Now that I have moved enough tables out of my shop to get around all the machines I find that I spend too much time walking back and forth to my table while jointing/planing stock. I want to build an efficient cart to hold stock varying in lengths from 24″ to 120″ in length. I did a quick search, but did not find much so if anyone can point me to a thread or send some pics would be great.
TIA
Replies
Brad,
Why not put (locking) casters on the table?
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
The tables were far too large and I ended up with too little work space. I tried a smaller table with folding legs, and it wasn't great either. In the very near future I have to start prepping 1000bdft of flooring stock. I am thinking of a knock down rolling cart with adjustable platform levels for differing projects.
Brad,
Norm makes a simple rolling "Stock Cart" on New Yankee Workshop "Workshop Helpers" episode/video. Plans are also available. The shelves are not adjustable.
http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct3.cgi?0603
I have also considered building one of made with 2x4s for the frame, laminated 2x4s for the posts, and pipe for the shelf supports, and a plywood shelves. This would be adjustable. See image in next message.
Edited 8/18/2007 1:36 pm ET by GettinTher
Cart described above:
View Image
Edited 8/18/2007 1:41 pm ET by GettinTher
Brad,
Let me suggest a hydraulic lift cart for your carting needs. I wrote a little article about this subject a few months ago for FWW (can't find the link to it though).
I bought my cart for about a hundred bucks on sale. Its table was on the small side (about 17 x 28 or so), so I built a 2x4 and OSB top for it - and I can substitute a larger sheet of plywood or OSB on top of that whenever I need the extra space by just screwing it onto the existing top.
The casters on the cart work great - two are locking. But the main thing, for me at least, is the fact that you can pump the work surface up and down using just your foot on the hydraulic pump pedal. In about 10 seconds I can lift the top from about 17 inches from the floor up to about 30. I use it as a work surface quite a bit, as it allows me to work on the base of something and then, quickly, on the top, just by jacking it up and down.
I've also used it to transport stock from machine to machine in my shop. And the lifting feature there is a help as well. By raising the top to just a fraction below my tablesaw outfeed table I can simply slide stuff off and over onto the cart. Then, when I wheel it over to my cutoff bench, I can lower the top so I can offload pieces onto that with no lifting - and no back strain.
Recently, I also used it to move my new Grizzly tablesaw from the street to my shop. When it was delivered by semi-truck, the truck driver said, "Where's your crew?" He meant the cadre of stout lads I'd need to get the 500 pound box off the high edge of his truck. When I replied that I had no crew, and that I thought he would have a lift gate in order to lower the box to the ground sensibly, he said, "Oh. Didn't they tell you? A lift gate deliver costs $75.00 extra..." I said, "Wait here." A few minutes later I was back with my hydraulic cart. I raised it up as high as it would go, positioned it under the truck's back edge, and we tipped the box right onto its table.
I quickly lowered it and then trundled it away to my shop - where I used it several more times to lift the cast iron extensions into place while I bolted them home.
A very handy item, not much money, and I keep finding new uses for it every day. I used it last week as a swiveling spray-station object holder, because I could swing the table I was spraying around to catch the best window light.
Places like Graingers and other industrial supply houses carry hydraulic lift carts in several different sizes. I bought my from a local cheap imported tool warehouse - as I said for a hundred bucks. And the article in FWW netted that hundred back, so now I've got it for free...
Zolton
* Some people say I have a problem because I drink hydraulic brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.
Could I bother you to post a pic? Thats a great idea and would work great in my case. I am buidling a vanity now and that would have been very helpful many times. If I cannot find one a princess auto or the likes I might get a buddy to weld up the frame for me.
Thanks
Found the article and several manuf. Gotta love the net. Thanks for tip.
Brad,
Glad you found the article. For anyone else who might be interested, here's a link..
Zolton
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/subscription/Workshop/WorkshopArticle.aspx?id=26907* Some people say I have a problem because I drink hydraulic brake fluid. But I can stop any time I want.
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