Casters for mustard

[Gary Herrmann]

I pulled the trigger on a hunk o mustard. 3520b

Being tall, I'm going to raise the spindle height by gluing up some 2x6 material and bolting it to the lathe's feet. I'd like to add some casters so I can move the lathe if necessary - preferably those with the ability to retrace or extend a foot for stability. I'm also open to other ideas if someone has come up with something really good.

Any recommendations on some good casters that will support the weight of this beast?

[John Cooper2]

For the price of a good set of casters you can buy (just on sale for $59.00) a harbor freight motorcylce lift.

Put it up on blocks now, if you need to move it get the lift and lift.

Saw pics on this site somewhere, looked like it would work well.

[Jim Becker]

Considering the weight would be distributed over several casters, it's really not all that much weight on each. And yes, they should be retractable on a lathe. You want the feet completely on the floor during turning. And be aware you may need to do some alignment and leveling if you move the machine or your headstock center and tailstock centers may not line up if the floor is not perfectly flat. Cast iron bends... ;)

[tim mathis]

hi gary ,
i made a stand , bolted the lathe to it and put zambus casters rated at over 2600 # 's on it. the foot print of the stand is longer and wider than the footprint of the lathe.the zambus casters are rock solid when the pads are down, you could redrill and tap the legs and screw them right on.with the zambus casters i can level the lathe each time i use it easily. i made the stand so it raised the lathe 1 1/2" , my mat is 3/4" thick so it is only 3/4" higher than normal before the pads are down. the casters are 4 1/4" high by themselves. my set up moves very easily and it is very heavy. and there is no added vibration. tim in centerville , ohio
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x84/powermatic3520/lathedrawer001.jpg
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x84/powermatic3520/lathedrawer006.jpg

[Steven DeMars]

http://www.cuttingedgetools.com/Onlinecat.htm/WEBSITE.GIFS/Powermatic/Powermatic%20Floor%20stand1.gif

This is there mobility kit . . . Very solid . . .:o