Today in the shop (Custom Dollies)

[reible]

After an afternoon of rearranging somethings in the shop I wanted to locate some casters and make a platform to roll somethings in and out on. I had a small 18" x 12 movers dollie that was the right width (12") but 2" too long. The added length was a deal breaker so I sort of abandon that idea and started looking for some casters to make my own.

Then I thought about the cost of casters and the effort to make my own.... What about just modifying the one I had, shouldn't be too much effort and it was right at hand.

This was a Harbor Freight purchase, normally this size sells for about $11 but on sale they go for about $8. Not sure I could have purchase the casters for that amount.

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To adjust the size, ie make it smaller I had hoped to take out the 8 bolts that hold the casters on from one end. There was no access to the one side with the carpet on so I started by pulling the staples, all but the three on the under inside. That amounted to 15 staples.

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The carpet then can be folded back to access the philips heads. They are metric and a 10mm wrench is needed for the nuts.

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With the casters and bolts all removed the cross piece still didn't come loose. Turns out it had some brads holding which a hammer made quick work of.

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I just used a pliers to pull them through, easier then trying to pound them back and pull....

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As it turned out the hole spacing allowed me to move the cross piece and still use two of the existing holes, I used the cross piece as a drilling guide to make the other two holes on each side.

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Time to bring the project home in the next post.

Ed

[reible]

Remounting the casters leaves you with this:

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A hand saw made quick work of the now extra lengths:

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Now all that was left to do was reattach the carpet.

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And there you go a near perfect fit.

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Might have to go shopping for a couple more of these, if and when they are on sale that is.

Ed

[Mike907]

Very nice, and a lot cheaper than this -

https://www.festoolproducts.com/festool ... gKrBvD_BwE.

Mike

[Hobbyman2]

I have been pondering the idea of buying or making 2 of those to move large beams across the floor ,{6x6 hickory 8ft long} , if I did then I would replace the casters with larger wheels
Good job

[thunderbirdbat]

Nice idea. Do not forget to look at the coupons in their various ads. Frequently there are coupons for the sale prices between posted sales.

[garys]

I did something similar to that last Winter. I made a rolling tool chest and needed wheels for it. I found that dolly at Harbor Freight and bought it because it was cheaper than I could find 4 wheels. I built it into the cabinet and used it. Casters seem to be a bit pricey these days, and this way you get 4 of them at a reasonable price.

[Mike907]

Just got an email for plans for a Systainer cart, in case you're interested.

https://tsoproducts.com/plans-drawings/ ... c3d6de0038

Mike

[robinson46176]

I have a piece of shoe repair machinery about 8 feet long and weighing over 1500 pounds sitting on a pair of those dollies and it has been for several years. It takes a good push to move it but one person can move it.

Our local Rural King Farm Store now carries those at a price similar price as Harbor Freight.


.

[reible]

Just got an email for plans for a Systainer cart, in case you're interested.

https://tsoproducts.com/plans-drawings/ ... c3d6de0038

Mike

Yes I saw that and the price is quite reasonable but I have already worked out a design using 1/4" plywood to fit the feet of the systainer. Still need to test it out but if anyone is interested I can provide the sketchup design after it is tuned. Should just screw on the dollies so all in all a pretty simple solution for my needs.

No way to lock it yet but perhaps that can be done simply too.

Hope to finish this in a few days pending weather conditions and other time constrains.

Ed

[reible]

Online coupon has them for $7.99 through 10/8/18 limit 6. I think I'll end up with four of these but a spare might be useful too. So next outing in that direction I'll take care of this.

BTW I hope to cut the base for the container tomorrow weather permitting.

Ed