Porta-mate 1000 mobile base problem

[mkepke]

I put my RAS onto the Portamate 1000 base from the HD clearance (thanks again BAS) - and almost immediately bent one of the aluminum cams used for levering the wheels into position.

The manual says the base is rated for 400#..my RAS weighs 300-ish.

Hard to believe I have a 'bad' cam..these are just simple Al extrusions. Is anyone else finding their Portamate bases not up to the task at around 300# ?

I'm wondering if I need to either replace the base or fab a new cam out of plate steel.

-Mark

[thrytis]

I have a 250 lb bandsaw on a portamate 1000 base. I have to lift up on the tool and move the levers with my foot in order to switch between stationary and mobile. It works, but i don't think i would want to put much more weight on it.

[Gofor]

I have my relatively light band saw (probably about 150 - 200lb) on one and have also bent one of the cams. I will be making one of steel when it gets too bad to use. I also have one on my drill press and one more in the box, so will be making a few when I get around to it. Right now, I just give it a little help to get it on the wheels.

I can't complain. I picked them up when HD had a big sale on them for less than $20 each (Thank's again Bas for the heads up!!) so the price was definitely right.

Go

[Bas]

I think it should handle 300lb, but the cams are definitely lightweight compared to the rest of the construction. The heaviest thing I have on my PM1000 is a drill press, have not had any cam issues.

I'd contact Portamate (portamate.com) and tell them about the problem. See if there is something they can do. Sale or no sale, if the base is rated for 400lb then so should the cam!