Shopsmith Forums

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.
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.
The carpet then can be folded back to access the philips heads. They are metric and a 10mm wrench is needed for the nuts.
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.
I just used a pliers to pull them through, easier then trying to pound them back and pull....
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.
Time to bring the project home in the next post.

Ed

Remounting the casters leaves you with this:
A hand saw made quick work of the now extra lengths:
Now all that was left to do was reattach the carpet.
And there you go a near perfect fit.
Might have to go shopping for a couple more of these, if and when they are on sale that is.

Ed

Very nice, and a lot cheaper than this -

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

Mike

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

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.

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.

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

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

Mike

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.


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Mike907 wrote: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

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