Is This Concrete Base Easy/Worth Making

[brianpgriset]

I want some more height and weight for my HF Bench Grinder stands (see link).

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42986.

My initial idea is to make a concrete triangular base that I can cast out of a simple wood female form, and inserting 5/16 anchors into it so they come out the crete base about 7/8". I modeled it up really quick and it came out to be about a 20" equilateral triangle, 3.5 inches deep, 0.401 cubic feet, and about 57.9lbs, based on a density of 2320kg/m^3. See the image below for an assembly.

My qestions:
- do these numbers seem correct (density of finished crete, etc)
- where can I get 5/16 anchors for this application (to cast into crete)
- how hard would this be to do. I've never done any masonry before
- this acheives both my goals, but is there a better way to do it?
- should I add anchors at the bottom for rubber feet (vibration isolators)?

I'd like to make a few of these soon because I have several tools on these stands. Lemme know.

 

[toxicz28]

Why not just anchor it directly to the floor?

 

[rodnok1]

I would cast a round base for stability, also I would put the anchors further away from the edge and yes add some rubber feet. Have any old steel rims laying around?? they make a cheap and good base.

 

[brianpgriset]

Can't be bolted to the floor 'cause I'm renting the place; and space is limited and it needs to be somewhat mobile.

As for the steel rims, I didn't want to spend the money on steel, but maybe this project would cost more... Anyone have any opinions on that? I thought this would be a cleaner look too, but I want some feedback first.

 

[914forme]

Dude, go down to Edison's by COTA garage and pickup a bent rim, maybe $5 bucks they are a U pull yard. Just look around and find one. Cheaper than the concrete.

 

[Down Under Bloke]

Yep the old steel wheel is a classic, and if you want more stability fill it with concrete.

 

[brianpgriset]

I already have a few wheel bases, but the base wont mount to them well and I'd really rather not use one. They just look like ****. Thanks for the input though. Any other suggestions.

On a side note, I've been to Edison a few times, man that place can get scary. I usually go to Joyce Scrap and its alot nicer... well as far as scrapyards go.

 

[boiler7904]

20" Eq. Triangle = 173.2051 square inches (from autocad - it's too late to figure area of a eq triangle by hand)
x 3.5" deep = 606.218 cubic inches
= .3508 cubic feet
x 150 lb / cf for concrete (avg) = 52.6 pounds.

As far as anchors go, cast some anchor bolts also called j-bolts into the concrete. They should be available at Home Depot or any full service lumber yard. Make sure you look at the length and threading before buying - they're usually at least 8 or 10 inches long with threads only on the top inch or so.

Make sure you cast some rebar into this base around the perimeter and through the center or it will start to break with the vibration and moving it around regularly.

I'd also cast in a couple of c-shaped handles made of bent rebar to help in moving it around.

For the foot anchors, I would cast in metal pipe inserts and then just throughbolt later.

Don't see why it wouldn't be possible. Seems like a good project to get you used to doing concrete before you decide to do a sidewalk or patio. While I was going to school for my degree, we did a similar project in one of our classes - walkway stepping pads. Lay out heavy visqueen on the ground / garage floor and build forms out of 2x4s. Use a stiff concrete mix and make sure you get the air pockets out.

 

[Roospike]

I want some more height and weight for my HF Bench Grinder stands

Just throwing this out there for ya. Dont know if it will help but just another thought.

 

[kbs2244]

I go with the round shape. Those sharp corners will break off in a few moves. If you dont go with the old wheels, at least find somthing round to use as a form.

 

[george4]

Just throwing this out there for ya. Dont know if it will help but just another thought.

That is a slick table.

 

[Ironcrow]

I would cast a round base for stability, also I would put the anchors further away from the edge and yes add some rubber feet.

I second that. Get a 2 foot diameter Sonotube from Home Depot to cast them in. I'd make them about 4 inches thick and toss a piece of chicken wire or hog fence in the mold for strength and resistence to cracking.

 

[russlaferrera]

Just throwing this out there for ya. Dont know if it will help but just another thought.

I got to tell ya "that is the MOST manly grinder stand I ever seen" What do you do for your day job ? Build bridges?....russ

 

[my58]

I have a couple of the same HF stands. I got some nice looking Pep Boys red 5 gal empty pails cut a hole in the center of the lid the diameter of the pole to hold it straight. poured post hole cement in added water put top on bucket, sliped pole in top and waited for it to dry. I now have 4 that I use for grinders, paint shaker, and a vice. they work great!

Just my 2cents worth

 

[russlaferrera]

I go with the round shape. Those sharp corners will break off in a few moves. If you don't go with the old wheels, at least find something round to use as a form.

Or the heavy duty tractor/trailer rims. May have to put a set of casters on them, so you can move them around the shop.

 

[wilbilt]

I have a grinder base made from an old rear brake drum/hub from a 1-ton pickup. It's quite heavy and stable.

Being round, it's easy to move when necessary. Just tilt and roll.

 

[Roospike]

That is a slick table.

I got to tell ya "that is the MOST manly grinder stand I ever seen" What do you do for your day job ? Build bridges?....russ

Thanks guys .

My day job is i own a welding fabrication shop and i run around and act like i know what I'm doing

These are tools and things from my home shop. I had the post stands but just not enough support for my needs , the bench is a great place for grinders but i guess an 18' work bench is not enough room so i just made there own table. Good support , had the extra steel and keeps the grinding dust in its own place.

 

[toyota2]

You could make that base out of wood 2x4 sides, plywood top(put some scrap 2x4 on the top where the bolts for the mount go) and bottom and fill it with sand. bolt that mount to it and you are ready to go.

Just a thought
Shawn

 

[russlaferrera]

Thanks guys .

My day job is i own a welding fabrication shop and i run around and act like i know what I'm doing

These are tools and things from my home shop. I had the post stands but just not enough support for my needs , the bench is a great place for grinders but i guess an 18' work bench is not enough room so i just made there own table. Good support , had the extra steel and keeps the grinding dust in its own place.

Now that you stated you are a weldor, that only excemplfies the design, thought and workmanship you put into making this masterpiece. Your shop must put out some great work. Thanks for sharing....russ

 

[Bevis]

I used a big bent rim from one of our ambulances...its plenty heavy enough and stable.