Mobile Tool Stands | Build Your Own, or Purchase Them?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ม.ค. 2025
- Mobile tool stands are a great addition to any shop. Should you purchase them? Or should you make them. I give my opinion on the matter and I hope I can help you make a decision for yourself.
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Accident flipped saw. Top heavy. …. I have a very heavy Grizzly table saw. Decided to make a platform with casters for shop mobility. Using scrap materials I built a platform that the table saw and it’s stand could ride on. Worked for years was careful in moving, clean floor to prevent tip over. Recently saw off, I was moving the saw and hit something on the caster and the entire saw flipped, no warning instantly turned over from standing to completely upside down. I wasn’t injured. But I thought the saw was history. I needed help tipping back up. No damage to the saw as the edge guide held the saw off the blade. Obviously too small of platform created an extremely dangerous power tool. I will not use until I build a sturdy low center of gravity safe mobile platform.
I personally like wheels that flip up out the way and set the tool firmly on the ground and when stepping in the latch it drops the wheels and lifts the tool. This keeps it lower and more stable which is safer in both aspects.
I fully agree with you that making a custom base for each tool is the way to go. I've never been 100% happy with the commercial bases with the exception of my SawStop PCS base. That thing is a beast and perfect for the tool.
I wholeheartedly agree with the statement
I find the some of the commercial ones, being made from steel allow the tool to sit below the top of the castor so the added height of the tool is less. I haven't seen a DIY design that allows the same. I think for some tools this is important especially if you want it to be the same height as other benches to use as in/out feed tables.
Build. Great use of old bed frame if you have a welder.
Fantastic work, Chris! I loved the way you made it! 😃
I totally agree, about making and sanding everything!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
It's attention to the smallest of details that always make the biggest difference. I'm new to woodworking, I've always "built" stuff but now I'm taking notes as I'd like to jump to the next level. Have a good one @MC's Creations.
@@woodworksbygrampies1284 Absolutely no doubt about it, man! I totally agree! 😊
One thing I realized after I started to make things with my own hands (and, for the most part I worked with plastics, but there's not much difference here) is that we get better every time. And in my case I hurt myself less and less. 😂
But, anyway, the important part is to keep learning. This way we can always improve a bit more. 😊
Stay safe there with your family, dude! 🖖😊
@@MCsCreations haha! Same here; I worry more and more about getting hurt cause the older I get, the longer it takes to recover and heal haha! Thanks much, you take care as well and your family too!!!
Great mind at work!
My 2 cents? Your shop, your time, your $ you can do it how ever you dang well please! Me, I STILL have a store bought base for my miter saw that I just hate! and someday I will make my own the way I want it and that's the glory of making your own, it's the way YOU want it not the way someone else wants it. Right? Keep up the awesome work brother!
Excellent video, Chris. You mentioned center of gravity; I'd also mention some of the nicer (more expensive) bases have the wheels external and allow the machine to sit very low (close to the ground) vs on top of the wheels. Not a deal breaker either way, just a consideration as it can change the working height of the tool. BTW I can tell you are loving the re-saw / drum sander combo - it's fantastic!
Hey Chris! I'm getting ready to jump into converting my two car garage into my workshop. This information is very useful, I appreciate your perspective. I've never complained before but I do have to mention that the audio on this video was a "little rough". Aside from that, I always enjoy your content, have a good one! :D
Sorry about the audio. But I’m curious to know what you’re talking about as I would like to know how to fix it
@@AGlimpseInside I really do not know how to fix it but when I was watching it, the volume was low, when you transitioned it jumped up high, then when you transitioned back it came down low again. I'm watching on my laptop, might that have something to do with it?? Not sure, I hope it was just me but wanted you to know in case there was someway you could correct that. Thanks for the SUPER PROMPT RESPONSE!
@@woodworksbygrampies1284 Of course. I wanna make the user experience nice and pleasant. I’m gonna look at it and see what happened. Thanks again
@@AGlimpseInside I appreciate how hard you work on your projects and providing awesome content. Don't want you to get cheated in case your video changed or worse - tampered with between platforms as you "drop it" in TH-cam. Take care and have a GREAT weekend! :D
Great job Chris love the ease of movement with the 4 castors!
Chris, I have made several and have bought a few. The one I bought came from Harbor Freight, on sale, abd they are called furniture movers. Castors on them are great and have had no problem with them BUT they only come in two sizes. Putting a piece of Plywood on them , you can make them any size you want but have to watch the balance point. But I always have quite a few castors on hand just in case, Great VLOG !!
This may be an older video but I'll comment, I have both built and bought. I find the store bought ones can get tools to stay lower to the ground. If adding some height isn't a problem or your building based on the castors when designing then it works well.
The only mobile base that I have purchased is for my SawStop PCS, and that was because of the weight and it’s ability to lift then move and then lower. Every other tool is on a self made wheel system of one kind or another. Great video.
I love your cleat idea! I came up with the same idea when I decided to build a mobile base for equipment I got from my dad's house after he died. I'm using pallet wood for the base and only had to buy casters. Thanks for sharing this.
I prefer making bases because I can choose the caster quality. Great video.
I try and put all my tools on mobiles. Being a maker I like to make things. Being cheaper adds to the attraction. Keep up the great videos too mate
Chris, I have one mobile base that I bought followed by several that I made for all the same reasons that you mentioned. The base I made for my bandsaw, since the saw has an open base, I designed with storage.
Definitely the homemade option every single time, I'd rather have the money 💰 in my pocket and not waste it!!!
Have you tried to just lock the opposite casters? Just locking any one then the caster that's opposite to it I've found work's almost like locking all four !!!.
I can see me being just as excited when I get around to making my own veneers too Chris!!! As always brother 💯% 👍 🇬🇧..
P.s. hope you're all keeping safe and the whole family is well!!!
I agree with others here. Making bases should be for specific tools and their usage/space. A true woodworker: Excited about making their own veneers!!! Thanks for sharing :)
I have had all my tools on mobile bases for at least 20 years now some bought some made, either way it’s. Been a godsend . I work in a double garage so the joy of being able to push the tools into their own storage space when not in use has been fantastic. I am soon moving into a purpose built workshop and have been deliberating made v bought and have decided that the shop bought ones have been more limiting in flexibility especially those with fixed casters one end. So one of my first jobs in the new shop after insulation lining and french cleat walls will be to replace shop bought for home made. Thanks for your thoughts
Thanks for this video. I'm about to do a few mobile bases, and this was very useful.
Love the video Chris. Thinking about a mobile base for my full size drill press. It's all cast iron and a bit top heavy. Going to need to be careful in the engineering process, but I love all my tools on wheels. Poor casters have been the bane of many a project in my shop.
Great video, Chris~! Love your enthusiasm for this hobby~!
I have several 1/2" plywood sheets and scraps. So, as I've done in the past, did what you did, but then laid the base of an old delta drill press w/ base that has curved rear (botta boom boom) and traced it on the 1/2", cut out the trace, repeat w/ another 1/2" ply but this time measuring in just a bit so as to have a snug fit when base sits atop the platform.
However, it is a pain and takes a significant amount of time...
I've built mobile carts/bases for most all of my tools. Forgot to lock the casters on my jointer cart yesterday when using it, not fun! Going to use your discount code for Total Boat, thanks for the advice you gave me on the live edge piece I'm working on. All cleaned up, going to try some Halcyon on it! :)
Thank you brother I appreciate that. You’re gonna love it finish. Glad it wasn’t too crazy with the Jointer not being locked 😩
Everything in my shop is on wheels. I use steel and weld my mobile bases. Everyone is custom, but as a rule, I like bigger wheels. Bigger wheels give you a better angle of incidence allowing you to roll, better, over bumps and the like.
Awesome video appreciate it. I’m gonna make one of those with the locking wheels like you did. Great tip. Thank you.! I would like to pass a tip on to you, even though you didn’t ask (even though you’re probably already aware)😂. I purchased an inexpensive (“CHEAP”) dust collection, system, then went to Home Depot and got a gray trashcan with lid, and a dust separator kit. No longer using the filter bag as a catch all. Now the dust and large chips go into the trashcan and the air is filtered through the bag. Less mess, better air quality this helps you.
Who is locking wheels are awesome. Thanks again!
Great video Chris! Very helpful. I like the stacked hold down clear idea. So simple but brilliant!
Nice video!
The only mobility base I like less than the fixed wheel bases like on your jointer are the fixed wheel bases with a single retractable swiveling wheel. They are hard to drive and tend to be tippy. I replaced my DeWalt base for my DW735 for that reason. I am going to replace the Laguna mobility base on my 1412 with one like you built. I may attach the base by running the original feet through holes in the plywood.
Everything on casters is a god send.. I had to clear out my bosses dads shop and he put everything on casters. Took like a 1/4 of the time to move everything out. 👍🏼
Wow! Talk about forethought and planning. Lucky for you @Tail End Customs, have a good one.
Great video again. Interesting to see a comparison video between shop brought and home made 👍
Building your own always gets you what you want rather than a compromise. I had one castor come loose on a drill press so now I always bolt the castors to the base for my own piece of mind. You just have to check for clearance for the castors and hardware or they may contact when they swivel.
Amazing Chris. On my way to Home Depot to get the plywood. Thanks!
I've had a shop for 30+ years and my machines have always had mobile bases! I prefer to make my own also, although I still have some I bought many years ago.
What the hell... the best part of the video is the apple box idea. That was a genius idea. 👏
Thank you bro I’m glad you picked that up. 😁😁
@@AGlimpseInside just watching that move can make a lot of things easier for one person.
Heck yeah.
rockler.com offers a flip up/down caster system that holders up to 100 lbs per caster. you can even get the ones that will move from piece to piece . It works best on would like my work badge but you can use self tapping sheet metal screws and attach it to the actual tool
I wouldnt have thought to double up the cleats, id cut the 5° and only used 8 pieces. Learn something new every day, Have a great day Chris
I agree Tom, that was a really good tip.
Absolutely love this idea. I started to explore mobile bases and considering the cost of manufactured, ruled them out because I need multiple devices. So...I started to look into building my own. TH-cam is what it is, and some of the builds are quite complex. It's a mobile base for a machine.....It's not a piece of fine furniture for my home, which is why I love the simple, inexpensive design here that is so functional. I wanted to start with my new beast Jointer/planer, and wondered how I was going to lift this on myself, and the little nugget you added here using the short box was awesome.
One comment, do you think it is really necessary to add the double strip to hold the machine on the base? I would think 3/4 would be plenty.
Man, I love this channel. Thanks!!!!!
I really appreciate it brother. You were too nice to Kind! I really do appreciate The last comment that was awesome. When I can I like to double up. But I’m sure one piece would work
as always, nice job Chris....
I live in southwest Florida and I have found that that rubber wheels de-laminate over a few years. I had to replace all my wheels with metal wheels. The rubber over the year just doesn't hold up. I don't have a air conditioned shop so I am sure that makes a big difference.
Got to have that swivel brother looks great. Just finished watching you picture frame video,awesome content in your videos keep it up.
Good video! Thank you for sharing. Cheers from No. Va....
I have no room in my 3/4 car garage so everything is on wheels. I have to move most of the stuff outside to give me room to move around inside the shop. I so need to redesign my shop to get more room.
From what I have seen with all small shops, mobile is the way to go. Good luck to you Mike, have a good one.
Saving $20-25 per base adds up when making multiple bases! Also options to make versions that don’t raise the height too much if that’s a concern for folks.
I know nothing about wood working but i sure enjoy this channel.
Thank you so much
I prefer to make my own bases. Thanks Chris
All I have are the purchased bases. Like you I do not like the fixed casters. The Issue I have are the wheels themselves. The casters that came with the heavy duty bases have had to be replaced. They have blown out. I purchased new heavy duty casters at a big box store and sure they didn't fit. I modified they mating surface to except the new casters. Right heavy duty casters got flat spots now they won't role smoothly. So I am bumming out and don't know where to or what kind of casters to buy.
Good comparison. I have purchased a few bases and made a few. I think it just depends on the tool and your needs. Either way I feel that every big tool should be mobile.
I love swivel wheels. But my experience is that there is a limit on the size of what you're using them for. I built a 4'x8' work bench with 4 swivel wheels. What a pain to move it around. I have them on my storage shelve to move around. There 4'x17" 4'/6'x30" and 6'x17" not a problem to move them around. And yes my bench is square up
Brian the diameter of the caster wheel has a big impact in my findings for mobile bases. In one example, a 24" x 96" 380 lb shelf on four 4" casters can be pushed, pulled or rotated with one finger. I actually tried it and confirmed it. What diameter casters are on your work bench? What is the weight?
Hey Chris, love your energy and creativity... I'm waiting for delivery of my laguana 1412 and while I wait would like to build the base like you did... what are the dimensions of your base? Thanks and keep doing what you do learn a lot and very much enjoy your style.
Two of the casters will swivel under the plywood when pushed, making those two difficult to lock with one's foot. So two will be easy to lock while the other two will be difficult if not impossible to lock. Am I right?
I like your idea, but what are your recommendations on measuring the right size base? I have two bandsaws, a planer and a drum sander.
Great video . I’ve been thinking about putting my Grizzly 8” jointer on a mobile base. I’m just wondering and worrying about the size casters and the weight of the jointer... she not light .. lol
This is great. I just took out part of a storage rack that was suppose to be a mini work bench, found another frame and some castors and now I have a mobile mitre saw station. Really frees up the shed space
Where do you buy your Baltic birch? That is some straight nice looking plywood and I’ve been looking to score some EXACTLY like that FOREVER now and everytime I buy some it pales in comparison to what you have here.
Jacksonville called Florida Southern plywood
I made a very similar one for my meat cutting band saw.
Great vid!... @ the 5:00 min mark, what tool is that you are using to punch the Center Holes? I looked up cordless or powered center punch and cant find anything? I know about the Push and Click type. Like the idea for when doing Batch repeat holes. Thanks for your time.
Those are countersink bits from Harbor freight becoming a three pack of different sizes typically wear the drill bits are sold
You mentioned you found a lot of casters Amazon for cheap. Did you mean a lot like at auctions (lot) where you buy a box full of for all 1 price? Because I followed your Amazon link and they are selling them one by one and not as a lot.
Building a 180 pound drill press rolling stand now and a 600 pound table saw after.
Hi Chris
90% of my shop is mobile, and 100% of the mobile bases are DIY. I had looked at buying the mobile bases but that would have come to just over $800. I bought the castors in bulk from a local store and that cost me $240. Now I used reclaimed pallet wood, after laminating the boards together I ended up with a base of 1.5 itches. Yay for free wood. It was for more cost effective to DIY my bases. As well as the sense of accomplishment I got from designing and finishing the project.
More videos like this would be fantastic.
Cheers
GLENN
Is it the 1412 Laguna?
Yeah !
Nice neat job.
I love the homemade mobile bases, but have a milling machine that I need a base for and it's > 600lbs.....so even if I make a base, how do I get it on the base :-)
Do you know anyone who has an engine hoist
I have purchased mobile bases. I get the ones from Grizzly.
@befmx31, are those customizable or are the dimensions fixed?
I like it Thank you!
Thank-you for putting this video out, and for inviting feedback. Some very interesting comments.
I have some ideas about requirements for a mobile base:
All casters must swivel; no fixed or rigid casters.
Must also have leveling feet that have enough adjustment to compensate for a very unlevel garage floor.
Leveling feet should be adjustable from above; it is no longer possible for me to lie on my belly and peer underneath tools, appliances, etc to make adjustments. And if I did, getting up would be a considerable challenge.
All weight should be on the floor when the tool is not being moved, NOT on the casters.
Center of gravity should be as low as possible.
When moving, the bottom of the tool stand or cabinet should be lower than the top of the casters, and preferably, lower than the center of the casters.
The tool stand should be MORE stable ON the mobile base than off, ie, casters and leveling feet should be OUTSIDE the footprint of the tool stand.
That said, the mobile base should expand the footprint of the tool stand as little as possible.
Raising the tool stand onto the casters, or the leveling feet, should require little effort and minimal bending.
Raising the tool stand onto the casters, or the leveling feet, and lowering it back to the floor should be a smooth movement, ie, the tool and stand should not lean precariously to one side, or rock back and forth, or SLAM to the ground.
For taller or heavier tools, a single-action system would be preferable.
For some things, such as an assembly table, it would be acceptable to raise or lower one end at a time.
Early on, it seemed like retractable casters were the way to go. After several diy mobile bases designed with retractable casters, I am leaning toward lever actuated, retractable leveling feet.
I agree with other comments that SawStop mobile bases are very impressive. Also very expensive.
Someone - it might have been Grizzly - recently had a mobile base with four swivel casters, and another base with four independent, lever-actuated leveling feet (four levers to operate), two swivel casters and two rigid casters. In other words, I would not be able to extend the rear leveling feet from the front when the tool is pushed back against the wall between two other tools or stationary cabinets - a common issue across virtually all commercial bases.
Harvey also recently came out with a very impressive mobile base, that almost meets these requirements.
Thanks again!
Yep, mobile is the way to go on ALMOST all your equipment. I don't think I'd put a mobile base on a lathe, though. Your thoughts?
IMHO, Carl Holmgren's self made designs are better than either of the ones you showed. Just be sure to use 4" wheels.
My goal is to put everything in my shop on wheels.
Err... as of now the thumbnail says "moble" instead of "mobile", I know it's just a typo but...
BTW, it's funny because "moble" in Galician means "furniture", a piece of furniture.
Thank you for your videos :-)
My heart goes out to you thank you so much is fixed LOL good Lord the rest upon Siri way too much
@@AGlimpseInside you're welcome 🙂
I got excited about my bandsaw for that very same reason 😆
You have your opinion and I share the same opinion
Right on man!!
@@AGlimpseInside and 4 swivels is the way to... The only plus side me wife gets me to go to ikea... Why not all store have 4 swivels wheel 🛒
Just remember if you are a short person you might have to invest in some high heal shoes
Touché
Baltic Birch plywood for what is essentially a dolly, really? That may be esthetically pleasing for a video, but not for the real world.
I’m going to use it… to each his own.
👍🏻🍻🍺🤙🏼
Watch those toes!