Weld Mobile Bases for Woodworking Machines

[mobius1982]

I am looking to do my first welding project

I want to build a mobile base for my woodworking machines bandsaw, jointer, drill press.

I have never bought steel before so any advice would be helpful since I don't want to spend more than I need to or buy the wrong stuff. I will be flux core mig welding it together. I have found polyurethane locking wheel casters.

Can someone check out this pic and help me spec out the right type of steel and thickness I would need.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Here is a pic of the same jointer as I have with a similar mobile base that I would like to make. I have also attached a pic of the drill press and bandsaw I have to help.

 

[rsanter]

Here is how I did my drill press. The front one was just a couple of bars bolted to the base that got the wheels bolted to them. No welding

The one in the background was done a little different

For you other machines the easiest way would be to start with angle iron to make a tray of sorts that the corners of the feet will fit into. Cheap and easy.
Then you can add a couple of pieces that the wheels will attach to

Bob

View media item 47279

 

[aggierailroad]

What method do you want to use to cut the steel? Different shapes are easier depending on what you have.

Angle iron, about a 1x2x1/8" would probably work great. I have one of those mobile store bought bases on my table saw and it's just bent 18ga. into a more or less channel, no more than 1 1/4 "tall". Some 1/4" x 3 or 4" bar stock for your castor bases, maybe.

 

[kkroger]

Angle Iron Box with two Fixed and two Swivel Casters all locking.

Should be pretty simple, the commercial stuff is just stamped sheet with wheels...
I might make them with some swivel levelling feet too so you just screw down the feet to level the machine and take it off the wheels to use it.

But that is just me.

 

[404]

Find old bed frames and design around the angle iron in those. This is not the Saturn V. Triangulation of squares or rectangles is huge for increasing stiffness.

Save your money for stuff that cannot be scrounged.

 

[fourjeepin]

For the drill press, I bolted a couple of fixed casters to the front face of the stand. When I need to move it, I lean it towards me until the casters contact the ground. Works great if not moving far or frequently.

 

[srmofo]

Ive got that same jointer and I made my base from wood. I could get a picture if you would like.It works well. Make sure you get locking casters.

I originally had it on stem casters and was always afraid it would tip over.

 

[BD1]

I made a bunch using angle iron. Bought the HF dollies for $7.99 and used the wheels for the bases. Cheap and works. as for locking wheels just throw a piece of small link chain around wheel. Cheap stop and works.

 

[mobius1982]

I will be buying a 14 cutoff saw so any angle cuts are not a big deal. I like the idea of using rectangular bar for a square and then using triangular plate in the corners to support the equipment. Then I would like to use square plate on the top corners to support the wheels.

I might stick weld it. I heard 7018 rod would be a good choice. Any suggestions.

Thanks,
Mobius1982

 

[mikegt4]

I made a mobile base for my Delta 10' contractors table saw. I used 1" x 2" x 11ga. rectangular tubing and some of those cast iron rubber tired HF casters that they don't sell anymore. It works great, is super strong and rolls easily even on somewhat rough concrete.

similar to this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271654278752

I also made a stand for my 14" band saw out of some 1-1/2" sq. tubing that I had laying around. No wheels on it yet.

 

[southalabama]

Ditto 404

Dad just used old bed frames. Four wheels and them threaded rod came down as leveler.

 

[srmofo]

I was out in the shop today cleaning up the surface rust on the jointer so I snapped a few pictures of the base.

The jointer is surprisingly front heavy so mounting the swivel caters outward some was needed to keep it study. I curved the front to allow some clearance for my ankles.