casters under a HF end cabinet

[fireball_mike]

I was wondering if anyone has put casters under one of the harbor freight end cabinets. Floor space is at a premium in my garage and I have a 140 lb die filer that needs a stand but also needs to be mobile. I plan on making a frame to bolt the casters to and setting the cabinet in it

 

[SweetD]

I would think that if you have a frame to spread the weight load it would work well. But I have not done that myself.

 

[astroracer]

My only concern would be stability. A small, light cabinet with any kind of weight on top is going to be an accident waiting to happen. Catching a wheel while pushing it around could be dangerous. I would suggest a larger cabinet if at all possible.
Mark

 

[Mr_B]

people already done this for drill press stand and it works fine .
stability not that much of a concern if make effort in way design a frame and mount casters as far out as your criteria can allow ...

 

[Ray-CA]

Before you head out and buy casters, metal/lumber etc. take a look at this: https://www.harborfreight.com/mater...in-1000-lb-capacity-hardwood-dolly-63098.html

I've got quite a number of my shop tools bolted to a few of these. Work really great and they are CHEAP. I even buy them and pull the casters off for other projects.

Ray

 

[astroracer]

people already done this for drill press stand and it works fine .
stability not that much of a concern if make effort in way design a frame and mount casters as far out as your criteria can allow ...

Understood, BUT are they pushing it around on a possibly uneven floor with cracks or "stuff" littering it to suddenly stop a wheel from rolling? That's my point.
Also, if the foot print is expanded to make the end cabinet more stable the OP may was well take advantage of that and use a bigger cabinet... JMHO.
Mark

 

[Jland]

I picked up one of those end cabinets for 39 bucks and put it on my 26" box.. been considering doing exactly that as it makes the setup a tad wobbly but since i dont roll my box around.. just not got to it yet but i do think it is doable

 

[KamiCrit]

Like others have said, the proposed setup is a tipping hazard for sure. If you're dead set on the cart being converted to stand. I would remove the bottom drawers and drop in a concrete post base. It would greatly reduce the center of gravity reducing the tip potential.

My 34" proto tool box is say 700lbs fully loaded. It's been stopped dead in it's tracks by a single wood nail that came off a pallet. Big 5" casters as well.

 

[rharman]

I did it for my drill press. The base is about 6" wider & deeper than the cabinet so the wheels are outboard a bit for stability. It rarely moves and I'm cognizant of the tippability when it does.

 

[fireball_mike]

Thank everyone for their input. I went and looked at the cabinet today. It doesn't have a bottom beneath the bottom drawer like I had hoped. I had planned on putting weight in that space to make it more stable. It will not be moved very often but not having a bottom might be a deal breaker

 

[Mr_B]

^
just add a bottom into your caster frame or temporary form for concrete ballast block to be made then no real need for a permanent base panel as such .
I seen it done for drill press stand and worked really nice.
Used with common sense it fine and if can afford width increase mounting wheels an inch or 2 wider really improves stability and practicality for little overall size gain .
While not ideal concept it easily achieve a usable solution if needs require .

 

[wjv]

Good timing because I just did this last weekend.

The frame is 1" x 1" x 0.25" angle iron and 2 inch casters from amazon. I think the steel was around $20 and the casters were around $15 total.

I don't have a reliable way to cut 45 degree miters, so I notched the angle to make the square sides. That worked fine. The wheel mounts are just flipped angle with 1/2x13 nuts welded to them. If I find a good permanent spot for the cabinet, I might replace the casters with leveling feet.

The drawers are not in, but I don't have any real concerns with tipping. Even with some weight on top, I think it would be fine with a little caution. I did use 2" wheels with that in mind, however.

Concrete in the space below the drawers is interesting and I might weld in a couple straps to support a cheap paver,

In any case, I'm happy with its properties so far and I think it will be a useful addition.

 

[Ign]

Sure, for my downstairs bathroom. The lags just anchor dimensional lumber (left to right) and the casters screw into the wood.

I loathe using wood for anything that matters but it only has to roll across linoleum and it just houses tp, razors etc

 

[IMCA38]

Here is what I did. It’s working out just fine.

Also, another member posted his rendition.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448864

Teaser picture attached.....

 

[Cryptic1911]

for the extra $80, just buy their 26x22" toolbox. It's almost twice the space and already has wheels

 

[Mr_B]

Here is what I did. It’s working out just fine.

Also, another member posted his rendition.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448864

Teaser picture attached.....

You sir are the genius of the day, that a really good way of doing it and making it pretty mobile .
good job ....

 

[fireball_mike]

I think I'll do a setup like IMCA38's. Thanks MrB yours is what i had in mind but I think I have the floor space where it will mostly stay for the outboard wheels. Cryptic1911 i really don' have the room. While I have a 24x36 garage every inch of floorspace is valuable.