Custom welding cart

[drb007]

I recently purchased my first real welder, a Thermal Arc 181i. I am able to MIG/TIG/and stick weld. However, I also do gas welding and torching. The store-made welding carts seemed very expensive, and a bit flimsy, so I thought I would make my own. I borrowed the basic idea from someone on the Miller welding forum and added some things I wanted.
I bought a 5 drawer tool chest from HF for the MIG/TIG end of the cart. The drawers are nice and deep, slide on roller bearings, and lock so they don't pop open when I hit bumps when moving the cart around. I have room on the bottom for 2 helmets, gloves, etc. The other end is for gas welding. I have two filler material storage tubes mounted too. For safety sake, I added a good fire extinguisher. The finish is Rust Bullet Black, with a top coat of gloss black spray paint. I made 2 inch aluminum strips to mount the tanks securely to the rack. It is nice to have everything on one cart, and the foot print in 30x48 inches.

 

[Case IH]

Looks good!!! but how are you supposed to use the top flip up part of the cart?

 

[drb007]

I just don't use the flip top. I cut off the two locking bars inside that prevent the drawers from opening if it is closed.

 

[jhn9840]

Very nice cart. Gives you lots of room for storage in a compact area.

jhn9840
John

 

[machine_punk]

I certainly like the 5-drawer cart (I have one and highly recommend it). One of the things I like about your cart that I wish I saw in other carts is the ability to store more bottles of gas (for those who need different shielding gasses for different metals).

You may consider just opening the top of the lid and setting the welder in the recess (even if you need to put blocks under the front of the machine, to tilt it up). That will allow you to use that wasted compartment and set things down while working...

Or maybe you could also cut away the front of the upper compartment, to have a 'slide in' storage area...

Or maybe you could raise the whole lid with a welded framework, so you could set two welders on top of the lid and still have 'reach in' storage for gloves, helmets, etc.

Overall, looks great and a couple of neat ideas there.

M_P

 

[Case IH]

Ohh ic, looks great

 

[jeff g]

Hi
why not put the welder on the side of the cart.
jeff

 

[drb007]

jeff,
I just wanted to keep the cart as compact as I could. You guys are pretty worried about using that flip top, aren't you? Just pretend it's not there...
The space next to the welder is for my future plasma cutter.

 

[machine_punk]

There is a compartment which you paid for, but are not using! How can you possibly not be concerned ?!?! Are you sure you are on the right forum????

Just kidding! If it works for you, I am pleased. It would drive me nuts...not using something to it's max...especially if I had the tools to build a frame to lift the top a few more inches and give me back all that unused space.

M_P

 

[jeff g]

Hi
machine_punk "It would drive me nuts" me to.

how about a spring loaded fold down tray on the side,
put the welder on the top for running about the shop,

I feel better all ready

jeff

 

[srmofo]

jeff,
I just wanted to keep the cart as compact as I could. You guys are pretty worried about using that flip top, aren't you? Just pretend it's not there...
The space next to the welder is for my future plasma cutter.

personally I would put the welders in the top and take the lid off. That lowers the center of gravity a bit and keeps me from tripping over the cords and ripping the welder off the top and onto the ground

 

[Nuts]

I just don't use the flip top. I cut off the two locking bars inside that prevent the drawers from opening if it is closed.

You could install a flip down door on one end of that unused space (the horror),
it could store more welding rod or other essentials.

Painted red of course.

Nuts

 

[trbomax]

You could stash your dope in there too.Then have smaller stash bags in there for sale to fellow workers! That new cab will be paid for in no time!

 

[Flounder_Pounder]

Nice work!

Travis T

 

[Cryptic1911]

Cool idea, but I'd take the lid off, and build a platform the same height as the top of the back portion of the black square tubing, put some mesh on the top, and put the welder up there. That way you'd have 6" or so of an opening to get into the top of the cart for supplies

 

[91bronc300]

Nice job. That looks amazingly similar to mine. Just replace the HF service cart with a wheelchair and you have my exact setup. TIG, MIG, Plasma, Stick, Torch, all on the same cart. We think alike, you and I

 

[Mmfh]

You did a great job on that cart! What about cutting the top lid in half, that way the welder could sit on top and the other half could still open for prybars or large magnets or whatever.

I'd love to have it just the way it is, nice job!

 

[drb007]

I like the idea of splitting the top! Might give that some thought!

 

[NUTTSGT]

Looks good, well thought out. . . . .other than the flip up lid.


You may want to invest in a helmet bag to keep your helmets from getting all dust covered and crappy.

 

[Compton]

I recently purchased my first real welder, a Thermal Arc 181i. I am able to MIG/TIG/and stick weld. However, I also do gas welding and torching. The store-made welding carts seemed very expensive, and a bit flimsy, so I thought I would make my own. I borrowed the basic idea from someone on the Miller welding forum and added some things I wanted.
I bought a 5 drawer tool chest from HF for the MIG/TIG end of the cart. The drawers are nice and deep, slide on roller bearings, and lock so they don't pop open when I hit bumps when moving the cart around. I have room on the bottom for 2 helmets, gloves, etc. The other end is for gas welding. I have two filler material storage tubes mounted too. For safety sake, I added a good fire extinguisher. The finish is Rust Bullet Black, with a top coat of gloss black spray paint. I made 2 inch aluminum strips to mount the tanks securely to the rack. It is nice to have everything on one cart, and the foot print in 30x48 inches.

Nice job on the cart!!! How do you like your 181I? I just ordered the 211I and am crossing my fingers that the welder will perform as good as the reviews I have read.

 

[skulldrinker]

remove the lid so you have a tray. use lid to bake cookies.

 

[drb007]

I have been very happy with the welder...it has much more capability than I have skill!

 

[darkk]

nice...