers thick), so that the parts can not rattle around at all, once the box is sealed shut. (foam peanuts shift and bubble wrap bubbles break !)
...If you think your part can reasonably survive a six foot high drop on to a concrete floor without damage, then you are ready to ship your harmonic balancer package off to me.
...To save waiting in line at the post office when you drop your package off, you can purchase postage and print your mailing label on line at www.usps.com. Click on shipping domestic package, priority mail, then enter your credit card information as you open an online account, then enter your return address information and my address: Then request a pickup and they will pick it up for free at your address at the regularly scheduled delivery time!
...At the last you go down near the bottom of the page and click "flat rate box" just before checkout for relialble shipping at only $17.10 each way!
...When done, you can just give it to your mailman or walk to the counter at your favority post office and just drop it off (no waiting in line necessary!).(There is usually a special part of their counter for package drop offs)
...
Dale Manufacturing
3425 Fairhaven Avenue N.E.
Salem, Oregon 97301
(503) 364- 8685
...When you take your package in to the post office they invite you to just come up to the counter and drop it off without waiting in line, since it is ready to ship with postage prepaid.
(Of course the post office will gladly do the label for you; but remember, they might rather try to sell you their regular priority mail service which is MUCH more expensive), and you do need to use their "Flat Rate" box for this special service.
...There are two sizes of (free) flat rate boxes available from the post office, but the 8 1/2" by 11" by 5 1/2" high size might be most useful ($ 17.10 cost). If your part is large, then use the 12" X 12" x 5 1/2" flat rate box ( Cost is $ 22.80 for this size.) If your part will not fit in either size box, then you must use some other shipping method. (There is one more size 12 X 13 X 3 3/8" for flat designs at $ 17.10)
...I hope these ideas are helpful;
Regards,
David "Dale" Langsather .(Owner of Dale Manufacturing.)
Harmonic balancer shipping tips...
...I recommend that you line the inside of the box with pieces of heavy cardboard as the box is rather thin cardboard.
...This piece is laid in the bottom of the box first.
...Next, lay your harmonic balancer with the flat side down against the bottom in the center of the box. Adding cardboard also around the sides on the inside, especially for a heavy part.
...Tightly crumple newspaper (two layers thick) and pack tightly around the sides of your part until it is tightly centered in the bottom of the box. Then continue to fill the rest of the box until the lid can just be closed.... This will ensure that the part travels safely and that it can not be damaged during shipment.
...(I like to put strapping tape across the flaps, for extra strength).
...3/4" Fiberglass Strapping filliment tape goes over the center and down over each flap of the top next.
...Next, cover the strapping tape with 2" clear shipping tape as you did on the bottom.
...Now you can take it to your post office and they will print off a shipping label for you and collect your $16.25 for the 2-day air service {or $ 22.65 for the larger size box.} (remember, it is any weight up to 70 pounds) or you can print off the postage-paid shipping label on your home computer. Go to www.USPS.com and follow the instructions, selecting "Flat Rate Box".
...If you print your own label and pay for the postage on line, then you can either just drop it off at the postoffice counter (no waiting in line) or ask your postman to pick up the package from your home or office (which they will do free of charge). { Just go online to www.usps.com.
Then click on the "Mail and Ship" tab on the top row;
Next, click on the fourth item down on the drop down menu: "Schedule a Pickup"...Follow instructions, and your postman will pick up the next day on his route. }
...Here I am adding the shipping label I printed off. The envelope at the left is your receipt.
...The label is placed on the right side and completely covered with 2" clear shipping tape. Please be sure to cover the joint to the side with tape also.
Smooth down the clear shipping tape all over.
...I have a shipping box by the front door for convenient pick up and delivery of packages.
...The package should arrive at your home in two to three business days (three days if a Sunday in included).
...Your harmonic balancer should be ready to give you many reliable miles of service again.
...Here I am, Your humble harmonic balancer rebuilder.
...My name is David Langsather and I have been rebuilding harmonic balancers for 43 years now. ...
I do all the work myself (with my wife Karen who does shipping, receiving, cleanup, painting and record keeping).
...We are looking forward to serving you...
...The shipping address again is:
Dale Manufacturing
3425 Fairhaven Avenue N.E.
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 364-8685
(revised 2/2023)
Page HB_12
...Here, heavy cardboard is cut out and placed around the inside perimeter, especially important for heavier parts. It also protects your part should another heavy box or object strike the outside.
Please reinforce box as follows:
Please Note, for 2023, we are going to a 50/50
Work Schedule. Our shop will be open 50% of the year, in four blocks of time. (Age of a certain range).
