home made lift style mobile base

home made lift style mobile base · 06-06-2009, 10:29 PM

I didn't really need (dirty word I know) another table saw, as I am quite happy with my uni. However, this saw was rather intriguing: 12" blade, left tilt, 3HP, American made, electric brake

It was in a sad state when I picked it up, but the price was great. Anyway, I've been working on restoring it and grew tired of shuffling it around my shop (easily 250+ lbs). So I spent a few hours putting together a mobile base for it. This idea was inspired by the numerous great mobile bases I have seen online, in magazine, etc. I should warn you that it's not pretty but it is very functional.

Here's an overview shot of the base in it's "down" position. The entire base rests solidly on the floor at the four corners. It is very stable in this configuration and the wheels are not at all engaged with the floor:

Here's an overview shot of the base in it's "up" position. The entire base is now resting on 4 swivel casters and rolls freely:

The lifting and lowering mechanism is powered by a single foot pedal on the left hand side of the saw and locks into position with a single "key". In this first picture the base is "down" (rest position). You can see the key dangling from a cord--didn't want to lose it.

This next picture shows the base in the "up" position with the wheels engaged and the key in place.

Here's a short video clip demonstrating the raising and lowering and mobility. Click the link to see the video:

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/data/10/mobilebase.wmv

Total cost: $0 since I had all the materials on hand I'm writing it off as a freebie. It did cost me several glasses of sweet tea and little meat from the knuckle on my left pointer finger

Thanks for looking
Jay

MIKE NOAH · 06-06-2009, 10:54 PM

Nice lift Jay!! I have been thinking about a mobile base for my 20" disc sander ( if I ever finish my other shop projects) and this style looks very viable for my needs. Thanks for taking the time to post the great pics and video too.
Mike

Alan in Little Washington · 06-07-2009, 02:29 AM

Very nice.

You are getting to be like your Dad!

Did you ever build that box joint jig?

froglips · 06-07-2009, 08:14 AM

Very slick! Building from on hand material always makes for a fun challenge.

I really enjoyed the video.

Great job!

Jim

steelwheel1999 · 06-07-2009, 08:38 AM

Nice work here. the video was very nice as well. Thanks for sharing

Mark

TracyP · 06-07-2009, 09:38 AM

Sweet!!!!!!!!!!

Sully · 06-07-2009, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by Alan in Little Washington

You are getting to be like your Dad!

But, but, it's not powered by a bicycle or water pump. Oh, and there's no texaco stickers plastered on it-----yet.

Originally Posted by Alan in Little Washington

Did you ever build that box joint jig?

You mean besides being built in my mind? No, it's still on my to do list.....

J

merrill77 · 06-07-2009, 09:48 PM

That's slick! I think I'll be using that some day :>

KC7CN · 06-14-2009, 09:41 AM

Nice! Don't you just love it when a plan comes together?

-Don

LeftyTom · 06-14-2009, 11:32 AM

Nice innovation, Jay. There are more ideas for a mobile base than you can shake a stick at. The hard part is finding one that works for you.

eyekode · 06-14-2009, 03:13 PM

I have never seen this design but I like it!

Joe Lyddon · 06-14-2009, 04:17 PM

Very good, Jay!
A very COOL way of doing it!

I'm in the same situation, inherited mine, except, there is a wooden base/cabinet that the saw rests on...
It has wheels in the rear, but nothing but a wood 2x4 going across the front against the floor.
I have to actually lift it ever so slightly to move it...
It DOES get heavy after awhile and would like to have a pair of wheels up front that can be Pushed-for-contact, moved, and released. Would make life much easier.

Any ideas? Links?

Thank you.

Sully · 06-14-2009, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Lyddon

Very good, Jay!
It has wheels in the rear, but nothing but a wood 2x4 going across the front against the floor.
I have to actually lift it ever so slightly to move it...
Any ideas? Links?
Thank you.

Joe,
I think you might be able to retrofit yours with something like the following:

http://www.stephensawyer.com/content...MobileBase.htm

Basically, you build a "wagon handle" that hooks onto the front of the base. The wheels on the wagon handle act as a fulcrum and provide mobility. With a long enough handle you should have plenty of leverage to haul it around.

Jay

Joe Lyddon · 06-14-2009, 10:24 PM

Sully, Thank you! Looks like all I have to do is make the Wagon Wheeled Handle and a U-Bolt (I was thinking an Eye Bolt would work too), and go at it!

Looks like an easy way to move it around...!

Again, Thank you very much!