Work Benches.... with wheel casters or without??

[metalhead212121]

Mods feel free to move this post where you feel it should be.

I see some guys on here have their work benches on casters and some don't. In a perfect world I'd like to have mine on casters so I could wheel my workbench outside. I don't like the idea of welding something or applying heat to something on my workbench (in a vise) since I'm very cramped for space. I could picture something catching on fire and in turn having my garage fire. My workbench weighs a lot (my guess would be around 400 lbs right now). I'm planning on adding a steel plate on top of the bench in the future. The thickness of the plate is presently undetermined. Obviously if I added casters to my bench Id opt for heavy duty ones WITH locks. Any disadvantages to adding casters other than more money being spent that I don't have?? For some reason I question how stable a work bench is with casters on it.... even with locking casters I still question how stable it will be.

I did think about something kinda like this. Granted this isnt the best example of my idea.... gotta really "think outside the box" to understand my example.

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-320333-tool-box-step-black.aspx

I thought about running 4 HEAVY DUTY threaded rods installed near each leg with casters installed on the ends of the rods. My idea is when I wanna move the bench crank the rods down to where the bench is raised up 1/4 of an inch.... once the bench is where I want it Id turn the threaded rods the opposite way to drop the table back down. I think IN THEORY its a good idea... I think it would be a very expensive setup and very time consuming setup to make. Just throwing the idea out there...

Thoughts/Opinions??

 

[djjsr]

I tried regular locking casters. Not a good solution. They keep the bench from rolling but you still get side to side wiggle from the caster pivot points.

There are double locking casters that work pretty well. They lock the wheel and the pivot point. They're not cheap. I've never seen them with steel wheels (best for welding).

I think a good solution is to use regular casters and floor locks. I've used these in industry and they work well but they're also not cheap. There's this lighter weight version available for around $40 ea.

 

[hh76]

I got the idea from a post on here. I put four of these on my welding table so I could pull it away from the wall when working on bigger projects.

works pretty well for my 1000lb table, and allows me to level the table, or adjust the height (sometimes I use in conjuntion with my motorcycle lift table and need to match the heights)

Just crank them up and you're back on the solid table legs.

 

[Viz]

I recall a post/picture somewhere in the Workbench thread where the owner mounted 2 casters on the side of the legs at one end of the bench, but not at floor level. They were up just slightly, perhaps 1/4 - 1/2". Then on the other end of the bench a trailer jack was installed, like the one in the above post. Cranking up the jack put the opposite end on the casters, and the bench could be moved. This is the setup I plan on using.

Viz

 

[kmccorm2000]

In my woodworking shop I use large verticle toggle clamps and replace the rubber tip with a threaded wheel. One mounted on each corner. I have this setup on my main work bench and lathe. They work ok, but are kind of a pain to lift the workbench...fairly cheap though, especially if you don't need to move it a lot. The benefit is that you can move it when you need to, but have a super stable bench when using it. Sorry, no pictures at this time.

 

[Charliekilo]

Not sure I read your post right. You want to move a 400 plus pound bench so you can have a vice outside for welding and grinding?
Why not just have a moveable vice on a stand?

 

[A**holes Garage]

I built (3) light to medium duty welding / layout workbenches last year. I have a smooth garage floor but it's not level. I was looking for a heavy duty caster that was low profile, with the ability to level the bench out once I move it into place. I was going to fabricate adjustable legs and weld or attach them to the legs, frame, etc. but I found these leveling casters.

They are available in various capacities. So far, they have worked out great. I wouldn't recommend them for floors with large expansion cracks, etc. hard to roll a heavy bench over the cracks, etc.

 

[KCarGuy]

I was just thinking about building a Wood Working "Work Bench" that I can roll up against a back wall or Roll out in the middle of the Garage or even outside.

It would consist of my Radial Arm saw, my Table Saw and my Chop Saw.
Looking at least 8 feet long with storage under it.

My thought was nice big Rolling Casters and some heavy duty steel angle iron pieces bolted on each corner that I can raise or lower Threaded "Feet".

This way I can raise them out of the way for moving it around and screw them down to level and lock the Bench in place.

Even going as far as using long threaded rod (1/2" or larger) that goes all the way up to the top of the Bench (an access hole in each corner) that I can use a socket or "T" wrench to stick in the hole to screw up or down.
(this way you dont need to crawl on the floor to set them.
Welding Nuts to angle Iron top and Bottom should work fine
Welding a 2"x2" plate or Feet to the bottom would give it a nice base.

My Main Workbench it bolted to the wall and I like that, but a Movable one would really come in handy also.

 

[jessadamessa]

Both! I'm doing something similar to your design now (see picture). I have a 2 car garage so I have to be efficient with my space. The casters allow it to be wheeled out for the dust and slag and the levelers will stabilize and level for accuracy during cutting, fit up, and welding.

I didn't go with locking casters...never been a fan of those. Getting my levelers from http://www.jwwinco.com/products/section7/index.html (found this from someone on the forums but forgot who...sorry). I am worried about how much of a pain it will be to go from mobile to stationary and back, but for ~$80 it's worth a try.

Jesse

 

[rquackenbush]

I'm going to be building my next workshop pretty soon and I'll definitely be putting it on castors. I'll be following this thread closely to see all the good ideas. So far the floor locks are looking pretty interesting.

 

[kbkna]

Here is a set at Rockler. Have not tried them but I like the design.

Workbench Caster Kit (4 Pack)
$74.99Each

Currently In Stock


Average Rating: (8 customer reviews)

Overview
More Info
Reviews
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Maneuver your heavy work bench with ease using our Workbench Caster Set! This set of four easy-spin 2-3/8'' urethane casters feature a foot-activated lift mechanism that engages or disengages with the touch of your toe. Engage them to lift your bench 3/4'' off the floor for mobility, disengage them for stability. Each caster is constructed of durable steel and rated for 100 lbs. —that's 400 lbs. of total capacity with the 4-pc. set! Includes all mounting screws for easy installation.
43501

Workbench Locking Caster Kit (4 Pack)
$74.99 Each














Home Hardware Casters Workbench Caster Kit (4 Pack)

 

[wachuko]

I built (3) light to medium duty welding / layout workbenches last year. I have a smooth garage floor but it's not level. I was looking for a heavy duty caster that was low profile, with the ability to level the bench out once I move it into place. I was going to fabricate adjustable legs and weld or attach them to the legs, frame, etc. but I found these leveling casters.

They are available in various capacities. So far, they have worked out great. I wouldn't recommend them for floors with large expansion cracks, etc. hard to roll a heavy bench over the cracks, etc.

Those look great. Can you share the vendor's info?

 

[mysta2]

Woodriver Machine, those suckers are about $100 each. I looked into those when i made my bike tables... too rich for my blood.

 

[bobcatdan]

For me, I need to have the big heavy unmovable work bench that will take what ever I throw at it. I would have one bench agains the wall with a good vice on it for general work and a smaller "welding bench" that rolls for projects outside. Unless you are restricted by space, have both. There is nothing worse then not having a good bench.

 

[larry_g]

One item that seems to not get mentioned in these threads is using your floor jack. I have some wheels that I can slip under two legs lifted by the floor hack, and then move the jack to the other end lift and go. Another way is to lift 95% of the whole weight onto the hack and just drag two legs. If you look in my build thread I think there are pictures of moving equipment this way.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[A**holes Garage]

Those look great. Can you share the vendor's info?

Woodriver Machine, those suckers are about $100 each. I looked into those when i made my bike tables... too rich for my blood.

$106.00 for 4 leveling casters, rated at 660 lbs each;

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/20...ine-Leveling-Caster-Plate-Mounted-4-Pack.aspx

 

[Jamesbbh]

My bench, I put the trailer jacks on two of the legs so when extended you just lift the lighter plasma cutting side up and move it around. This is 1/2" steel plate and one person can easily move it.

 

[R6 Racer]

Someware I saw a bench that had fixed legs & used 2 scissor jacks to lower the 4 wheels. The whole set up was activated by using an impact gun on a single hex head to either raise or lower the wheels. If anyone has seen this, please let me know where, I would like to see how that person did it so I can work it into my design.

Thanks
Steve

 

[BeachBum2012]

My plan has both. I'm building two stationary workbenches into a corner. One is steel/butcher block with a toolbox built in and a space for a chair to roll under that will mostly be a desk and small parts work area. The other will be a modular wood working bench. Both will be bolted to the wall.

I'll also be building a rolling bench with a steel top. All three will be the same height. The thought is that if I'm welding I can roll it out side or to the middle of the garage and if I have something that needs to be beat on or a large fab project I can attach it to the two corner benches and make a really big and stable bench.

 

[metalhead212121]

hh76 & Jamesbbh posted pics of what I was looking for. Big thanks to you guys!!

The one thing that I dont like is that they are "bulky." Obviously they have to be bulky to be functional. If I installed them the way James has his installed I'd loose some space behind my bench. Normally I have my bench tucked in as close to the corner as possible to maximise space. Every inch counts!! Im think Id like to mount the casters on the inside of the legs. I can see that it will be somewhat of a challenge of installing them on the inside of the legs (cutting, grinding, drilling, welding) I think its still doable though. Can the crank handle be unscrewed from the rest of the assembly?? Any thoughts??

Im glad I didnt just jump feet first and install casters on the legs of my bench... I was afraid I'd lose some sort of stability.

Ive used a floor jack to move my bench before.. It works.. Ideally I'd need two floor jacks to move my bench and at the end of the day it works.... its just not fun.

Heres my thread about what I call my never ending work bench thread...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128258
Yes I realize if I put casters on my bench that Id have to take the stuff off the top of my hutch. I got a plan for that as well.

 

[BMB]

I recall a post/picture somewhere in the Workbench thread where the owner mounted 2 casters on the side of the legs at one end of the bench, but not at floor level. They were up just slightly, perhaps 1/4 - 1/2". Then on the other end of the bench a trailer jack was installed, like the one in the above post. Cranking up the jack put the opposite end on the casters, and the bench could be moved. This is the setup I plan on using.

I believe that was mine.

I believe I set the wheels about 1/16" from touching the floor.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121829

 

[mtnwalton]

Those look great. Can you share the vendor's info?

We used some of these on movable scenery for a production; I still have I think 8 left. They are locking type and a pain to fool with. We had many benches in our shop, a couple were 4' x 16', all with casters. Very handy for works in progress. i never found it necessary to lock them down.

It all depends on the type work you do; I worked as a machinist in several shops over the years in my previous career and never used a bench with casters in those environments.

 

[commonut]

Someware I saw a bench that had fixed legs & used 2 scissor jacks to lower the 4 wheels. The whole set up was activated by using an impact gun on a single hex head to either raise or lower the wheels. If anyone has seen this, please let me know where, I would like to see how that person did it so I can work it into my design.

Thanks
Steve

Steve,
I like this design too, just wouldn't fit with my bench requirements. If anyone can figure how to make a bench 5 1/4ft by 8ft with underbench storage weighing almost 900pounds move with a system like that, I'm all ears!
Either way, here is a link to that bench for you.
http://www.jack-bench.com/workbench plans - workbench design.htm

 

[machine_punk]

Here is my solution...
View media item 10266
Mount the wheels on an angled cutoff on one end of the bench, so they are just a fraction of an inch off the ground when the bench is sitting. Pick up the other end of the bench and move it like a wheelbarrow. Dead steady when sitting still. fairly easy to move when needed.

More pics...
View media item 10267
View media item 10265
The whole bench is on the left of this picture...
View media item 11628
M_P

 

[TipsyMcStagger]

$106.00 for 4 leveling casters, rated at 660 lbs each;

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/20...ine-Leveling-Caster-Plate-Mounted-4-Pack.aspx

I'm going to give these a try on my upcoming workbench build. Looks like a good compromise.

Tipsy

 

[catuck]

You could just buy a kit

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30842&rrt=1k

 

[Falcon67]

This is kinda opposite most thinking but might work for a bench that doesn't see a lot of movement. This is what I did on my mill so it can be moved if needed, then parked and leveled.

The rod is 5/8 all thread. I need to change the feet because they do tend to shove the 800lb mill around when parking LOL. I need some swivel on the ends.

 

[machine_punk]

Great idea on that mill table...looks nice and sturdy

 

[Torque1st]

Harbor Freight has 8" Dual locking swivel casters on sale during February:
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-cushion-tire-swivel-caster-with-brake-46819.html
They are rated 450# each but... YMMV

I have various workbenches, some on casters, some not. My new 42" x 72" work table has the above casters.

I also like to use tool stands like:
http://www.harborfreight.com/universal-tool-stand-46075.html
with solid rubber wheels on one side to hold individual tools.

 

[Torque1st]

Nice table and mill!

Those AC outlets are in 'harm's way' from chips. You might want to invest in some covers before something sparks.

 

[GRX]

Have both types in my workshop. The big "5 ton" bench has no wheels & remains stationary. A 2x4 turned sideways is used as a lever if it needs to be moved. Then I have a smaller bench on wheels which is moved closer to the work area at hand.

 

[Dustball]

Those look great. Can you share the vendor's info?

Foot Master is who makes them-

http://www.footmastercasters.com/

I just installed a liquid tank at a customer's shop the other day and the tank had the ratcheting version of the leveling casters installed. Moving the tank, setting it in place and leveling with those casters went very quickly and I was impressed.

 

[Steevo]

My welding table has wheels.
My workbench does not.
I like the idea of moving the welding table outside, or into the center of the room when making a big mess around it.

 

[wnstwolf]

As mentioned great to have it mobile. Took the KISS approach and used some scrap items in the barn.. four hits with the impact and the table is raised. more it to new home and hit again. If I did it again all casters would be swivel type not just two..

 

[willymakeit]

There are some good ideas here. Now to put them to use.

 

[metalhead212121]

bumping an old thread of mine....

In another thread of mine (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128258) Steevo recommending going to here for casters.. https://www.surpluscenter.com/home.asp?UID=2009062709354063

When websites list their wheel casters it says Load Capacity *** lbs. Does that mean the load capacity is per wheel?? I guessing my work bench will weigh in around 1500 lbs when all is said and done. Id rather guess on the high side than guess too low and have a wheel break on me.