need advice on caster operation

[Opa]

I know this is a dumb question. but maybe you can help me out. I am welding up (new to me designed) welding cart. I have 10 inch wheels planned ( not swivel) for the rear under the C25 gas tank. I have 5 inch casters for the front to steer. I bought the wheels and casters from harbor freight. in measuring (before I weld them on, I notice there is a slight (0.5") difference in height. is this something I need to correct? do I need to make them exactly even? or do you think this 1/2 inch difference in height (between the rear wheels and the front swivel casters) will adversely affect the operation of the front steering casters? or is okay for me to weld it up with that 1/2 inch difference? I'm not sure if the steering (5 inch) casters will perform okay if they are 1/2 inch shorter? (the casters are 1/2 inch shorter than the 10 inch wheels. ) (I can always add metal to make them even, or go back to the store and find something exact). thanks in advance.

 

[Brianf60]

Yes. 1/2” over that distance will make for poor ride.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would shim up as req'd so the cart is level to the floor

 

[VC455]

No functional worries minor Aesthetics The Caster effect will just steer a little quicker, take a look at a shopping cart next time you go grocery shopping

 

[Rusted Nut]

The 1/2” would be very noticeable if you’re riding on the cart down a hill. In your shop, no! I did an almost identical build, works fine.

 

[whateg01]

1/2" difference on a cart that 12" long vs 1/2" difference on a cart that 36" long isn't the same.

 

[Opa]

I am probably being too detailed.....my welding cart will be 30 inches long, and about 13 inches wide. so is the 1/2 inch deviance okay (front to back)? my garage floor is level. or should I make sure the wheels and casters make the cart level? what would you do? thanks in advance.

 

[whateg01]

It'll work ok. It would bug me though. Something about not wanting what I do to look like it was cobbled together by a 12 yo, I guess.

 

[Opa]

thanks to all for your feedback. I will try to post some pics once I get it done.

 

[PCustoms]

Did you already move the rear axle to accommodate the 10" wheels?

You can either mount the axles different, shim the caster or live with a little rake.

 

[no704]

That’s so you can put a castor plate on it. Welding castors on to anything is a fireable offense!

 

[Opa]

well, I was able to adjust the hight of the 5/8 Inch axle about 1/2 inch, so that the rear 10 inch wheels and front 5 inch casters are level. thus, the welding cart is level. it rolls nicely! attached is a photo. thanks to all.

 

[The Cobbler]

nice work!

 

[Brianf60]

Looks good. We will be much happier with the way it steers.

 

[Joemctag]

I am probably being too detailed.....my welding cart will be 30 inches long, and about 13 inches wide. so is the 1/2 inch deviance okay (front to back)? my garage floor is level. or should I make sure the wheels and casters make the cart level? what would you do? thanks in advance.

You DO want the mounting plate, and thus the ball-bearing race, to be level; not at an angle to the floor surface.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have to say, that's a nice looking welding cart.

 

[Joemctag]

I have to say, that's a nice looking welding cart.

It sure is! Small, light and compact. What’s not to like?

 

[scooterbum46]

Ummm..
Your work looks excellent, but with the intention of it being mobile, I'd be concerned that it's top heavy with a propensity for tipping over. As is, I'd fab a ROPS around the top of the cylinder. Dented sheet metal can be fixed, but knocking the regulator off the cylinder in a tip over might not be fun. (JMHO)

 

[PCustoms]

Ummm..
Your work looks excellent, but with the intention of it being mobile, I'd be concerned that it's top heavy with a propensity for tipping over. As is, I'd fab a ROPS around the top of the cylinder. Dented sheet metal can be fixed, but knocking the regulator off the cylinder in a tip over might not be fun. (JMHO)

Looks similar to every other homemade welding cart, bit sure I've ever seen a roll cage up and over the regulator....

 

[BukitCase]

Not sure if it's frowned on, guess I'll find out - but here's yer "roll cage" and a few other "oddities" from about 6 years ago -

Container Weld Shop build -

I'm thinkin' second from the left. Yes, the one who gave his wife an allowance and she spent before I could borrow it back, how'd you guess.................

www.tractorbynet.com

Sorry, too much work to re-post dozens of pics, + that link explains most of the "why" ... Steve

 

[scooterbum46]

Looks similar to every other homemade welding cart, bit sure I've ever seen a roll cage up and over the regulator....

I never have either, but the given dimensions would be OK without the Miller setting that high. Somebody snags a cable pulling to the side and we'll see whether it's top heavy or not. Note the end of my post.