Replies

1. 
   EdHarrow | Jan 06, 2006 06:13am | #1

   I just purchased two bases by HTC, after purchasing my first (also an HTC) a year ago.  The latter two I bought from Woodcraft, who were MOST helpful in helping me find bases for ancient stuff. 

   The first was for my Delta Contractor with 30" fence.  My only complaint was that I needed a tap to clean up the threads for the wheel brakes.  (I had the tap)  The next two, one for ancient Delta Bandsaw (the base was for a jointer) is perfect (tho I did have to drill out the holes for the brake pivot bolts).  The other, for my drill press, is less perfect, but I don't consider that to be HTC's problem, and I should be able to fix it by dropping in a piece of 3/4" ply first, and the drill press on top of that.  The drill press's base is a bit narrower than the mobile base's width, and that causes it to flex a bit much. 

   I love having the stuff on mobile bases, esp since my shop ain't as big as I'd like it to be.  The flexibility offered by being able to move stuff so's the piece I'm ripping lines up between..., or the long piece I want to cut a foot off, and it hangs over the bench, which is full of other stuff...  ;-)  I can't recommend them enough.

2. 
   highfigh | Jan 06, 2006 06:19am | #2

   The HTC are good, heavy duty bases and the Shop Fox are really good, too. I have a couple of them and instead of going the cheap route for my TS, should have bought one for that when it was new. I got the kit from Rockler that needs 4 pcs of 1-1/2"x1-1/2" wood for the sides. Mine was OK at first but sagged over time and is basically useless now, unless I can heat it with a torch and straighten it. If I can do that, I'll use it for my bandsaw. I got the Shop Fox base and extension for the long TS rails a couple of years ago and it has been great. No tweaking, no adjustments, etc. One advantage to the Shop Fox is that you can place the wheels where you need them.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
3. 
   jazzdogg | Jan 06, 2006 06:44am | #3

   Hi Glaucon,

   Jet makes them in two different sizes and weight capacities.

   Put together one of each size last week - took about a minute each, no tools required. Sturdily built.

   I don't recall the minimum and maximum dimensions for each, but do recall that the smaller one has a 600 pound capacity; the larger of the two holds 1,200 pounds.

   Please let us know what your research turns up,

   -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

1. 
   Glaucon | Jan 06, 2006 07:50pm | #4

   Thanks all... I apologize for posting this twice- my initial post "hung", and when I reentered the site I could find no trace of it, so I reposted and now have two threads <sigh>.

   As for what I have so far, I would stick with steel adjustable bases.  The tensile stress of ~500 lbs distributed over a relatively small foot print is going to be (eventually) a problem for wood.  Steel is just so much stronger.  My shop is in my basement with a relatively low ceiling. The house (built in 1927) has a stone foundation with steel I-beam girders under the bearing walls (who knew?).  Needless to say, whenever I have to lift something heavy (like a jointer or a V8 engine), I can simply hang a differential hoist from a beam and heave...

   I have looked at the Shop Fox and HTC3000... but I am intersted in the Jet as well- any sources for the Jet?

   Thanks,Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

1. 
   jazzdogg | Jan 07, 2006 05:10am | #6

   "any sources for the Jet?"

   My local Rockler carries them - but doesn't always have them in stock (Rockler seems to have inordinate problems managing their inventories).

    -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

4. 
   Castlewerks | Jan 06, 2006 07:57pm | #5

   Glaucon,

   Coincidentally, I just stumbled across this:

   http://www.brentwoodmachine.com/Merchant/bmshome3.html

   If it's no longer featured on their home page, it's an item called a Hover Pad. All they have on their web site is essentailly a teaser, so if you look into this and it seems like a good product, a follow up post would be much appreciated.

   Cheers,

   Michael

5. 
   Mrhermit | Jan 08, 2006 07:57am | #7

   I just received my Craftsman Club flyer in the mail. It is showing a Craftsman Universal Mobile Base, item #22303 on sale for $59.99 for Craftsman Club Members from Jan. 8th to the 12th. The regular price is $79.99. It is rated for 600 LBS.

1. 
   Ribeye | Jan 08, 2006 08:10am | #8

   The Craftsman Universal Mobile Base is made by HTC :-)   I have one each under my Jointer, Band Saw, Drill Press and "zip code" Table Saw.  They're fantastic -- and one heck of a buy with the C' Club discount!-- Steve

   Enjoy life & do well by it;

   (it might well be the only chance you get.)