My version of the shop-made mobile base

[Matt Meiser]

There have been a few shop-made mobile base threads recently. I needed to weld up a mobile base today so I tried to take pictures at each step. I've been involved in making somewhere around 50 of these now for my own shop and as a club activity for Southeast Michigan Woodworkers. In bulk we make them for around $75 each.

First step is to cut the 1x2 tubing and tack weld the frame. This machine happens to be square, but I usually put the wheels on the sides of the machine. The side rails are whatever the depth of the machine base is, plus 2-1/2". The front/back rails are whatever the width of the machine is. I always add 1/4-1/2" to the depth and width to allow for any error and out-of-squareness (my base or the machine.)

217673

Once I check everything is square I finish welding the frame.

217674

Next I add 6x6 gussets that the machine will sit upon. I only weld about 1" at each corner of the gusset because that seems plenty strong.

217675217676

Next I add the wheel outriggers which are made from 4x6 angle. I forgot to take a photo here. I then weld the casters to the outriggers. When my club makes these we give everyone hardware to bolt them to allow for future caster replacement if needed. I'll just grind mine off.

217677217678217679

I had pre-cut gussets and outriggers on the shelf so this only took me around an hour to get to this point.

All that's left is paint. I first wipe it down good with an acetone soaked rag to remove any oil. I just mask the casters using plastic grocery bags and paint with a rattle can. When the paint is dry, I put plastic caps in the exposed tube ends as can be seen in this picture of another base I made.

217680

[Van Huskey]

Very nice. Is this one for your shaper?

[Matt Meiser]

Yes, it is.

[keith micinski]

That's exactly how I do it except to make it easier and save time I just take a piece of flat stock and run it all the way across the frame instead of cutting for corners. I like that you can keep the center of gravity low with this stand. Also I try to make sure the casters are on the ends that aren't going to get any foot traffic.

[Randy Henry]

Nice, where do you get the plastic caps for the tubes?

[Matt Meiser]

McMaster Carr is the best source I've found. I've used a place called King Architectural Metals before, but the last ones they sent me were complete garbage. I complained so they sent me another box of garbage.

[Matt Meiser]

Gotta love fast-dry spray paint.
217713

[Peter Stahl]

They look great Matt. How much in just steel do you think?

[Matt Meiser]

When we buy in bulk, about $25 of it is the casters and the rest is the steel. It would vary widely depending on source if you were doing just one. We've got a place that sells "drops" which is what we would call shorts. But availability is hit and miss for specific items and the 4x6 angle especially is hard to find short sections of.

[Bill Huber]

Boy this is going to date me...

I made about 50 of those many years ago for Teletypes, they look just like that, not red, black.

That is a great design and will last longer then you do.

[Randy Henry]

Thanks, will give them a try.

[Van Huskey]

The more I think about it this should be titled "My version of the professional mobile base".

[Ronald Blue]

Very nice job. As Van says professionally done. It appears you have a nice shop setup for metal working as well. I don't get to do much fabrication in my job, almost all "field" repair welding and all done with a stick. What do you have for a mig?

[Matt Meiser]

I've got a Hobart Handler 180 which has been great for my needs.

[John Petsche]

Great mobile base build tutorial. I am planning to make one for a new TS. I like to make my own bases since I prefer I higher machine height.

Thanks for the pics.

John p.

[Dennis McDonaugh]

Matt, how much weight do you figure it'll handle?

[johnny means]

Boy this is going to date me...

I made about 50 of those many years ago for Teletypes, they look just like that, not red, black.

That is a great design and will last longer then you do.

What's a Teletype?:D

[Matt Meiser]

Matt, how much weight do you figure it'll handle?

Not sure. My Jet JJP12 definitely isn't too much.

[Graham Hutchinson]

Here's an option using 1.5" angle and 1x2 rectangular tubing. Casters have the bolt post. I made a couple of these for my shaper and jointer.

281050

[Jerry Olexa]

Very well done...Good pics too...

[mark kosse]

Matt, I have a question. I need to build a base for a 1965 vintage Delta 12-14 TS. How much weight will .25 4X6 angle hold? I was kinda worried it would bow in. Am I paranoid?

[Mike Harvey]

Nice job and well explained with photos and descriptions.. Thanks for sharing. A very worthwild project if you have the tools/skills for it.

[John Downey]

Matt, I have a question. I need to build a base for a 1965 vintage Delta 12-14 TS. How much weight will .25 4X6 angle hold? I was kinda worried it would bow in. Am I paranoid?

I would think you'd be ok, even with a big machine like that one. If you don't mind the machine sitting a little higher, you can weld the angles on flush with the top of the frame that holds the saw (or use taller tubing for that frame). Then if it needs reinforcing later, you can just weld a piece of flat strap across the top like this:

281491

[Edward Oleen]

I make my mobile bases (3 so far) out of 2x4's. A square frame, with the corners half-laped, and another length of 2x4 diagonally across each corner. The heavy duty casters attatch to the diagonals, so that there is maybe 1/2" of clearance between the bottom of the frame and the floor. everything bolted together with 3/8th in carriage bolts.

Works just fine, and costs a 2x4 or two, and the bolts and casters. The casters are the big ticket item.

[Mark Wooden]

Nice mobile base Matt, definitely one I'm saving a pic of.

[William Kent]

I make my mobile bases (3 so far) out of 2x4's. A square frame, with the corners half-laped, and another length of 2x4 diagonally across each corner. The heavy duty casters attatch to the diagonals, so that there is maybe 1/2" of clearance between the bottom of the frame and the floor. everything bolted together with 3/8th in carriage bolts.

Works just fine, and costs a 2x4 or two, and the bolts and casters. The casters are the big ticket item.

Edward,

Could you possibly post a picture or two?

Thanks,

Will K.