looking for retractable workbench legs ideas

bad_idea · Oct 20, 2011

I am building a weld cart 20" deep x 48" wide x 42" high. i have 4 pieces of 10" wide channel 4' long, the web is 3/4" thick. plan on welding (2) together for a top and (2) together for a bottom shelf. 3x3x1/4" angle 36" long (or so) between the top and bottom shelf. put the welding machine and bottle on the bottom shelf and continue pimping from there. anywho, i estimate the whole shebang will weigh in around 600-800 lbs.

i want to be able to wheel it away from the wall into the center of the garage for projects, then roll it back against the wall when not in use. i also want it to be solid on a set of legs for heavy thrashing and the like. i am thinking the threaded shaft of a c-clamp threaded into each of the four corners would do it. just thinking there has to be a quicker/ easier way to do it? (ease of installation and operation) i have seen a couple different setups for this concept, but they are typically for a wooden bench that someone could pick up one end to drop the wheels down. I don't believe i will be able to pick the end of this one up.

btw... i have a 14x20 garage that i keep my 02 z28 in, so space is at a premium. i plan on putting a fold down 12" wide on the front and back to keep it close to the wall when stowed and give me a 44" x 48" table when the sides are up.

thoughts anyone?

BMB · Oct 20, 2011

Not sure if this is will work for you, but its what I did.

Boat trailer jack on one end and a couple of casters on the opposite end just barely off the ground.

Jack it up just a bit and roll it around.

Trey T · Oct 21, 2011

Neat idea!

bad_idea · Oct 21, 2011

very functional BMB. clever too. unfortunately it's not as pretty as i would like. what can i say?

Jamesbbh · Nov 17, 2011

Two beefy trailer jacks on one side and handles on the opposite. Makes moving this thing a breeze.

Jack Olsen · Nov 17, 2011

Look at this low-budget approach.

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=62615

machine_punk · Nov 17, 2011

Not quite the weight of a welding table, but here is how I solved that equation (moveable but stable) on a bench I built about 15 years ago (not that I could move the bench far, until I get some remodeling and reorganizing done on my current workspace)...
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volvo · Nov 17, 2011

..
How about adapting retractable caster system like that is on the shop smith woodworking stands. They also have new casters available,Rated at 200# per Caster, they rotate on beefy 7/16" diameter grip-ring stems and double ball bearing 360° swivels with hardened raceways and metal covers that shield the bearings from dust and debris. They swivel instantly, changing direction with practically zero resistance!

Made of a rugged die-cast aluminum with solid steel rods, they feature a spring-loaded mechanism that offers three settings:

•Step once on the actuator raises 1/4" off the ground for rolling over smooth surfaces
•Step twice on the actuator and the ground clearance increases to 1/2"
•A third step allows settle gently back onto the ground when you're ready to go to work

I have seen these on lots of tables and benches...Just another idea.

bad_idea · Nov 18, 2011

any pics volvo? sounds interesting.

volvo · Nov 18, 2011

...
Some info links for ideas, Basically the wheels drop down as the axle shaft rotates a cam at each wheel, one third rotation at a time, hopes this helps. Sort of one of those things you have to see.

Here is a you tube adaptation for retractable casters on a metal table, pretty cool.

and

These big 3" diameter by 1-1/4" wide casters feature tough, polyolefin wheels and rugged 3/8" steel axles that roll super-smoothly on sealed ball bearings.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/premium_casters.htm

Just Google retractable casters and you get hundreds of pics & ideas.

padronanniversary · Nov 18, 2011

I like the ideal of the quick casters like that. Does anyone have plans on it, or a better mechanical layout that I can see so that I can try to make one ?

volvo said:
...
Some info links for ideas, Basically the wheels drop down as the axle shaft rotates a cam at each wheel, one third rotation at a time, hopes this helps. Sort of one of those things you have to see.

Here is a you tube adaptation for retractable casters on a metal table, pretty cool.

and

These big 3" diameter by 1-1/4" wide casters feature tough, polyolefin wheels and rugged 3/8" steel axles that roll super-smoothly on sealed ball bearings.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/premium_casters.htm

Just Google retractable casters and you get hundreds of pics & ideas.

volvo · Nov 18, 2011

..
Here is another one made from wood that could be metal fabed. Note the use of bearing at slider surface.
Just some lo-buck ideas, you have to add a bar for a lever & redesign out of metal.

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=41863.0

or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=1QYHpe0qQqg&feature=fvwp

one more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=JF7EgoYJAqc

Jack Olsen · Nov 18, 2011

I still think simpler is better. And being dirt cheap makes it even cooler.

Skateboard Wheels

lilredex · Nov 18, 2011

Was never a big fan of retractable wheels. My stuff is heavy enough to stay put, and it does.

The rear of my bench (on old floor jack wheels):

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

And the front,

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

That jack lifts on a cross member hiding behind that plywood. Had thought of using that skate board jack trick, but then it is just another piece to get lost in the jumble. My jack is stored at the end of the bench, so it never gets lost.

This is another example of heavy stuff not needing retractable wheels. It started out as a stand for a drill press.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

bad_idea · Nov 19, 2011

my 14x20 garage floor has a 4" slope from front to back. i have a dolly i built from the wheels on my hf 13 drawer cabinet and a piece of 3/8" aluminum plate. i put my welding cart upside down on the dolly while i am building it so i can move it around. as the cart sits it weighs a little over 500 lbs. i rolled the dolly to a spot on the floor and turned my back for a moment. when i turned back around the cart was headed for the door. anything on wheels in there heads for the door.

bad_idea · Nov 21, 2011

with simple in mind, this is what i have come up with. mount the casters fixed to the bottom of the bench. Then make the legs retractable like the following crude sketch:

The nut welded on top of the all thread going through the bottom shelf of the cart allows me to use my 18v impact driver to raise and lower the bench. Using these swivel feet to compensate for my sloped garage floor while also protecting my floor. http://www.jwwinco.com/products/section7/tnsm/index.html I am thinking 1/2-13 because I have 1/2-13 all thread and it seems to be a proportional size to the bench.

Any suggestions on this plan? I am pretty set on this concept, but it's actual execution is still up in the air. Thanks for the input guys.

volvo · Nov 22, 2011

..
If you drill a hole though each leg ft to back , install rod or all thread with an off center cam over each leg nut, install nut on end to turn with ratchet, bingo fast easy retractable system,.... offset cams could be as simple as six large washers pined together and ground offset with a handheld or bench grinder. Add a fender washer and spring to your leg pegs and you are there. You could still make them retractable easy enough by just using all thread and nuts if you do have access to a welder.
Either way looks like you have a good plan that will work out great and five you good support and stopping power.

z28snksknr · Nov 22, 2011

bad_idea said:
with simple in mind, this is what i have come up with. mount the casters fixed to the bottom of the bench. Then make the legs retractable like the following crude sketch:

The nut welded on top of the all thread going through the bottom shelf of the cart allows me to use my 18v impact driver to raise and lower the bench. Using these swivel feet to compensate for my sloped garage floor while also protecting my floor. http://www.jwwinco.com/products/section7/tnsm/index.html I am thinking 1/2-13 because I have 1/2-13 all thread and it seems to be a proportional size to the bench.

Any suggestions on this plan? I am pretty set on this concept, but it's actual execution is still up in the air. Thanks for the input guys.

I have the same idea for my welding table that I haven't finished yet. permanently mount the casters and have retractable feet to level out the table when it's "placed". Seems like the best answer to me.

bad_idea · Nov 22, 2011

a fellow camaro owner agrees with me, that is enough for me. i have an 02 z28 mostly stock w/ 35k miles. i assume that is yours in your avatar? if so, looks sharp.

gahrajmahal · Nov 27, 2011

Hey, z28, You could try using toggle clamps to simplify matters some. Check McMaster Carr.

steel 35 · Dec 1, 2011

I have the other problem have the retractable workbench legs but what do I build with them? Hydraulic over air powered both directions and will lift a fatty.

looking for retractable workbench legs ideas

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