Replies

1. 
   Buster2000 | Jan 05, 2009 03:24am | #1

   Why not just buy a mobile base? There is a universal base on at rockler for $39. 4 Good quality casters cost that much.

1. 
   jprov | Jan 05, 2009 05:41am | #2

   Good point!! I hadn't seen a "store bought" mobile base in that price range.. I'll check it out for sure.. Thanks for the tip..

1. 
   jprov | Jan 05, 2009 11:48pm | #3

   Hi Buster2000: My Rockler catalog shows only one mobile base in a lower price range. It was $45.00.. So, I am still interested in ideas for a "shop made" mobile base. Objective is simple but functional and inexpensive. I guess you could say I have more time than money!!! I would just like to make something rather than buy one.. Also, Harbor Freight Tools sells inexpensive casters.. Thanks for your earlier response.

1. 
   Buster2000 | Jan 06, 2009 02:51am | #4

   No problem.  I just took a quick look at it.  I use the General bases with my tools, and they seem to work.

   You would probably just tro to copy a metal design in wood...  Or if you know how to weld...

    

1. 
   jprov | Jan 06, 2009 06:23am | #5

   Hey there Buster2000.. I wish I could weld.. That would expand my horizons some and add to my fishing, golfing, hunting, et al... Thanks again for your input and taking the time to responding... I'll let you know how it came out.. might be a while though..

2. 
   Buster2000 | Jan 06, 2009 07:36am | #6

   No problem.I built a small rolling platform to help move my lathe and other tools around. While hand for the occasional move this isn't the best way to do it. Two problems it raises the tool up, and it's not very stable...To help you out I've attached the front and rear wheel details from my mobile base. You can see the rear wheels are inset into the frame, and the front wheels are on a lever system so that they can be engaged.

   
3. 
   jprov | Jan 06, 2009 08:33pm | #7

   Thanks Buster2000. I appreciate the photos.. That does help me a lot.. Thanks again for taking time to give me a hand..

4. 
   jprov | Jan 09, 2009 10:14pm | #17

   Greetings Buster 2000... Well, I have completed my mobile base project. I said I'd let you know how it turned out. I used ideas from different sources, mostly my brother in law who made a simpler version of what I did..(Mine is fairly simple too). Basically, I beveled the 2x4 supports on the outside edge and ends to fit the angle of the legs. I put in the cross supports for added strength. Used #14 panhead screws. Elevated the non-swivel casters 1/2" so when the tools sets on all 4's, the front will be 1/2" lower. When in place, I will merely slide a piece of wood under the legs raising the swivel casters 1/2" off the floor, thus leveling and stabilizing the jointer (I hope).... And that's about it.. Total costs about $20.00.. The only thing I would do different is recess the casters a bit more to raise the legs 1/2" off the floor vs the almost 2" raise I have now. The table height will be 35". I added attachments..

   
5. 
   Buster2000 | Jan 10, 2009 12:50am | #20

   Nice work, I'm glad everything worked out.  Depending on how uneven your floor is 1/2" may not be enough.  I get about that clearance on my bases, and I sumtimes get hung up...

   I hadn't realized the base was open...  I looked at an article that had this very solution!

2. 
   mike4244 | Jan 07, 2009 09:52pm | #8

   Because I only move my jointer a couple of feet when needed, I made a skid bottom instead of casters.This works better for me, brakes aren't needed . My floor is tiled so the machines move easily.

   mike

1. 
   jprov | Jan 07, 2009 10:07pm | #9

   Interesting.. I'm not sure something like that would work for me.. My garage floor is cement and the jointer weighs 215lbs +/-... How do you keep from scratching your tile floor?

1. 
   philip_r | Jan 08, 2009 02:07am | #10

   Check these out.  http://www.greatlakescaster.com/great_lakes_caster___swivel_caster_with_stabilizer_leg___175_stabilizing_casters_with_a_220lbs_capacity_in_motion_and_a_550lbs_capacity_when_the_stabilizer_leg_in_extended-LV-1710-NYP-S-M12.php

   I use them on my Jointer and it weighs in around 900 lbs.  It is the Griz 10" with the SC.  The darn thing has a bow-front so it killed the idea of using a regular base on.

   Cheers,

   T

1. 
   jprov | Jan 08, 2009 08:57pm | #11

   Thanks Tbagn.. I've never seen casters like these before.. I will keep this reference and maybe order a set for my table saw and band saw.. My jointer stand legs don't have the "holed" lips at the floor end for leveling studs, or whatever they're called, so won't work on this tool.. I appreciate your response... Thanks..

1. 
   philip_r | Jan 08, 2009 10:31pm | #12

   Not a problem.  I found them on this forum.  I love them so much, I had to toss'em in as an option.

2. 
   Tinkerer3 | Jan 09, 2009 08:17am | #13

   My jointer is something like 800# with a bow front.  I am considering a mobile base.  Why won't a regular base work?

1. 
   philip_r | Jan 09, 2009 07:41pm | #16

   Here is a link to my jointer. http://www.grizzly.com/outlet/10-Spiral-Cutterhead-Jointer/G0480

   WW is my hobby and I have a garage workshop (989 SF) that I still park two vehicles in.  The front of the jointer's base flairs out. As a result, I would not be able to use the standard HD ShopFox base that I’ve used on my 18" band saw and 3 HP shaper.  This is because the tool needs to sit "in" the base and not on-top-of it.

   Not a huge deal since I don't need to move my jointer around... but I've always liked to have the ability to do so, when/if necessary.  I'd hate to have to borrow my dad's engine hoist just to replace a belt or something... you get the idea.

   I just checked the stats on the Jointer.  The shipping weight is over 1000 lbs... but the actual weight is just shy of 900 lbs. 

    

    

2. 
   jprov | Jan 09, 2009 11:00pm | #19

   Hey tbagn.. Your shop set up sound like mine.. I too am the hobby WW. And my shop is the #3 bay in our 3-car garage.. I finished my mobile base project.. I posted the details to Buster2000.. As I told Mike, I hope it works.. we'll see.. Thanks for your input.. Man, that Grizzly machine looks like a beast... Interestingly, there's a Grizzly showroom/store 80 miles north from my place in Bellingham, WA.. When I go there it's like a stroll in a candy store!!!!!! Thanks.

3. 
   Tinkerer3 | Jan 10, 2009 06:34am | #21

   First thing you need to do is put that thing on a diet.  They say the first fat comes off the belly and then it should fit in a mobile.  Seriously, it looks like a fine machine.  Grizzly has a good reputation and you should get a lot of work out of it.

2. 
   mike4244 | Jan 09, 2009 05:33pm | #15

   The sleds are rounded off on each end , like a childs sled. This prevents the runner from digging in. I try to stay away from casters, seems like whatever way I want to move a machine the wheels are cocked the other way.Try it on your jointer,scraps cost nothing and if it doesn't suit you, then locking casters would be the other option.

   mike

1. 
   jprov | Jan 09, 2009 10:56pm | #18

   Thanks for the info.. I completed my mobile base.. A simple design, but hopefully it will work.. I sent photos to Buster2000 as I said I would to show him how it turned out.. I believe you have access to those on this forum if interested... Anyway, done deal... Thanks.

3. 
   EF | Jan 09, 2009 01:29pm | #14

   See this thread:
   http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=43793.25

   Down about message #25 it takes a turn to a jointer mobile base.

   Edward