CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

paw · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 1176 Location: Arvada, CO

I've got a set of HD 145 (clear) lenses that I going to be shipping to the UK. My thought for packaging are

1 - Wrap the lenses in large bubble wrap
2 - Pack in stryo peanuts
3 - Tape the hell of the cardboard box. Multipe wraps of clear packing tape.
4 - Stick a couple of fragile stickers on it.

Any other ideas?

Any recommendations for shippers to use or avoid for shipping to the UK? I'm thinking of using FedEx.

draganm · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 8990 Location: Colorado

if they're all going in one box I would put something between the lenses to seperate them. I saw LC lenses once where one lens abraded through the bubble wrap and chewed into the optics of the one next to it. If you can get some chunks of computer shipping foam it's great stuff. I have a mounatin of it here if you need a piece.

scottap · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 177 Location: Palo Alto, CA

When I've shipped them, I've also put a piece of cardboard over the glass elements on each end of the lens. The diameter of the cardboard circle is a little larger than the lens diameter. I then hold the carbaord in place with two large rubber bands running the length of the lens. That way you don't have to tape anything the lenses themselves.

drice1234 · Joined: 07 Oct 2006 Posts: 1309 Location: Allen, Texas

I've used the box in a box method and it worked while. Pack the lens really well into one box, then put packing around the inside of another box and put the first in and back foam or bubble wrap all around.

Elaine Benes · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1416

Considering how heavy they are going to be, I would consider NOT putting any "Fragile" stickers on the box as that may only serve to annoy the package handlers when they go to pick it up and discover instead of a lightweight, "fragile" feeling box, they have instead a really heavy beast. Put a "Heavy" warning sticker on the box instead, then it will be picked up gingerly.

Wrap the lenses each in enough large size bubble wrap to withstand being dropped without a box from waist level, then pack them in a box big enough to accommodate additional cushioning in the form of styrofoam peanuts. Put in enough additional cushioning to make the lenses secure from movement inside the box.

Or, take them to a place that does custom "foam in place" packing and just put them in plastic bags before they're foamed in place.

perisoft · Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 2920 Location: Ithaca, NY

I always put mine in a plywood box half full of sheet metal screws. My eBay rating has gone to hell, though.

paw · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 1176 Location: Arvada, CO

Thanks guys

I taped a triple layer of large bubble wrap over both ends of the lenses. It covers 1/3 - 1/2 of the total lens length. Then a layer of large bubble around the middle. There's stryo peanuts on the bottom, sides, ends and tops. The lenses are laid side by side. They don't shift around in the box when I turn upside down or on end. The box has all edges taped and 3 sections of packing tape around the grith of the box.

As far as being heavy, 26 lbs isn't that much. I don't know how much fragile stickers do. I'll take a set with me when I ship it and ask. I heard a horror story of someone shipping a heavy item via UPS. The shipper ask him to be careful with it. The driver ask if it was insured. When the shipper replied yes, the UPS driver drop kicked it.

FedEx, DHL & UPS were all in the $250 range. USPS was $185 - $110. The purchaser chose the $185, 1 - 3 days USPS method.

1031 · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 657 Location: Finland

http://www.dvdplaza.fi/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8919&d=1186567529
Here is good example.

Spotmatic · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:28 pm Post subject:

1031 · Joined: 22 Mar 2006 Posts: 657 Location: Finland

**Curt Palme** · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 3:44 pm Post subject:

Styro peanuts are a BAD idea. The lenses are too heavy and will crush them.

Foam in place is awesome, if you can find a place cheap enough to do it for you.

Moose · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 788 Location: Minnesota

paw · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 1176 Location: Arvada, CO

Dave Lister · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:50 am Post subject:

Home made foam in place can be done easily.

Wrap your item in a rubbish bag.

Line your box with a rubbich bag.

Use expanding foam filler (the type used to seal large holes around the house).

Squirt some expanding foam into the bottom of the box taking into account the amount it will expand.

Let it expand enough so you can place your wrapped item in the middle of the box.

Place your item in the box and place a piece of rubbish bag over the item and foam (this will help in separating the foam when the buyer unpacks the item).

Squirt more expanding foam into the box accounting for expansion.

Close box.

Check once cured to make sure it has filled the box propperly.

Tape the hell out of the box and place copious amounts of warning labels and maybe a shock watch sticker or 3.

Maybe add a legal warning that the handler(s) are responsible for any damage caused. Very Happy