Offset machinery casters

[Bellaireroad]

Please share your pics of machinery dollies you have made with offset casters...in other words the caster sits outside the frame, and the frame rides low. Looking for ideas, thanks


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[Ole Slewfoot]

Radial arm saw base I found today

 

[kazlx]

ZTFab elite status.

 

[kbs2244]

I don't like them.
I am always kicking them.
In the back of my mind, the cabinet corner goes to the floor.

 

[lilredex]

Here are some on my mobiles. I like three wheelers and pivot beams.....

 

[930dreamer]

I'd like to make something for this blast cabinet and remove the pallet its on. The frame casters would be inboard.

 

[2oolhound]

Here's a popular bike lift that uses the low profile design:

 

[OccupantRJ]

I'd like to make something for this blast cabinet and remove the pallet its on. The frame casters would be inboard.

For most stuff like that I just weld up an angle steel frame and tack weld the casters right to it. Then set the cabinet down inside the frame. I allow 1/4" total clearance. My blast cabinet and filter bag house were separate until I combined them into a dolly frame to make a unit out of them so it could be moved easier.

 

[clubairth]

I love my blast box mounted on caster!! Even added a vac bracket hanging off the side. Super easy to clean up and get it out of the way.
I try to put everything I can on casters.

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[Oregon rock crusher]

Here's a few I've added to machines...sometimes you just don't want to have to work with the added height of under casters and if you splay them out the corners they add stability when moving. I haven't had any problem tripping on them. Ed.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

A few more....some were just temporary to get machines moved to their new home. Ed.

 

[Bellaireroad]

Thanks, these give me some good ideas


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[Lelandwelds]

Here are some on my mobiles. I like three wheelers and pivot beams.....

I gotta ask . . . What is a pivot beam? How is it different from a walking beam?

 

[930dreamer]

Nice work GJ.

 

[fnieto]

I been using this design for many years as I like to keep the machines as close to the floor as possible.

Handy on the plate roller for a one man shop.

This mill actually belongs to a friend. My precision machines are not on caters.

Not used as much now since I can drive the fork lift in the newer shop, but when I was in my Garage, this iron worker (3500#) could be moved around.

These where the prefabbed brackets used on both the mill and roller (same design/dimensions).

The cold saw, band saw and finishing machine also share the same bolt-on design.

hope this helps.
Paco

 

[Lelandwelds]

Fnieto,

The similiar construction and repeating color make those sorta pretty. I could admire them up close when I am flat on my face from tripping over the damn things!

I am curious. Do you move a single piece out into the clear to use and put it back when done? Are you constantly juggling the different toys looking for the perfect shop layout? Are you moving the entire group of tools with the current long term anticipated need to the prime spot?

I make changes but slowly sneak up on "perfect". I like to move stuff with a pallet jack. I rest legs on the floor but plan cross braces to make it easier. Some stuff has a shelf to catch a couple timbers laid over the jack. Actually, I mean former shops. Might build the new one differently.

Your place is gorgeous. I am jealous. I could never keep mine so clean.

 

[fnieto]

Never tripped over them, I reconfigure the shop space for production runs and such. Like I mentioned, I use to operate in my garage for 14 years (1300 sf) so yeah having to move machines around was a must. These days most machines live where they are with the exception of the finish machine, profile roller, benders and plate roller. I park three rigs in the 3200sf space so some machines do require to be mobile.
As far as clean, well that takes effort too. Housekeeping is paramount to me.

 

[sanddan]

I built this a couple of years ago. A HF 44" tool box with work surface. It now has a vise and aluminum trim to the top.

 

[bggrnchvy]

Drill press cart.


The underside, pre-paint for a better idea of the makeup.




Bandsaw Base


In it's home, previous to the garage build.

 

[tarbellb]

fnieto- always expecting good work from you, nicely done.

I really like that bolt-on design, some nay sayers will complain about holes in the machine. But those who use machines know that its a minor point.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I built this a couple of years ago. A HF 44" tool box with work surface. It now has a vise and aluminum trim to the top.

That made a nice work/storage unit!

 

[Bellaireroad]

I been using this design for many years as I like to keep the machines as close to the floor as possible.



Handy on the plate roller for a one man shop.

This mill actually belongs to a friend. My precision machines are not on caters.

Not used as much now since I can drive the fork lift in the newer shop, but when I was in my Garage, this iron worker (3500#) could be moved around.

These where the prefabbed brackets used on both the mill and roller (same design/dimensions).

The cold saw, band saw and finishing machine also share the same bolt-on design.

hope this helps.

Paco

Awesome, how did you bend that 1/4 plate?


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[lilredex]

I gotta ask . . . What is a pivot beam? How is it different from a walking beam?

The walking beams I have seen have been on trucks and trailers and the action is parallel to the travel, they "walk" through the rough territory.

On mine, the action is perpendicular to the travel and do not really walk out of anything, just pivot to keep the machine stable. Stable, like those small restaurant pedestal tables that you wish would stop rocking and spilling your coffee, due to insufficient contact with the floor.

A couple more examples shown below. The only problem I have had with that setup was on the saw. With the motor mounted, it tended to rise up because of the imbalance, thus the concrete block ballast in the front RH corner.

 

[cbacres]

Here's a few I've added to machines...sometimes you just don't want to have to work with the added height of under casters and if you splay them out the corners they add stability when moving. I haven't had any problem tripping on them. Ed.

Nice work Ed

 

[cbacres]

I been using this design for many years as I like to keep the machines as close to the floor as possible.

Handy on the plate roller for a one man shop.

This mill actually belongs to a friend. My precision machines are not on caters.

Not used as much now since I can drive the fork lift in the newer shop, but when I was in my Garage, this iron worker (3500#) could be moved around.

These where the prefabbed brackets used on both the mill and roller (same design/dimensions).

The cold saw, band saw and finishing machine also share the same bolt-on design.

hope this helps.
Paco

Some really nice brackets there Paco. Is that a Ellis band saw? I have a smaller version, really a great little saw.

 

[Robert Haas]

I did it this way.

 

[Robert Haas]

I did it this way.

 

[cbacres]

Some really great ideas here. This comes at a great time as I'm close to adding casters to a platform lift and a genset.

I'll be getting rid of the store bought bases and will fab up custom ones like I see here, really improves the look.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I did it this way.

Slick execution. Nice job on the paint match. Do you have other receivers for the vice? You actually move it? Does just any extension cord power your outlets on the table or is it something dedicated and custom?

Is this a one off? Is your whole shop like this?

 

[Lelandwelds]

The walking beams I have seen have been on trucks and trailers and the action is parallel to the travel, they "walk" through the rough territory.

On mine, the action is perpendicular to the travel and do not really walk out of anything, just pivot to keep the machine stable. Stable, like those small restaurant pedestal tables that you wish would stop rocking and spilling your coffee, due to insufficient contact with the floor.

A couple more examples shown below. The only problem I have had with that setup was on the saw. With the motor mounted, it tended to rise up because of the imbalance, thus the concrete block ballast in the front RH corner.

So, same thing just one is offset 90°? I sort of follow but don't see much advantage for the effort. Usually, I can find more examples when I google. Wouldn't three wheels accomplish pretty much the same?

 

[Lelandwelds]

fnieto,

I spent most of an hour thumbing through some of your posts and your one year build update. You seem to be one of those guys that everyone needs to stop talking and listen when you walk into a room. I am impressed by the most random things!

Fiber, rebar and mesh sounds fine to me. Darn even and shadow free lighting. Continuing the accent stripe is just excessive! Lol.

I encourage everyone to read your build thread. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259062

I hope you find retirement to be everything you hoped. Please post more photos. Any subject is fine with me.

 

[Robert Haas]

Slick execution. Nice job on the paint match. Do you have other receivers for the vice? You actually move it? Does just any extension cord power your outlets on the table or is it something dedicated and custom?

Is this a one off? Is your whole shop like this?

build thread here

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349418

 

[fnieto]

Awesome, how did you bend that 1/4 plate?


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Those bent brackets are 3/8"x4" CR. Used the iron worker with the break press tooling to break the flat bar.

cbacress, yes, that band saw is an Ellis 1800. I really like that saw.

 

[taumac]

I did it this way.

Well done sir.


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[Johnny_V]

Mine is nothing fancy, but it makes storing and retrieving my lathe chucks and drive plates much easier.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Excellent idea Johnny!

 

[pwhittle]

Has anyone used stepdown casters?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087PSWWXM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My use is for a 550lb horizontal metal bandsaw.

Paul


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[BFBOB]

I know I'm not the only clumsy one on this site - maybe the most clumsy, but not the only.
Sharp square corners are a no-no in my shop!

 

[old-air-performance]

Has anyone used stepdown casters?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087PSWWXM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My use is for a 550lb horizontal metal bandsaw.

Paul


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Actually i was also looking after the same casters this week for my newly acquired metal bandsaw (210kg).

But i'm also curious if someone actually used them

 

[dirt_dobber]

I have the Laguna 14 -12 Bandsaw and love using it - but it comes with a 3 wheel system and always felt like it was going to topple over.
I got this - Bora Portamate PM-3500-Industrial Strength Universal Rolling Mobile Base
They make several different versions but I really like the 3500 as it
will support 1500-lb. (680 kg) weight capacity.
Adjusts from 20.75 x 23.75 inches to 28 x 33.5 inches (53x60 cm to 71x85 cm)
Very low profile — increases machine height by less than 1 inch (2.54 cm)
very heavy duty and great fit and finish.
I brought this on Amazon for about $140
The 3550 has all 4 wheels swivel but is closer to $200.
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