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Few of us ever admit to having “enough” tools and
machinery, but sooner or later, we realize that it’s
possible to own one too many. Finding parking spots
for those most-needed machines, benches, stands, and
materials in a crowded garage or basement can take the thrill
out of making sawdust. All too often, we eat up shop time
dragging heavy pieces across the floor, turning every project
into a series of hassles.
Enter mobile bases—the next best thing to building
a bigger shop. These affordable accessories maximize available space by enabling
you to |
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roll in machinery when
it’s needed and then roll it out of when it’s not. Mobility is
the quintessential tight shop solution, but it can be equally
valuable in larger workshops. Repositioning machinery
improves workflow and, in some cases, creates extra
assembly space for large projects.
 Choosing the right mobile base—or deciding to make one
yourself—isn’t as difficult as it seems. Here’s a list of options,
plus a handy product-selection decision tree you can use to
get your shop rolling. |
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MOBILE BASES COME IN TWO FLAVORS:
DEDICATED AND UNIVERSAL. A
dedicated base, as shown in photo A, is the simplest solution because it’s engineered
to match the size and weight of a given machine. However, custom bases are more
expensive
(on average $50 to $100 more than comparable universal bases), and they can cost
you more later. Because these bases fit specific machinery, future shop upgrades,
such as
replacing your old 6" jointer with an 8" one, may also mean buying a
brand-new base. |
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| Universal bases, as shown in photo B, are suitable for
almost any machine that fits within the base’s size and
weight range (see “Average Machine Weights,” below).
Prices for universal bases generally fall in the $50 to
$100 range. The downside to universal bases is the
assembly process; however, even those bases that
come with a bag of parts can be completed in less
than two hours. |
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According to the rules of physics, a three-wheeler provides the most stability, but in
some shop situations, a fourth wheel makes more sense. Three-wheeled bases are
perfect for jointers and table saws, but there’s enough anecdotal evidence
suggesting that top-heavy equipment, such as bandsaws and drill |
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presses,
can be dangerously tippy on three wheels. Proper precautions, such
as bolting the machine to the base, and being extra careful
when rolling the machine around, can prevent disaster, but a wider four- |
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wheeled base is an even safer bet.
If you’re looking for some way to wheel
around a cabinet saw outfitted with
an extension table, you might consider a six-wheeled
base. |
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An extra pair of
wheels makes the large
machines easier to roll and
better distributes the weight
across the frame. |
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Besides having the ability to move where you want it to go,
it’s equally important that your base/machine combo stays
firmly planted where you want it to sit. You don’t want a
table saw to roll or spin when ripping a sheet of plywood.
For that reason, the wheel-locking mechanism may be the
most important factor in base selection. |
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Your decision comes down to convenience (see photos C
and D). Hand-tightened wheel locks are effective, but not as
easy to use as foot-operated levers and plungers. The ability
to quickly brake and release a base without having to crawl
around on the floor is worth the few added bucks, especially
for your most mobile big tools. |
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Some so-called “portable” tools, such as planers, sanders
(even some table saws) do not come with a base. In this
case, you’ll need to build your own cabinet base and then
equip it with casters.
A set of four casters can wind up costing more than a
mobile base kit; however, casters are more suitable for larger
and heavier applications such as lumber racks, assembly
carts, and workbenches. They’re also easily recyclable for
future shop projects. Here are some other pointers:
When choosing casters size matters. Larger 4"- and 5"-
diameter wheels cost a few dollars more, but are better
able to roll over cracks and cords than three-inchers.
Swivel-based casters can help you spin a cart around
on a dime, but you’ll pay more for the extra mobility. To
save money, position a pair of less expensive fixed
casters on one end. |
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For stability, at least two casters should
be
equipped with double-locking mechanisms.
These brakes keep the wheel from turning.
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