All my hardinges are second -ops and a couple toolroom projects (pre HLV-)
That said, i would not take the lathe off the cabinet if in any way possible to move without. In the big scheme of things you don't really save much weight, there are a lot of somewhat fussy electical & mechanical connections/linkages to re-install & a few small loose pieces to lose (springs, ball bearing) for the 3 point mount. The lathe itself is most of the weight, you are not going to take it off complete, remove the TS, chucks, and collet closer, & one person, or even a couple guys safely man-carry it out to the truck like you can an old second-op. It is still going to require careful rigging, and protection for a lot of sensitive parts like the handles, and any linkage that sticks out the bottom at the headstock end.
Of course if you are one of those nuts that intends to take it home and spend the next year (or 3) "restoring" it with new paint, polish, and soft parts, then go ahead and dis-assemble it in crates with some sort of organizational system and labeling, and have at it.
(Disclaimer: My TL's are in that condition, but they were both too far gone to use at all without new beds and scraping. 10 yrs on the 1st. One year and counting on the second...
)
smt
