Welding Machine Cart

[Tunafromlaguna]

Hey all,

I am new to the group and new to welding. I bought this little Hobart 140 for small jobs and fab jobs around the house. My first project with it was to build this here welding machine cart. It came out allright except that I am concerned it may become top heavy if someone were to pull and turn it too hard. I rolled it around the garage by the welders handle and so far it feels sturdy but feel like there is a possibility of flipping it if someone else didn't know this. I may either widen the wheel base in the back or bring the welder lower. I plan on covering the bottom rack with sheet metal.

Other than that, this forum has given me a lot of neat ideas and I am happy to be part of the community. Thanks in advance for any suggestions to my welding cart.

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[mike13u]

Nice job!

 

[Will S.]

I definitely think it's top-heavy, and likely to fall. I am working on a simple cart design for my own MIG machine, and I want it to be low-center-of-gravity. I would consider moving your welder to the bottom shelf frame, and having a tool tray above it, enough to open the side door. If that won't work, then at least move the welder shelf down about half way, and maybe angle it slightly, so the front is a bit higher than the back, but keeping a low COG.

I saw a Miller cart in the store yesterday, at the supply house, and it was very low. The machine shelf was maybe 5" above the floor. No tool tray; just a bracket to support the tank. Those carts were $100, but I didn't like the small wheels, and I think I can build a better one.

 

[BD1]

If it does seem top heavy you could use pneumatic tires on the outside for the tank end Here's one I,made for my 211 and CST 280 , page 97 of welding projects.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121477&page=97

 

[lilredex]

Does seem a bit "tall"....here is one I made (bed rails ++) a while back. HF ring roller used for that tank cage.

 

[Tripp2012]

I have the 135 the model the 140 replaced with the Hobart cart. The Hobart cart is much lower that what you have there and very stable. If you add a bottle to the rear you will bring the center of gravity down a bit. My complaint with the factory cart is there is no handle, makes moving the welder more dificult. As a side note mine is 14 years old and welds like a champ you will love that little welder.

Here's the cart I have.
http://store.cyberweld.com/smalrung...6e6765617272&gclid=CO-k__2X_rsCFTEV7AodQV0A7w

 

[ibedayank]

just put a box on the bottom .. like a 2drawer filing cabinet fill with tools and wire... no more top heavy..

 

[Tunafromlaguna]

Cool. Thanks for the input guys. I think I am going to just place the machine on the bottom shelf and use the top shelf as a tray. That, or add outriggers!

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[Tunafromlaguna]

Good idea about the drawer. Thanks.

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[Robert Haas]

Top Heavy is just an illusion once you get something on the lower part.

I built this with the concept of having my welder at chest level and my plasma cutter below and a shelf on the bottom for my spool gun and various supplies.

 

[Tunafromlaguna]

I like your rig Robert.

 

[liquidh8]

I have to snap a few pictures of one I made from some that angle iron with holes in it for heavy duty shelves. .

 

[kazlx]

Usually the best way is to make sure that the wheels are outside the frame. That will generally help with stability, especially with something taller like you have. It will definitely help if you put some stuff on the bottom shelf. If you need any help, let me know...I'm pretty local to you and my brother lives in Lakewood.