Mobile base sale at Rockler - $29.99!!!

Mobile base sale at Rockler - $29.99!!! · 11-28-2007, 03:44 PM

Just got the email from Rockler. They have the mobile base kit for sale at $29.99 here: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2383.

This is a great deal, I just ordered 2 of 'em. Combined with free shipping (promo code V8717, I think, check an earlier thread) it is one heck of a bargain.

BTW, if anyone has used these you don't necessarily need to use hardwood stretchers to put it together. I saw a post somewhere from a guy that used strips of 3/4'' plywood laminated together to make 1.5'' thick stretchers. He claims they are stronger than single pieces of hardwood and much cheaper. I believe it! I'm going to try that when I get my bases and I'll post to let everyone know how it turns out.

KC7CN · 11-28-2007, 10:33 PM

Snooze and you loose! I decided to order this base today (11/28/07) at 6:30PM PST, and was greeted with PROMO SOLD OUT. Item is listed at $49.00 Due on Dec 28th. I received the email this morning at 7:30AM.

BUMMER!

-Don

KC7CN · 11-29-2007, 03:30 AM

Well, the more I thought about this, the more I felt compelled to let Rockler know how I feel about the issue.

I sent them an email! I told them that I received their email this morning with the Santa's 2-Day Deal sale - and discovered they were sold out when I went to place an order for the mobile base at the end of the day. I stated that I could understand how they might be out-of-stock, but what I don't understand is why they are not honoring the sale price (for the next shipment), for the 2-day period.

Am I wrong to feel this way? I'll let you know what their response is.

-Don

Badabing · 11-29-2007, 10:35 AM

I think you're absolutely right to feel that way. They should honor the deal for the two days they advertise it for! Besides, even if they have fine print that says otherwise, it doesn't hurt to ask. I've found that when you take the time to bother someone at a retailer with a question, they will usually take the time to help or fix a problem. Rockler has been good to me that way in the past so good luck!

Let us know what happens...

KC7CN · 11-29-2007, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by Badabing

.....I've found that when you take the time to bother someone at a retailer with a question, they will usually take the time to help or fix a problem. Rockler has been good to me that way in the past so good luck!

Let us know what happens...

I received a nice reply to my email early this morning. Rockler apologized for the issue on the 92051 Mobile Base and went on to state they had limited quantities to sell at the $29.99 price. However, since I am an important customer, they made an exception, and will honor my order for one base at the sale price.

I am encouraged by this response! I consider ROCKLER a major resource for my woodworking hobby supplies.

-Don

NCPete · 12-02-2007, 01:36 PM

good to here that they responded in such a manner.

Travis Porter · 12-03-2007, 09:18 PM

It never hurts to ask and it definitely worked for you in this instance.

Congrats!

Badabing · 12-03-2007, 10:28 PM

Well, I got my bases delivered today. As I said, I'm going to use plywood instead of hardwood for the stretchers. Don, I thought this might interest you since you have one ordered too

Here are some pics of what I have so far:

The package contents for one base:

The lamination dry fit (1/4'' luan sandwiched between two pieces of 3/4'' plywood):

The glue ups:

I'm making a 30'' x 15'' mobile base for my Ridgid 6'' jointer. I'm hoping the base won't be too wide and get in the way while jointing. I have to make it a few inches wider than the jointer legs because of the way the base is designed. The next pictures (coming tomorrow) will show that reasoning better.

Hope this helps!

KC7CN · 12-04-2007, 04:08 AM

Hey Joe,

Thanks for posting the pictures. Looks like a nice strong base. Mine is suppose to be delivered Dec 5th.

-Don

Badabing · 12-04-2007, 08:00 PM

All done! I finally got the base all together with the plywood laminated stretchers. While the stretchers seem to be pretty strong, I'm not crazy about the quality of the mobile base itself. The platforms don't seem to be on the same plane once it's all together (despite the fact that I was very carefull about that part of it too). Anyway, I guess it'll work for now. My 6" Ridgid jointer is now mobile

Here are the final pictures:

The stretchers trimmed square and cut to final length:

The mobile base on my Ridgid 6'' Jointer:

Here you can see why the base has to be at least this wide. It must accommodate the pedal operated caster on the front rail between the two corners:

Don, I hope that helps you out somehow! These bases are not the greatest to move heavy machines. I found that when the pedal caster is engaged, the whole base wants to wobble from side to side. Not a comfortable feeling when rolling around something heavy

KC7CN · 12-04-2007, 09:30 PM

Thanks again Joe. I will probably use some Alder for the runners. I plan to use the base on my Delta planer. It is on a steel frame Ridgid stand.

-Don

McRabbet · 12-04-2007, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by Badabing

I'm not crazy about the quality of the mobile base itself. The platforms don't seem to be on the same plane once it's all together (despite the fact that I was very carefull about that part of it too).

Here you can see why the base has to be at least this wide. It must accommodate the pedal operated caster on the front rail between the two corners:

These bases are not the greatest to move heavy machines. I found that when the pedal caster is engaged, the whole base wants to wobble from side to side. Not a comfortable feeling when rolling around something heavy

Joe,

I've never heard very good things about mobile bases with three casters, as you've found out. Although twices as expensive, I've had excellent results with the Shop Fox Mobile bases I've purchased through Grizzly -- they are available in several sizes, each of which is adjustable across a broad range. They are made with heavy rectangular tubing and angle iron, making them stable and easy to roll. I have three of them -- under my jointer, my bandsaw and my 10" cabinet saw with a full side extension. Highly recommended.

KC7CN · 12-05-2007, 11:27 PM

Just a follow up to say I received the base this evening. It appears to be worth the sale price. I'll post a picture when I get it all together and mounted on my Delta planer.

-Don

KC7CN · 12-07-2007, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by Badabing

.... I found that when the pedal caster is engaged, the whole base wants to wobble from side to side. Not a comfortable feeling when rolling around something heavy

Do you have the jointer bolted to the stand?

-Don

Badabing · 12-08-2007, 12:45 AM

Originally Posted by KC7CN

Do you have the jointer bolted to the stand?

Nope, sure don't. I was thinking of using a piece of plywood cut to the same size as the base. I can bolt the jointer to that and see if it improves the balance