welding cart issues

[brownbagg]

i built a welding cart for my tig, fluxcore and tig tanks
got big ten inch wheels on back by tanks
got 4 inch swivels on front

it will not turn, the swivels are fighting each other, whats the secret on wheel layout

 

[jeepinerdeep]

i built a welding cart for my tig, fluxcore and tig tanks
got big ten inch wheels on back by tanks
got 4 inch swivels on front

it will not turn, the swivels are fighting each other, whats the secret on wheel layout

Are the baseplates of the swivel casters level to the world? If not they will settle into a natural resting spot. They will also act strange if they are staggered too much, or your rear fixed wheels are toed.

 

[Kaizen]

Too much weight on the back causing front to lift?


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[brownbagg]

no on weight, it just they will get sideways and just fight each other

 

[IMCA38]

I used to have the ubiquitous HF three shelf mig cart. The front casters on that thing absolutely refused to swivel or track. Finally, I took them off and replaced them with a couple out of my supply box and the difference was unreal! Basically, those casters were just ****.

 

[Lwel9226]

Are they too close together??? If they are, spread them out so they can spin freely without touching...

LynnW

 

[lis2323]

Did you bolt the casters or weld them on?

If welded , chances are some spatter is in with the bearings.

If not , then you may have cheap casters?


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[BD1]

Elevate front and try rotating by hand.
Possible bearing is missing.


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[Rag Roc]

Grit/ dirt in the swivel bearings? Jack up the cart and see how they rotate by hand. Flush them with brakleen & compressed air, and re-lube.

 

[nadogail]

Copy the geometry of a supermarket shopping cart.

 

[DeeKay]

Are the baseplates of the swivel casters level to the world? If not they will settle into a natural resting spot. They will also act strange if they are staggered too much, or your rear fixed wheels are toed.

What he said. If the mounting plate or stud is cambered on swivel casters they will always fight each other, especially if the wheels are relatively grippy.

 

[koditten]

Prolly didn't give the front end any "caster".

 

[PugetDude]

i built a welding cart for my tig, fluxcore and tig tanks
got big ten inch wheels on back by tanks
got 4 inch swivels on front

it will not turn, the swivels are fighting each other, whats the secret on wheel layout

Just tore my old welding cart apart for exactly the same reason. Fought the front swivel casters for years. Built a new one with (4) 5" swivel casters. Saved the rear wheels; threw the goofy casters away.

 

[joe49]

Idea for you, from Fitzee.

 

[DanarchyCustoms]

Sounds stupid but check your hardware interfering with your swivel casters, especially any flat washers that may creep and interfere with your swivel clearance.

-OR-

Check that your caster plates are level to the ground and not cocked at an angle.

 

[gorilla]

Back in the day when TIG welders weighted half a ton the rolling gear was often a tricycle set up with two large rear wheels on the rear and a double wheel set up centered on the front. The front wheel was on a spindle like the neck of a bike and had a steering handle attached. Easy to steer and three wheels is good on uneven ground.

 

[gorilla]

Back in the day when TIG welders weighed half a ton a lot of the running gear set ups had a tricycle set up. Two large wheels on the rear and a double wheel centered on the front. The front wheel had a swivel bearing of some sort with a steering handle attached. They steered real nice. The wheel size and spacing on the front would depend on how large your welder is.

 

[gorilla]

Dreaded double post!