Caster recommendations for heavy steel bench

[pelletman]

I am looking at putting stem casters on a bench that has pretty heavy cast iron legs and a steel top, for mobility. I understand it won't be as stable as on the floor but I have other benches on the floor. I think it is about 48 x 24 but I will check that later tonight and if I had to guess maybe 3 to 400 pounds. The floor is pretty new smooth concrete. https://www.mcmaster.com/casters

Questions I have:

1. What is the best material for the wheels? I am thinking polyurethane

2. Should I put brakes on all 4 wheels, or just two on one one end or two on opposite corners?

I'd appreciate any advice as to material, size, etc. I have a 3/4 hole in the legs already.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[pelletman]

Here's a couple pictures

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[tarmy]

ER Wagner or RWM 47 series...not flat spotting and locking models if needed.

I put the locking on mine...

 

[lis2323]

The OP is looking for stem casters.

 

[FANTM58]

3-400 lb`s is a pretty big difference!

 

[pelletman]

ER Wagner or RWM 47 series...not flat spotting and locking models if needed.

I put the locking on mine...

Thanks but I need stem!

 

[pelletman]

3-400 lb`s is a pretty big difference!

Well the casters are rated for 300 or so each so I don't think it is a big deal. Am I mistaken?

 

[bad_idea]

All four wheels swivel or two straight only? Four swivel wheels is easier to maneuver in tight quarters. Two straight wheels on one end is easier to move longer distances but is more restricted in tight quarters. If you get two straight casters you can get away with brakes on just the swivel wheels. If you use four swivel wheels then you'll want all four to be locking.

Something with some weight to it I prefer all steel wheels. The table may only be 400 lbs, but what about all the stuff stored on the shelf and top? Not concerned about the load rating (4x300=1200lbs after all), concerned about the weight flat spotting any type of rubber or plastic.

 

[exmaxima1]

I would look at hard rubber wheels. I put some "heavy-duty" PU wheels on a bench a few years ago and over the winter several of them split or delaminated from the hubs.

 

[lis2323]

If he uses stem casters all four will be swivel.

 

[pelletman]

All four wheels swivel or two straight only? Four swivel wheels is easier to maneuver in tight quarters. Two straight wheels on one end is easier to move longer distances but is more restricted in tight quarters. If you get two straight casters you can get away with brakes on just the swivel wheels. If you use four swivel wheels then you'll want all four to be locking.

Something with some weight to it I prefer all steel wheels. The table may only be 400 lbs, but what about all the stuff stored on the shelf and top? Not concerned about the load rating (4x300=1200lbs after all), concerned about the weight flat spotting any type of rubber or plastic.

Good point. I had that thought after I posted too. Thanks for the input!

 

[PWC Repair]

Don't limit yourself to stem casters just cause you have a 3/4" hole. You could very easily weld a 3/4 pipe to the back of a steel plate and use flange bolt style if you find a deal on 4.

 

[lis2323]

Don't limit yourself to stem casters just cause you have a 3/4" hole. You could very easily weld a 3/4 pipe to the back of a steel plate and use flange bolt style if you find a deal on 4.

I agree. Plus be aware that 4 locking swivel stem casters would require STEM locks as opposed to wheel locks at they won’t roll but still wiggle around.


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[tarmy]

Thanks but I need stem!

Maybe I assumed too much...(stem castors as only solution)

Good luck getting a good stem castor, I suggested good castors assuming you could mill something to work if they fit your need...

My apologies...

 

[pelletman]

Well stem casters are the easy solution but if it would be more stable the other way I would do that

 

[yatg]

I got these a couple months ago to move my compressor.
Good enough for the limited use they'll see.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Steel-Swivel-Caster-1-1-2-x-1-2-Threaded/181192272346

FYI: The stems are not 1/2", they are 7/16"

 

[lis2323]

Here’s a few pics of 3” steel casters under my 4x8 foot welding table.

I used ALL swivel because it is important to me to be able to shift the table sideways or at an angle a few inches (or more) if necessary.






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[pelletman]

I just found these in the stash. I am leaning towards using 4 of the blue

 

[pelletman]

Should I just weld a bolt to a plate? Is there a better idea?

Thanks for all the input! Much appreciated

 

[lilredex]

My bench uses old floor jack wheels and a jack under a front cross member to move it......very stable.

 

[PWC Repair]

I just found these in the stash. I am leaning towards using 4 of the blue

poly wheels...…..grease fittings......HELL YA!!!

 

[Dustball]

Should I just weld a bolt to a plate? Is there a better idea?

Thanks for all the input! Much appreciated

Make your caster plates from thick steel and tap a center hole. Bolt the plates to your legs with the head of the bolts on top of the leg brackets going downwards into your plates.

 

[FANTM58]

Well the casters are rated for 300 or so each so I don't think it is a big deal. Am I mistaken?

I was being a smart ***,,, 3lb to 400lb..

 

[metalmagpie]

Regarding swivel vs rigid: I prefer swivel casters where you can lock the wheel so it can't swivel. I call this swivel locking. On a flat floor if the table's heavy enough you may not need brakes at all. If you need to restrict the table from rolling you can just use short pieces of 2x4 as blocking.

metalmagpie

 

[pelletman]

Thanks for all the input guys! If there is more, I am still listening

 

[pelletman]

Anyone have an opinion on these?

https://www.casterhq.com/product-p/ldtlspp5x125rg.htm

 

[Dustball]

I think you're underestimating the weight of your table. You'd also need to take into account the weight of anything you'd have on top of it and any dynamic forces such as hammering.

That's a very light duty caster you're showing.

 

[Dustball]

We build custom automated systems at my work and I'd recommend Footmaster ratcheting leveling casters for your table- either the 550 lb or 1100 lb rated ones.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=footmaster+ratcheting+stem&ref=nb_sb_noss

The ratcheting ones are very nice, much better than the star wheel type.

 

[HenryAZ]

1. What is the best material for the wheels? I am thinking polyurethane

2. Should I put brakes on all 4 wheels, or just two on one one end or two on opposite corners?

I've used Caster City for several projects. I also have an all steel workbench that is quite heavy. CC carries casters of all sizes and types, from simple projects to industrial. They recommend Polyolefin wheels as the best material for resisting flat spots. My bench has plate casters, with one end fixed and the other end swivel. The swivel casters lock two ways, against turning, and against rolling.

 

[lis2323]

We build custom automated systems at my work and I'd recommend Footmaster ratcheting leveling casters for your table- either the 550 lb or 1100 lb rated ones.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=footmaster+ratcheting+stem&ref=nb_sb_noss

The ratcheting ones are very nice, much better than the star wheel type.

Those are cool. Thanks for posting the link.


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[ArkTinkerer]

Here’s a few pics of 3” steel casters under my 4x8 foot welding table.

I used ALL swivel because it is important to me to be able to shift the table sideways or at an angle a few inches (or more) if necessary.



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Where did you get these locking/leveling feet?

 

[lis2323]

Where did you get these locking/leveling feet?

Those wheel locks were purchased from Princess Auto on sale.


I modified them to make them height adjustable.




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[pelletman]

I think you're underestimating the weight of your table. You'd also need to take into account the weight of anything you'd have on top of it and any dynamic forces such as hammering.

That's a very light duty caster you're showing.

Well, weighed the table today with a toolbox on top of it that may or may not stay on it. 1100#

 

[pelletman]

Well, it is nice to have a friend with a waterjet! I went with the casters I had. The top of the bench is now at 40" which is a bit tall but I will live with it and I am pretty happy with the results I think. Haven't really used it but that will come soon

 

[u2slow]

One caution I have with poly casters is when loaded heavy, they distort and have considerable rolling/swivel resistance.

The 4" iron ones I put on my engine hoist are great (providing you sweep the floor well). But the 6" poly coated ones on my 'axle cart' (usually has 3 or 4 on it) make it hard to push around.

 

[Marctrees]

40" is generally pretty damn high unless you are a Basketball player.

Marc

 

[bullnerd]

Caster City! Holy smokes that's a lot of info on casters!

 

[John Timmins]

Surplus Unlimited catalog has a LOT of wheels to choose from.

Also look at the Kreg Tools site. I bought a workbench frame from them and then bought their wheels for $60 I think. It's been awhile. They swivel, and lock

 

[Slednut]

My SIL built this table and I don't know where he got them but the casters are really nice. The wheel and swivel locks and it has a cast iron wheel with a thin polyurethane tire.

 

[velocipede]

Poly wheels will disintegrate after 10-15 years and you will have to replace them. Every tool/bench/storage cabinet in my shop is on wheels. I've had to replace them all. Typical damage:

,,