Soliciting advice on packing an amp

agfrost

Looks like I may be packing a B&K ST-202+ for shipping for a Polkie. Obviously want to ensure that it arrives safely.

It has no original packing materials. Imagining that I'll need to buy some hard foam sheeting, find or make boxes for double-boxing, but need as much good advice as you all can offer.

Thanks.

scubalab

Get an electronics box from UHaul or Home Depot. I've had success using these double-wall boxes with a couple inches of styrofoam around the item - especially the corners. Depending on the size, you could also double box with a smaller bos inside the electronics box. I also use shrink wrap on the item for protection from scratches. Just sent some speakers I was selling across the country successfully.

voltz

have some foam in a big box in storage. sent you a PM.

MrBuhl

IMO, double boxed, only way to go. Heavy foam around amp and in between. Leave no room for shifting or for the amp to gain momentum inside the packing.

EndersShadow

Find your box with around 2" of space on all sides, throw some expanding foam from a can in a trash bag, let it start to fully expand and put the amp on top of it. Let the bottom/side harden. Do similar for the top.

It's how my work gets all our equipment shipped.

That way it's fairly form fitted to the object.

I've also used foam and bubble wrap like @scubalab mentioned.

For that amp the most important thing is to protect the corners of the rack handle section as if dropped on one of those corners it's gonna be a problem.

Most important is also looking at the shipping requirements for the shipper you are using and making sure to meet or exceeds those should a claim need to be made. And pay for insurance and make sure the item is bought as a transaction and documented well as to what was bought.

agfrost

Thanks to those who've replied. I'm reading and will read more if/as they roll in.

MrBuhl

^^ LOL PFB ^^

agfrost

DSkip wrote: »

Wrap it in cellophane and off it goes!

I thought the top plate was large/smooth enough that I could simply cover it with stamps and drop it in a mailbox...No?

EndersShadow

agfrost wrote: »

DSkip wrote: »

Wrap it in cellophane and off it goes!

I thought the top plate was large/smooth enough that I could simply cover it with stamps and drop it in a mailbox...No?

Just make sure to fill up the internal amp area with packing peanuts.

agfrost

Good call Dan. Styrofoam, or the biodegradable cornstarch ones?

EndersShadow

Up the ante. Actual peanuts

gmcman

Anything of value like this and that's heavy, I like to use 1/8" hardboard or possibly 1/4", lining the outer box, then use dense foam against the hardboard to surround the inner box, use bubble wrap to take up any gaps if needed. Hardboard is thin and cheap and offers fairly decent puncture resistance.

The inner box if you don't have the original packing, I would wrap the amp in a garbage bag, then wrapped with bubble wrap, lining the inner box with styrofoam or more very dense foam.

I always go over the entire outer box with clear tape, seams first. I don't trust anyone to not protect from the weather.

To go an extra step, paint the outer box in white primer before taping, slightly less of a giveaway to prying eyes.

Willow

As long as the transaction has no contact with PFB you'll be fine.
When Bob shipped my parasound, it was done very well. Amazing actually. Perhaps shoot him a pm

daddyjt

If at all possible, remove the rack handles/ears for shipping.

Also, if the amp does not have a removable power cord, do not let its coiled up bundle rest at the back of the amp, specifically against the rcas or binding posts - ive seen both damaged from impact with a cord bundle - best to coil it under the amp, with foam or bubble wrap.

pitdogg2

scubalab wrote: »

Get an electronics box from UHaul or Home Depot. I've had success using these double-wall boxes with a couple inches of styrofoam around the item - especially the corners. Depending on the size, you could also double box with a smaller bos inside the electronics box. I also use shrink wrap on the item for protection from scratches. Just sent some speakers I was selling across the country successfully.

I would use pink or blue styro board if going this route its much more sturdy than beadboard.
My.02

I've also thought of the approach Dan mentioned just didn't have the nads to try it.

DaveHo

Get the white EPS foam, not blue board foam. Regular old white EPS foam will absorb shocks more effectively than the more sturdy kind.

Your best bet is to go to the local home center & find a piece with some chunks missing. Usually, they will practically give it to you to get it gone since nobody who would want it for insulating will buy it. I just bought a 2' x 8' piece of EPS foam from Home Depot for $5 because a corner was broke off & it had been sitting.

billbillw

Personally, I hate the mess that the EPS/styro sheets make when you cut them and you need to make sure the amp is sealed in a plastic bag before rubbing agains the styro. Otherwise, the buyer will have lots of tiny pieces to retrieve from the vents, cracks, knobs, etc.

If you have some of the expanded "pour and pack" type polyurethane foam that some shippers use, it will cut up with much less mess. I've recycled many of those to pack heavy items.

I've also had success shipping heavy amps simply using correct size double box and lots of the large size bubble wrap. 3-4 layers minimum around the amp and taped tightly, double/triple the wrap in corners by folding over and taping. Boxes should be double-wall if possible. "Correct" box size means at least 3" oversize in each direction, but not so large as to cause shifting. Foam peanuts also work well to fill the void between the inner and outer box. Just make sure you have enough to pack tight and it won't shift.

Overall, it just takes some care and caution.

daboyz

I've got this kids. I've got everything he needs except maybe the box.