Recommend me casters for a wood workbench

[stickshift]

I've got a wood workbench that weighs ~70-80lbs. With tools and workpieces, I think max weight I'd ever reach might be ~300lbs (more typical use would be 150-200lbs). The legs are comprised of two glued and screwed 2x4's (so legs are 3" x 3-1/2"). Would be rolling this on garage slab and driveway concrete, both of which are in good condition, so bumps are minor (largest would be transition between garage and driveway). It might get moved 1-2x/week max and the distance involved is pretty minimal (< 20ft).

I'm thinking 2" or 3" caster wheels (any larger and I'd have to cut the workbench legs shorter). I see wheels are available in polyurethane, rubber and PVC. Not sure which would be best for my application. Also, better to get 2 fixed wheels and 2 swivels or all 4 swivels? Since I'll be using this workbench for a miter saw (and possibly a table saw down the road), should all 4 wheels have brakes, or is this not so important on the fixed wheels if I get 2 fixed wheels?

 

[corvettecrazy]

Why not something like this?

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

They mount on the legs and it is mobile when you want without the sway and rocking of casters. Look through the pictures on Rocklers site to see how people modify them for different benches.

 

[ScottsGT]

Why not something like this?

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

They mount on the legs and it is mobile when you want without the sway and rocking of casters. Look through the pictures on Rocklers site to see how people modify them for different benches.

Same one's I used on my woodworking bench. They worked out great!

 

[Marctrees]

For moving anything around in a shop, absolutely get all swivel.

For other applications where there is alot of straight line like long hallways, 2 swiv 2 fixed.

Marc

 

[lilredex]

When I made mine, I used floor jack wheels in the rear and feet in the front. A floor jack lifts the front (on a cross member) for maneuvering. Worked out fine for me.

 

[stickshift]

With retracting casters, like the Rocklers, do you have to lift up each end of the bench in order to press the wheels down?

 

[ScottsGT]

I just give a little tug upwards as I press down on the pedal. Pops right into place.

 

[Lynden]

Have you considered making retractable casters for your workbench? The videos below show two clever ways to do it. If you decide to build either of these, I would use four 2" diameter hard-rubber swivel casters. Brakes aren't necessary since the casters retract and the workbench legs are on the floor.

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/woodworking-blogs/the-easiest-way-to-make-your-bench-mobile/

-- see second part of video

If you decide to use the Rockler workbench casters mentioned previously, here's how you can make them work better.

 

[ford33]

I used the Rockler wheel set shown above. They have worked well for 3 years now.

I did not use the small screws provided in the package. I used larger screws and enlarged the wheel mounting holes to fit the larger screws.

If you don't want the wooden bench legs to slide on the concrete floor when planing a work piece, apply rubber pads to the bottom of the legs to provide some friction.

 

[ScottsGT]

If you decide to use the Rockler workbench casters mentioned previously, here's how you can make them work better.

OK, great fix for the annoyance of having to hit each caster. I'm doing this mod.

 

[Jackfre]

I just built a 3x8' workbench. 3x3 steel legs with 2x2 crosses. At this time the top is 2 pcs of 3/4 plywood. I am moving this around occasionally but wanted it to sit stable. I had some 3/4x4" UHMW plastic (Lee Valley). I chamfered the edges, countersunk the holes and screwed it down. I can throw a nylon sling around the legs and drag that thing where I want it with minimal effort. Given your description of use, you my need casters, but thought I'd throw this out there as an alternative. So far it has worked really well.

 

[stickshift]

Think I might DIY retracting casters. Something like this:

 

[lilredex]

Easy enough to lift that empty bench, but wait 'til you install and load up a cabinet with fasteners and tools......it'll be a job for a gorilla. That's why mine has a cross member for a floor jack. Mine is super stable and there is no need for retractable wheels.

 

[polizei1]

I would highly recommend these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07547HSS3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I put them on my workbench, they're awesome. I've also used these, which are almost as nice (the other ones were out of stock and I needed more!).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IGQ1P0S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Marctrees]

polizei - DANGGG thats cheap.

In my cart !

Anyone looking for casters needs to see the link.

As long as the tires don't fall apart a la HF !!!

Marc

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07547HSS3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ScottsGT]

Problem with these is that even though the tires lock, the swivel will let the bench move under work loads.

 

[lakeroadster]

When I made mine, I used floor jack wheels in the rear and feet in the front. A floor jack lifts the front (on a cross member) for maneuvering. Worked out fine for me.

Like he said ^^^^

For lighter items, like my RAS, I don't use the floor jack. I added retractable handles.

 

[Marctrees]

That particular Saw, and it's mobility features look great.

A refinement, I'm wondering... would be to make the handles a bit longer, maybe like 6" more ?

Thinking easier lifting and more shin clearance.

Marc

 

[stickshift]

Thanks for the ideas. I ended up going with regular casters rather than a retracting casters setup - I need another project like I need a hole in my head, so I'm keeping it simple for now. I suspect the wheel locks will make the bench sufficiently stable for my needs (e.g., I'm not planing wood on it), but if not, I'll revisit retracting casters.

I would highly recommend these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07547HSS3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I put them on my workbench, they're awesome. I've also used these, which are almost as nice (the other ones were out of stock and I needed more!).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IGQ1P0S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I used HF's 30% coupon to buy these casters: https://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-rubber-light-duty-swivel-caster-with-brake-61855.html, less than $12 for all 4. Probably good enough for my needs, but I'll keep the Finnhomy casters in my cart in case the HF casters don't work out.

 

[Mdluke]

Think I might DIY retracting casters. Something like this:

That guy is my new hero.

 

[lakeroadster]

That particular Saw, and it's mobility features look great.

A refinement, I'm wondering... would be to make the handles a bit longer, maybe like 6" more ?

Thinking easier lifting and more shin clearance.

Marc

If the handles are longer.... when you retract them they hit the wall and stick out in your way when it is stored.

 

[polizei1]

Problem with these is that even though the tires lock, the swivel will let the bench move under work loads.

I have a 4x8' workbench with integrated miter saw, table saw, and router table. I've had zero issues with movement.

Now, that said, there could/would be some movement if the wheelbase is super short, even when locked. I find that this IS the case on my planer stand, which is only about 18"x18". Either way, these casters are cheap and great quality!

 

[Lynden]

For lighter items, like my RAS, I don't use the floor jack. I added retractable handles.

Another way to add retractable casters to a metal stand.

http://www.woodsmithtips.com/2012/05/03/easy-lift-mobile-base/