I wanted to move my 400-lb. workbench outside on nice days. So I made these rollers that fit onto the workbench legs. Each roller is simply a length of 3/4-in.-thick plywood fitted with heavy duty, locking nylon wheels. The two fences and the top plate lock the rollers in position on the bench feet. The plywood and wheels add 3-1/2 in. to the bench height, but I find the taller bench makes for easier handplaning.

To install the rollers, I first remove the top plate, jack up one end of the bench with a car jack, slip the roller under the foot, and reattach the top plate. I repeat the process to install the second roller. Now I can roll the bench outside or swivel it away from the wall to retrieve a dropped tool. With the casters locked, the bench stays in place, even while I’m handplaning.

MORE ON WORKBENCHES
“Getting Started in Woodworking” Workbench: Download the free plan
Video Workshop: Matt’s Monster Workbench
Garrett Hack’s Ultimate Workbench
New Fangled Workbench
Lon Schleining’s Essential Workbench
Rock-Solid Plywood Workbench
New Take on the Workbench

Drawings by Jim Richey

Drawings by Jim Richey