mobile base for Minimax FS41 Elite?

[Len Rosenberg]

Looking to buy or build a mobile base for my FS41 Elite, which weights 1200 lbs.
Any suggestions welcome!

Thanks,

Len

[Brian W Evans]

I used to have my FS41 on a mobile base (this one (https://www.woodcraft.com/products/portamate-super-duty-universal-mobile-base-pm-3500), or something very similar). No matter what I did there was always some vibration, so I took it off. The Minimax mobility kit is what I would use now if I needed to move it.

If you must move it regularly, can you put some kind of a pallet under it and move it with a pallet jack?

[Jonathan Jung]

Agree with Brian, best solution is to permanently block it up for moving with a pallet jack.

[Len Rosenberg]

I don't have room in my shop to move this machine with a pallet jack. I need a highly maneuverable base that can make tight turns. Portamate has some heavy duty bases but it seems there are issues with the quality of the casters.

[Jim Becker]

I don't have room in my shop to move this machine with a pallet jack. I need a highly maneuverable base that can make tight turns. Portamate has some heavy duty bases but it seems there are issues with the quality of the casters.
For "flat on the floor" the OEM solution is best, but it's not super maneuverable. At least my FS350 isn't. Aside from vibration if the four corners are not on the floor, if there are any variations in height in the places you park it to use, don't forget that cast iron/steel can bend which affects alignment. I know that for a fact with my lathe and have had some minor issues with my FS350 in my temporary shop with "tightness" in the height adjustment for thicknessing if I position it even a half inch different than "the spot" after moving to to access the fold down attic stairs. My machine weighs 300+ pounds less than yours.

If something like the PortaMate physically feels like it will do the job, you do have the option to replace the casters. Vendors like CasterCity have lots of options for high quality double locking casters. (and you do want/need double locking casters) You could also have a local welder fabricate something up for you that's "to size".

[Jonathan Jung]

I've got a few Grizzly Bear Crawls and they do well. The pad stabilizers are a bit too squishy for bandsaws or drill presses, but work well on the jointer and planer.

[Jay Runde]

if you don't mind the extra height, you could use some Zambus ac series levelling casters.

[Len Rosenberg]

How would the Zambus casters be attached to the base?

[Jim Becker]

How would the Zambus casters be attached to the base?
I'm not sure there is a solid bottom under the corners of the cabinet. I don't think my FS350 has them. That might require raising the machine a substantial height and welding on heavy mounting plates that are drilled and tapped for the Zambus type casters. Or heavy angles welded to the outside of the cabinet corners and treated the same way.

[Erik Loza]

Len, I’m certain SCM offers an OEM mobility solution for your machine. Have you tried partspronto-dot-com?

Erik

[Len Rosenberg]

I'm not sure there is a solid bottom under the corners of the cabinet. I don't think my FS350 has them. That might require raising the machine a substantial height and welding on heavy mounting plates that are drilled and tapped for the Zambus type casters. Or heavy angles welded to the outside of the cabinet corners and treated the same way.

Thanks Jim. The bottom of the cabinet is open.

[Len Rosenberg]

Len, I’m certain SCM offers an OEM mobility solution for your machine. Have you tried partspronto-dot-com?

Erik

Thanks Erik. Could not find anything on that site.

[Keith Outten]

Use a 4 by 4 bolted to the base under each end of the machine instead of a pallet. A mini pallet jack will slide under the base and is very easy to maneuver. I resisted purchasing a pallet jack for decades, it was a mistake. Today I use my pallet jack to move even the machines that are on castors. My 2cents.

[Bill Dufour]

What is this tool? A bandsaw or drillpress is tippy a tablesaw less so.
Bill D

[Jim Becker]

What is this tool? A bandsaw or drillpress is tippy a tablesaw less so.
Bill D
It's a 410mm/16" jointer/thicknesser combo machine...

https://www.elitemetaltools.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_page_expanded_viewer_xxlarge/public/product-data/images/Minimax%20FS%2041E.png.webp?itok=pfAttYOn

[Alex LaZella]

I use the Grizzly Mobile base for my SCM 41. The stock mobility would be great except I need to drive my machine the other way to park it against the wall. The larger grizzly mobile base handles the weight just fine for me to pull it in and out, spin it around etc. I dont take the machine on long walks or nature hikes but I havent had any issues with the grizzly base yet.

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi Len, how about a semi- live skid design?

Mini-Max will sell a wheel kit and tow bar for it, or you can make one yourself….Regards, Rod

[Michael Drew]

I have a Hammer slider on order. I intend to build a mobile base for it, due to it going in my garage and a need to keep everything mobile. The base will be be built with an angle iron frame, just large enough to trap the machine's footprint and any outfeed table legs I go with. I'll fit the frame with some 3/4 ply and there will be adjustable casters on each corner. I'm thinking the iron will be 2.5X2.5X3/8. You could easily make something similar for the Minimax.

[Jay Runde]

How would the Zambus casters be attached to the base?

There is a hole at the bottom of each leg that the stems go into.

[Jim Becker]

There is a hole at the bottom of each leg that the stems go into.
But the J/Ps don't have "legs" as I brought up previously. The four corners are not necessarily even identical...they are not on my MiniMax J/P and they are open on the bottom. Caster solutions like the Zambus do need a way to mount them and for the machine being discussed, that would require modification and welding.