MFT/3 with Casters - will it work??

[kiarev]

Hello,

I have a small woodworking shop in a single car garage.  Because of limited space, I have designed mobile bases for most of my tools.  When I use my larger tools, such as a bandsaw, planer, table saw, or router table, I move them outside the garage into the alley which goes by the garage and work out there.  When I am done, I roll the tool back into the garage and store it until next time.  I currently have an MFT/3 table and am having difficulty moving it because I am disabled and require a walker to move.  What I am thinking of doing it mounting two 3" casters to a 24" piece of 2" x 4" and then fastening this board and casters to the edge of the MFT/3 table using the clamp rail on one end and a few 5/16"-18 bolts.  Does this sound workable to you??  Could I leave the table stored this way for a few days??  Would you suggest a bungee cord to fasten the guide rail and stop ruler??  Thanks for your assistance.

Mark 

 

[nerves]

Hi Mark,

I've been thinking along similar lines as ell.  I just recieved my second MFT (this one is the Basic), and I have been toying around with the idea of doing a full cart with 4x4" locking casters to a box frame.  then on top drill 1/4" deep 2.5-3" inch diameter holes for the legs to rest on....

 

[clark_fork]

This is the simplest solution already available for the price of some decent casters. Disclaimer.. I have not tried this.
http://www.rockler.com/power-tool-m...L5pmUeKO3Wozhu0ShSkNZaui35c5ixTyfgaArla8P8HAQ

However, Instead of making the lift to seat the legs, which makes a wide perimeter, consider making a smaller perimeter and constructing a box with shelves that fits almost flush under the table. When you want to move the table, you step on the lift level which raises the legs off the floor and allows transport to a new area. (In theory)   

 

[Klemm]

[member=63081]kiarev[/member] - I think Clark_Fork has the right idea. I have one of those mobile bases under a 14 inch bandsaw and had several similar mobile bases by the originators of this type of base, HTC in the US. The reason I think this approach is better than "casters" is because the frame itself provides stability to the base.
One other comment about casters and wheels. They are often shown as having a capacity of ...lbs. That means holding it up. It does not mean rolls with little effort. That's where urethane tires which do not take a set and ball bearings come into play. Do it right - the equipment lasts forever.

My cardinal shop rule is "either have it on wheels or designed so it can be moved by getting a pallet jack* under it" (not sure what that* is called in England).
Hans

 

[lunchman]

I interpreted the OP's request as wanting to add a set of wheels to one edge of the MFT, mounted in the track so the folded table could easily be wheeled around. Sounds like a great idea and shouldn't be that difficult to accomplish.

-Dom

 

[Bohdan]

I remember a post some time ago that did exactly what you require, using a pair of wheels permanently mounted on the edge of the MFT3, to move it around but couldn't find it. Maybe someone more capable with the search function can locate the thread.

 

[Corwin]

Here's an old post that shows wheels on an older MFT:

Some MFT Mods

 

[rljatl]

I use these to move my MFT around the shop.  They are not perfect.  When the MFT hits a bump, a crack in the concrete or debris, the MFT can slide off the dollys. 
Tri-Dolly
You will probably want to lift the MFT on to the dollys when you want to move it and lift it off the dollys when you actually want to use the MFT. 

I keep intending to use a narrow piece of 3/4" plywood to attach two dollys together on the narrow sides of the MFT to make it easier to place the MFT on top of the them.  You could also drill a hole in the plywood the same diameter as the rubber cap on the MFT legs to help hold it in place.

 

[rp127777]

Here is my simple but effective solution to moving my MFT around the garage.  I didn't want to change the overall design, so this is what I came up with.  A couple of rockler T-slot bolts and knobs with a couple of casters. Can be easily removed as well.

 

[nclemmons]

That works great!  No reason you couldn't rotate the wheels 90 degrees and place them on the side for easily rolling the table from a van to a work site as another alternative.  The table gets heavier the farther you have to carry it!

 

[ben_r_]

That works great!  No reason you couldn't rotate the wheels 90 degrees and place them on the side for easily rolling the table from a van to a work site as another alternative.  The table gets heavier the farther you have to carry it!

Or use swivel casters right?

 

[nclemmons]

Or use swivel casters right?
[/quote]

Possibly.  My worry with swivels is you run the risk of losing control of the table.  My thought was with straight ones you can walk along side it and if it leans one way or the other, it's not hitting your ankle or breaking your wrist!

 

[ben_r_]

Or use swivel casters right?

Possibly.  My worry with swivels is you run the risk of losing control of the table.  My thought was with straight ones you can walk along side it and if it leans one way or the other, it's not hitting your ankle or breaking your wrist!
[/quote]
Good point. I can see the whole table twisting out while rolling in and falling to ground if you lose control. Yea maybe swivel casters wouldnt be such a good idea.

 

[rp127777]

I actually just tilt it up as in the pic and maneuver via the legs.  So far I am very happy with the design.

 

[live4ever]

I slide two swivel casters on - works fine for me.  Yes, there's more of a chance of the bottom of the table wanting to move towards or away from me, but since I'm in a very cramped shop the benefits of being able to maneuver it in any direction without wide turns far outweighs the table trying to get away from me.

 

[jroth33139]

I use a single fixed wheel in the middle of the back rail, which allows it to swivel and be turned. I got the idea from fastcap’s speed skate for plywood.

 

[rst]

I have swivel casters mounted to Destaco inline clamps that are mounted to aluminum angle attaached to the legs.  Lift the end pop the clamps and lift the far end to move.
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