Bandsaw base to allow moving with dolly?

[HauntedBranch]

How impractical is to think about building a bandsaw base which would allow you to slip a dolly underneath (I'm talking about a regular dolly here, with two wheels and the blade-shaped front which supports the load), tilt it back a little and move it to where you want it? Would it knock adjustments out of whack, collapse the metal base or do other bad things I have not even contemplated? I am planning to buy a Grizzly G0555 saw.

My shop is in a walk-out basement and I would like to be able to move the saw to the concrete pad outside the door whenever possible to avoid dealing with the dust and noise. This would involve, of course, taking the saw over the threshold at the basement door as well as moving a fair distance.

Suggestions, warnings, etc. are appreciated.

Phil

[jonmulzer]

Why not just a mobile base? How tall is your threshold? The G0555 is a 210lb saw, if you tip it back and roll it over a threshold, you will probably end up with a twisted bandsaw on top of you. I would strongly suggest some sort of mobile base to keep it perfectly upright, and perhaps a shorter, shallower, easier to maneuver threshold.

[LCHIEN]

Look up HTC2000 on Amazon. That's a universal mobile base with a low rise, adjustable sized base just made for this application (under large power tools). Will be much safer when moving as well as firmly locked in place when using.

http://www.amazon.com/HTC-HTC2000-Un...6703837&sr=8-1

They're also made under private labels for Woodcraft and Sears.
When on sale at Amazon they go down to around $45, or check the Woodcraft and sears sites for sales of "mobile bases"

Right now its $8 cheaper at woodcraft
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=4828

and the sears site is down for maintenance.

P.S. Whoops threshold involved... usually the mobile bases have low clearance and the base is slung low between the wheels- probably get high-centered even if you build a long shallow ramp.

[jackellis]

I have my 14" Ridgid on a shop-built mobile base put together by the previous owner. It does not move around during use, even with the casters unlocked.

One advantage to building your own base is that you can set it up for tool storage underneath. I have some spare blades and a set of the tools I need to change the blade on shelves underneath the saw, which is quite handy.

[Pappy]

Put it on a mobile base, even if it means raising the table height with wheels big enough to clear the threshold. You might move it several times with a truck and not have a problem, but one slip and you won't be able to recover with a top heavy load like that.

[dbhost]

I have a neighbor with a Ridgid BS1400 on a shop built mobile base w/ 3" urethane casters. He seems to like it... His layout makes mine look good though. he *HAS* to wheel whatever tools he wants to work with into his driveway to work, and then pack everything back in...

The theme is pretty common in my neighborhood. The garages are too small, and the attics were not decked originally (I am waiting for winter to deck mine so I don't fry in the attic this summer),

[HauntedBranch]

Thanks to you all. I suppose I knew it was not a great idea but just needed to get it out of my system. I might start another thread asking for suggestions for making a base on casters.

[ironhat]

Phil, I used locking casters and had to drill out the pre-existing holes in the base to accomodate the stem. Works well but your wheels will have to be bigger than mine - you'll need 3 to 3.5" I would think. Yes it does raise the table a good bit but I kind of like my tables a little higher. I've bought several sets from these guys on e-bay and they have been good to deal with. F0r refrence, I have a Ridgid BS1400 - I'd hate to think about tilting these things back onto a dolly. But then, my back is trashed.

[HauntedBranch]

Thanks, Chiz. I had thought to build a wood base with casters to go under the bandsaw base but just adding casters would make for less height increase. I appreciate the seller info.

Phil

[poolhound]

I have the PM 14" bandsaw and their base for it. its heavy duty and very solid. Due to its design it only raises the height 3/4" and the saw is very stable when moved.

http://www.amazon.com/Powermatic-204.../dp/B0007DHHTW

I happen to have a spare (unused) thats just taking up space right now. Not sure if it would fit your griz but if the dimensions worked I am open to a reasonable offer. As you can see from amazon its a pricey item but I am not looking for anything near that. $50 +P&P would do it.

Pm or email if you are interested.

[eezlock]

bandsaw base ?

Why not just buy a good set of handtrucks (not cheap one's) strap it to the
handtrucks, a lot easier to manuver around and safer to roll in/ outdoors?
eezlock