Yes the Mercury is made to last and takes 2 too lift it on the bench. It’s even a struggle to extend it on your own.
I had to break mine down to its component parts to get it on the bench. My wife and I just managed to get the column and base onto the bench and then built it up from there.
I use a scissor jack and block of wood under the table to make it easier to raise and lower the table precisely.
Mine came from a school clearout many years ago and I must say its a lovely made piece. Something very pleasurable about changing the speed by moving the belt up and down the pulleys.
Old school like the car, cough cough . . . And me
You and me both...
Mine was an ebay purchase about 10 years ago.