HF 4-drawer to Welding Cart Conversion?

[aka Larry]

So I recently bought the famous (red) HF 5-drawer cart and I'm pretty pleased with it, especially for $150. So much so I've been considering getting the (black) 4-drawer to make it into a welding cart. It's on sale this weekend for $99 and I just happen to have a trip planned that will make it work out perfectly for me to drop by and pick one up.

The reason I want another cart is two fold. First, all the stuff on my current cart (crappy one that came with welder when I got it) is that all of the stuff like gloves, wire, tips, etc is all exposed and gets dust and other **** all over it. I'd like to have the drawers to put this stuff inside. Second, the tiny casters make it hard to roll around and it's sort of narrow and tippy. My 5-drawer rolls very easily and I assume the 4-drawer will as well.

Here's are my problems using the 4-drawer as-is. If I put my welder (Lincoln 140A) on the bottom shelf, I can't easily access the settings, change the wire, and it makes the gun lead shorter. If I simply place the welder on top, I lose all the storage space than is underneath the hinged top lid.

Any thoughts of the best way to modify this cart to use as my welding cart?

 

[MJD1]

I would take the top lid off and put the welder to one side. Sure your losing a portion of the vast amount of space you gained, but how much shelf space do you need on a welder cart. You may need to move the casters somewhat, depending on how large of a gas cylinder your using

 

[aka Larry]

I would take the top lid off and put the welder to one side. Sure your losing a portion of the vast amount of space you gained, but how much shelf space do you need on a welder cart. You may need to move the casters somewhat, depending on how large of a gas cylinder your using

The problem with that is access to changing the wire. Mine has a side door and putting the unit 'inside' of anything limits access.

 

[jakemac]

Use some angle iron to extend the legs enough to get the clearance you need. Then mount the welder on blocks so the wire door clears the lip of the shelf.

or, bolt some stiffeners underneath and cut the side of the bottom shelf so the wire door is clear.

 

[Moose364]

Have you seen there new welding cart, That thing is Bad -ss

 

[aka Larry]

Have you seen there new welding cart, That thing is Bad -ss

Product link? It's not on the HF website.

 

[Moose364]

Yea it's on the last page. they must have jut got them
http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/welding-accessories/heavy-duty-large-welding-cabinet-63179.html

 

[jwsia]

I just got the black cart for the same purpose. I plan on mounting my 140 Hobart on the bottom shelf. I havent done anything further that putting it together so I will be following this.

 

[bcradio]

I like the idea of using a Harbor Freight tool cart and removing the lid. I may have to get a red one of these to use as my welding cart.

 

[Mr_B]

140A is not that big and almost equal depth as the cart so make a shelf on right at lower drawer height for welder sit on and angled up slightly and do a shelf on the left side for gas bottle, height pending on bottle size so got easy view of regulator.
If want more compact size then going have to remove lid and tweak as must to make 140A sit in top and be usable .
for 99bucks it could make a great welding cart either way as even just 3 drawer rows enough for welding accessories really .

 

[MJD1]

The problem with that is access to changing the wire. Mine has a side door and putting the unit 'inside' of anything limits access.

I can't see that as much of a problem with that welder, after all it's what 30-40 pounds tops?

 

[ducksface]

You won't lose the storage under the lid if you drill the correct size holes and use it as stick and tig storage. Six big holes, six rod storage tubes. I'm thinking six of the hf orange rod holders will lay in there and stick out of the holes you holesawed into the side. Those tubes will also nicely hold consumables and tank wrenches.

Or use three inch pvc or whatever size fits.

One hole saw and your problem of lost storage is solved.
Now add to the far end of the tube, the magnet that is on the parts bowls and the tubes are super secure.

Taadaaa

 

[sk farmer]

i think it is a bad idea. it will take up too much floor space and take too much modification. the casters, while heavy enough for a tool cart are not heavy enough for a welder and tank. for not much more you can buy a dedicated welding cart at hf or better yet get the northern tool version. either one has a compartment big enough to store a welding helmet which your tool cart will not. you can only put so much lipstick on a pig and in the end it is still a pig.

if you insist on making something, "you have a welder", make something.

 

[aka Larry]

Update on this.

I decided to push the easy button and bought a new welding cart from HF since it was on sale with coupon for $149 a couple of weeks ago. The drawer slides are actually comparable to their red 5-drawer cart and overall it's decently built. The front casters are too small, but otherwise I'd say I'm 100% satisfied.

I didn't like the look of the big orange "Chicago Electric" logos so I decided to added some bling via the Lincoln Electric decals to cover them. This weekend I worked on added a bracket to hold my vise grip clamps and c-clamps. I used some 1-1/4" flat bar and some 1/4" stainless tubing a friend gave me a a while back. Got it painted and installed last tonight. Here are a few pics:

I plan to add another bracket for my 90 degree corner clamps next.

 

[dontlifttoshift]

How is the tank tray at the rear attached to the bottom of the cabinet? Does it bolt on?

 

[aka Larry]

How is the tank tray at the rear attached to the bottom of the cabinet? Does it bolt on?

Yes. It bolts on from the bottom and is pretty sturdy. There are also dual saddles with chains to hold the bottle, which you can't see in my pictures.

 

[bcradio]

where are you going to hang your grinders?

 

[aka Larry]

where are you going to hang your grinders?

They will probably go in the cabinet bottom drawer, but I'm not sure yet. For some reason I don't like the look of the 'hanging' grinders. I don't know why, I just don't. Currently they are in a drawer under my workbench.

 

[gungatim]

I've got the same cart and was going to suggest it. lots of space for spare wire, gloves, and all my tig rods and consumables in the top divided drawer.

very cool with the Lincoln logo's, where'd you get those and did you just stick them over the CE ones or remove them first?

 

[aka Larry]

very cool with the Lincoln logo's, where'd you get those and did you just stick them over the CE ones or remove them first?

I found a jpeg file online and had a friend print those for me. I just placed them over the CE ones that came on the cabinet.

If you'd like a set PM me and I'll hook you up. IIRC, they were $20 for all three.

 

[dontlifttoshift]

Yes. It bolts on from the bottom and is pretty sturdy. There are also dual saddles with chains to hold the bottle, which you can't see in my pictures.

Thanks! If it's a bolt on it will be easy enough to fab a new tray so I can mount two bottles. Then I can put the plasma and oxy/acetylene on one thing.