Mobile Plywood Tool Stand Base

[Rich M.]

I am looking to make my 23x23 inch tool stand mobile. Right now I keep my miter saw on it. To make any cuts, I need to move the saw. Now that I am getting older, moving this is not in my best interest.

I have a piece of 3/4 inch plywood. My thought was to cut the plywood just slightly wider than the legs, screw the legs to the plywood to secure the table and then attach two 3 inch locking swivel casters and two 3 inch rigid casters.

The most this table would be moved is about 4 feet.

Does anyone see any pitfalls in my thinking?

 

[Copymutt]

Perhaps leave one side open with a shelf for tools, blades etc.

 

[Rich M.]

I also see that Harbor Freight has an adjustable mobile base for $40 before coupon. It seems to get good reviews. What I do like about it, you can adjust the size by the size you cut the wood (wood is supplied by the purchaser). From what I have read the wood needed is 1x1 1/4, which to me is an odd size. I guess if I go in this direction, I could practice my ripping skill.

Still seems like the plywood method in my original post will work out better for me.

Okay DIYers, need your input. Only want to do this once.

https://www.harborfreight.com/300-lb-capacity-mobile-base-95288.html

 

[rayra]

can you not just install locking casters directly to the feet of the stand? What is the form of those legs? If it's tubular steel there are push-in / wedge end caps that come with 1/4-20 threaded holes and similar.

 

[Lynden]

An idea I'm going to try someday is a sliding mobile base. Since you're only moving your miter saw a short distance, a sliding base might work well. Check out this Popular Woodworking article.

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/sliding-mobile-bases/

UHMW is expensive. This is the best price I have found. Each block could be cut into eight approximately 1" thick pads.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0728KK5V5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

A mobile base with 3" casters mounted on 3/4" plywood would raise your saw about 5 inches. A base with 1" UHMW pads mounted on 3/4" plywood would raise your saw less than 2 inches.

 

[bugnut]

If you have a flimsy tool stand like the splay legged older craftsman shown in the link

https://cd5a26cb38e2f692acf4-1755b9e4a9778d68267568d15a55e9ec.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/53e30f508e/6-1.jpg

putting casters on it allows for a lot of flex on the legs.

A plywood base as you suggested with thru bolts or blocking like the harbor freight base will work and do the job. I am thinking of a plywood base like this.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200737620_200737620

As Lynden noted you will be raising the height with a caster installed.

 

[lilredex]

This is what I did to make my saw mobile. None of the wheels have locks.

 

[mike_aa]

For the Harbor Freight base you could use 1.25 inch square aluminum or steel tubing instead of the wood. Might be sturdier and an easier solution. Is there a metals store near you?

Another suggestion is to look at a different type of base like this one from Home Depot. That way you could use the plywoon you already have. A bonus is the lifting casters are foot activated.

Mike

 

[jmarkwolf]

Why not use one of the HF piano dollys? Casters already included. I keep several handy. You never know when they'll be useful.

Cut your 3/4in plywood to fit between the carpeted sections if needed.

 

[dg57]

I have been looking at these. A little more expensive but don't have to worry about the tool stand or bench moving.

https://www.rockler.com/rockler-workbench-caster-kit-4-pack

 

[mike_aa]

FYI, I just noticed that woot.com has a base for $40 that might work for the OP. It's the PM-1100. The deal is only good for another 15 hours - I guess it ends at the end of Wednesday, 11/13. Good luck!

https://www.woot.com/offers/portamate-mobile-tool-stands-your-choice-1?ref=w_cnt_wp_0_4

 

[NUTTSGT]

I made a few mobile bases from angle iron and stealing the casters from some HF dolleys.

I drilled a few holes, welded nuts over the holes and ran a bolt through it to lock it in place or life a set of wheels off the floor.

 

[ddurrett896]

I built the attached for my miter saw and table saw

The miter saw hangs upside down, leaving me a flush work top and when I want to use it, I can slide out and place on those 2x4s that sit lower and make cuts while the material rests on the sides.

 

[Lynden]

Install two non-swiveling casters to the rear legs of your saw stand. Lift the front of the stand and move the saw away from the wall wheelbarrow style.

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/aw-extra-91312-two-wheel-mobile-base/

Years ago Sears sold similar casters for their tool stands.

https://www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/...man-Table-Saw-Base-Legs-with-Casters-Nice.jpg

 

[snm805619]

I built the attached for my miter saw and table saw

The miter saw hangs upside down, leaving me a flush work top and when I want to use it, I can slide out and place on those 2x4s that sit lower and make cuts while the material rests on the sides.

I have a mitre saw and a table saw on stands, and that looks exactly what I've been looking for.

Did you follow plans from somewhere? Or create all on your own?

 

[ddurrett896]

I have a mitre saw and a table saw on stands, and that looks exactly what I've been looking for.

Did you follow plans from somewhere? Or create all on your own?

I found an example of a table saw build and used that as my base then added the miter saw from another build. See below. The miter saw link hasa table built in, but I liked the Table saw table build better.

Table Saw

Miter Saw
https://www.instructables.com/id/Mobile-Workbench-With-Built-in-Table-Miter-Saws/