Help me choose some casters for my workbench

[ivwshane]

Im building a workbench that will be stored in my garage and moved outside when I need to work on projects. The workbench is built from roughly 4 sheets of plywood (about 300lbs with no tools). The garage is smooth but to get it outside I have to go over a good sized threshold.

The plans originally called for 3" casters but I'm thinking I may need to go bigger to deal with the various surfaces it will be rolling over, is 4" good enough? The workbench includes a way to raise the workbench to level it so double locking is not necessary but single locking is.

I was looking at some woodcraft casters but I wanted to get some opinions from the pros.

[ivwshane]

This place seems to have some good casters too:
http://www.castercity.com/cm3a-plate.htm

I'm looking at the 4" blue soft rubber with roller bearings. What are your thoughts?

[chopnhack]

The blue softer rubber will deform some, I used them on my plywood cart and when stored for a time, it seems to have a flat spot until moved and then it bounces back into shape. You may want to look at the steelex on Amazon, they are really good for the price. The blue casters I have IIRC are from Home Depot, good rating on them lb wise, but I forget what I paid for them..

[cabinetman]

I had a similar problem in one of my shops. I milled some thresholds that acted like ramps. Abrupt elevation changes are a PITA with any caster/wheel. They could be just a temp that you drop in place to move the bench.

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[ivwshane]

I just wanted to post an update.

I got the steelex casters from amazon and they work great! They roll smoothly and easily and at almost half the price they are well worth it!

I still have to come up with a solution for the threshold though. I might do something like you suggested cabinetman.

[cwsmith]

A bit after the fact, but I've got HF 3" swivel casters on my router table, and the HF tool chest. They roll really nice and have a wheel lock, though no swivel lock. However, for what you describe I think your choice of 4" is great.

HF has a very good variety of casters though no "double-locks" that I have seen. Price is right for what you get, IMO.

CWS

[chopnhack]

I just wanted to post an update.

I got the steelex casters from amazon and they work great! They roll smoothly and easily and at almost half the price they are well worth it!

I am glad you like them! I have been very happy with mine as well. A good buy and I would use them again.