I would like to put my Jointer on wheels. I know there are many platforms out there I could buy or make. The question I have is about the base of the Jointer. It has two flanges at the bottom..one on each short end..with a hole for bolting through. It doesn’t look like any mobile base out there accounts for these. Do most of you just lop them off or do you make accomodations in the mobile base for them?
If at first you don’t succeed….kick it!
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If there are 3 tabs, they're probably for casters. Otherwise, if you can post a photo, it'll be easier to make a recommendation.
Keep in mind, the WW shows are coming up and they do sell some of the floor samples. I bought my Shop Fox mobile base with extension from a place in Green Bay who was at the West Allis show. Got a great deal on it. I have a Shop Fox base on my jointer but that doesn't have any tabs on it.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Edited 12/28/2005 4:18 pm by highfigh
Look on this page for some idea of the tabs. I doubt they are designed for casters; at least I'd not feel comfortable using them for that on mine.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Well, not having seen the spec sheet, I didn't know they were actually mounting tabs. They're near the bottom of the list of features. OTOH, the mobile base shown doesn't have mounting points for the tabs, either. Makes me wonder why they want the base bolted to the floor when mobility is usually a big plus for people who own jointers of this size. I wouldn't want to mount casters on it, either. Why can't they beef up the base and weld heavier tabs that allow stability when on wheels? Or maybe they are supposed to bolt to the underside of the HTC mobile base. Not the way I would do it, but it would still work.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
I have mine on an HTC three-wheel base. Works great. No bolts needed.
Hmmmmm, I'd not "lop them off." Many of the manufactured bases use a plywood insert, or at least can accomodate one, yes? Run the bolts through that. My Jet is on an old furniture dolly with a slab of plywood put in it. Unfortunately, the wheels aren't working so great -- too small for the weight, so plan to build a better one.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Thanks, forestgirl. Thanks everyone else too.
I hadn't thought of putting a subbase of plywood down first. That makes a lot of sense. Looks like that's what I'll be doing. Thanks again.
ScottIf at first you don't succeed....kick it!
S,
You didn't say what brand of jointer you have, but what you describe is just like my Jet. I put my on a plain dolly made out of 3/4 in ply. Made the platform large enough to extend past the short sides of the base enough to run carriage bolts thru those tabs you mentioned. I used all swiveling casters with locks. I needed more mobility than the factory style platforms that have 2 fixed casters. Also, wanted to raise the jointer bed so I wouldn't have to bend over so much to use it. Spend the $ to get good locking casters. You need ones that lock both the wheel and the swivel. I've had good luck with the ones Lee Valley and Woodcraft sell.
You could use lumber instead of plywood and make an open frame like most furniture dollies. That would allow any chips that collect in the base to fall thru (esp. helpful if you're absent-minded like me and forget to turn on the dust collector.).
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