mobile bases - release mechanism

[Tyler Davis]

I bought a G1018 jointer yesterday - about 350 lbs. I need a mobile base to move it around. I have a Delta contractor saw with a very nice integrated mobile base. There are no locks on the casters, but there is a single foot release brake which raises or lowers the wheels as needed. Is there something similar out there for a mobile base 17" x 24"? I haven't seen the HTC/Shop Fox/Jet bases in person, and I can't tell how the lock/release mechanism works. Is there an individual brake on each caster? Do you have to bend over to release them? Like I said, I really like the Delta design which has a single foot-release brake which makes it mobile

[Mike McCann]

this is a great mobile base. I have it under my table saw.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5114

[Thom Sturgill]

Rocker sells this one: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2383

they also sell the caster separate, I've used it on several bases including my router tablehttp://thomjoy.us/00004.jpg

[Jim Mims]

Rocker sells this one: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2383

they also sell the caster separate, I've used it on several bases including my router table

I have one of these under my Craftsman 10" table saw. One day I was moving it around with some tools on top, probably about 400 lbs. total and the 1-1/2" oak was flexing to the point where it wouldn't lift the stabilizing pads off the floor. With just the table saw it does fine.
I just bought some 1-1/2" steel tubing and I'm going to replace the hardwood.
- Jim

[Josiah Bartlett]

I have a Shopfox base. The locking mechanism is two feet that lower next to the swivel casters that are operated by a knob. They raise the casters off the floor. You have to bend over, but it does lock the base pretty well.

[Bill White]

Bought one from Rockler a while back when they were on sale. Add your own wood style.
Bill

[Greg Hines, MD]

I have a Shopfox base for my router table. It is very strong, with rails made of steel tapped with holes every so often to accept the hardware to attach each wheel assembly. The stops for it are a pair of feet that you use a knob to screw down to raise the swivel casters off the floor, making it very stable. The other end of the tool rests on the non-swiveling casters.

Doc

[Rob Will]

Rocker sells this one: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2383

they also sell the caster separate, I've used it on several bases including my router tablehttp://thomjoy.us/00004.jpg

Tom,
Where can I buy a on/off switch like that?
Thanks,
Rob

[Tyler Davis]

Thanks guys. I am leaning towards the "add your own wood" style, since they have the caster style I like. Any reason why I couldn't use some square steel instead of wood rails? Could I get away with drilling and bolting it together? - I don't have a welder...

[Thom Sturgill]

Rob, it came from Rockler.
Tyler, the 'add you own wood' set up uses two bolts on each end. Using tube steel would be a snap. Even just angle iron would probably work ok, though you would need to replace the bolts too, as you would not want to go all the way through unless you put some kind of spacer in to hold the metal tight.

One of the other adjustable bases I looked at used pre-drilled angle. If I ever have trouble with the oak pieces that I used on the TS, I will probably replace it with whatever I steel or aluminum I can find at the BORG that I think will work at the time.

[Don Abele]

Tyler, I started with the same build-your-own base that Mike posted. And like Jim, mine flexed too much. I replaced the wood with steel rectangular tubing and it worked great. When it came time for another mobile base, I bought the HTC-2000 universal base instead.

http://www.htcproductsinc.com/img/HTC2000.jpg

It's easier to configure and ultimately cost less than buying the other base and steel tubing and welding them together. HTC sells three bases 1000 (400 pounds), 2000 (500 pounds), and 3000 (700 pounds). All of them use easy foot levers to raise and lower the swivel casters. I personally don't like the levers on the 1000 though, so bought all 2000's.

I typically pick mine up from Amazon (free shipping).

Be well,

Doc

[Don Abele]

Tom, Where can I buy a on/off switch like that?
Thanks, Rob

Rob, Rockler sells them for $29.99.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17401

Be well,

Doc

[John Browne]

HAve the Shop Fox MB under my 8" Grizzly jointer--weighs over 400 lbs. Very easy to use--you only need to turn the locking knobs 1/2 turn or less to lock or release. Easy to push and steer.

[Kevin Groenke]

Tom,
Where can I buy a on/off switch like that?
Thanks,
Rob

If you don't need the integrated box and plug on the Rockler switch (or need 220v, Grizzly is now stocking a wider variety of paddle switches. The magnetic switch for $20 is quite a deal.

http://www.grizzly.com/catalog/2008/Main/247

http://www.grizzly.com/images/pics/jpeg288/h/h8243.jpg (http://www.grizzly.com/products/H8243/images/)
http://www.grizzly.com/images/vendorlogos/grizzly_logo.gif Your Price:**$12.95


I had to replace all the switches on all our equipment with magnetics a few years back for the safety guru's. For the $40-$100 on each of 20 or so switches I replaced, I could have gotten something much more rewarding.


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