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I finally made time to get a mobile base under my Grizzly Edge Sander. I have one under my band saw built by the plans and found 3 problems.
1. Swivel casters on one end and fixed casters on the other makes it hard to mauever in tight spaces.
2. I have to go up a ramp the put tools away and the 2" casters would catch on the toe of the ramp and flip under.
3. The pivot bolt for the lift lever is constantly backing out. I think the original plans called for a lag bolt but I used a standard bolt and threaded insert. I could probably fix this with thread lock.
I came up with some modifications that I think solve all 3 issues. These mods were used in the cabinet for my jointer but this is the first sepeate base with them included.
My solutions to the problems I had with the original design:
1. Obvious solution, duplicate the lift mechanism and place swivel casters on both ends.
2. Also an easy fix by adding stop blocks under the caster plate. The blocks are set at an angle just below the lowest point the lever will push the plate down. I just glued them in place and then added a single screw for reenforcement.
3. The most complicated solution. I redesigned the lift lever so it sits perpendicular to the caster plate and pivots with a step-down motion. (With the MDF prototype of my modifications attached to my BT3 and the wife was able to lift it onto the casters with no problem. http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...hlight=jointer )
The pivot block is made from 2 dovetailed pieces set in the center of the top end plate with a 7/8" opening between them. The rear block only serves as a stop for the lever in the up position. It is face glued to the pivot blocks and the top plate. The 'axle' is a 1/4" x 3" bolt with flat washers on the outside and a nylon lock nut.
Glue up was fairly simple. I cut a pair of wedges to drive in between the dove tails and then used a pair of clamps for the rear block.
The completed base under the edge sander with the levers in the down/lifted position.
1. Swivel casters on one end and fixed casters on the other makes it hard to mauever in tight spaces.
2. I have to go up a ramp the put tools away and the 2" casters would catch on the toe of the ramp and flip under.
3. The pivot bolt for the lift lever is constantly backing out. I think the original plans called for a lag bolt but I used a standard bolt and threaded insert. I could probably fix this with thread lock.
I came up with some modifications that I think solve all 3 issues. These mods were used in the cabinet for my jointer but this is the first sepeate base with them included.
My solutions to the problems I had with the original design:
1. Obvious solution, duplicate the lift mechanism and place swivel casters on both ends.
2. Also an easy fix by adding stop blocks under the caster plate. The blocks are set at an angle just below the lowest point the lever will push the plate down. I just glued them in place and then added a single screw for reenforcement.
3. The most complicated solution. I redesigned the lift lever so it sits perpendicular to the caster plate and pivots with a step-down motion. (With the MDF prototype of my modifications attached to my BT3 and the wife was able to lift it onto the casters with no problem. http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...hlight=jointer )
The pivot block is made from 2 dovetailed pieces set in the center of the top end plate with a 7/8" opening between them. The rear block only serves as a stop for the lever in the up position. It is face glued to the pivot blocks and the top plate. The 'axle' is a 1/4" x 3" bolt with flat washers on the outside and a nylon lock nut.
Glue up was fairly simple. I cut a pair of wedges to drive in between the dove tails and then used a pair of clamps for the rear block.
The completed base under the edge sander with the levers in the down/lifted position.
Black wallnut
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