I figure this would be the best place to post this since it deals directly with workbenches. If not, please point me in the right direction.

I just got a lathe and was in the middle of building a workbench for it when I got the idea to put it on casters. Went down to Harborfrieight and picked up some similar to these (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96408) for $5.99 each. They are rated at 125 lbs each and were ok, but the bench would move if I leaned up against it too hard. Not to mention, I couldn't level the top so it had a consistent "wobble". A perfect solution to this was to upgrade with leveling casters, but these can cost up to $40 each :(.

I found the exact same leveling casters at accesscasters (http://www.accesscasters.com/2p80f2-leveling-caster-square-top-plate.aspx) for less half the cost. I bought four to tryout and am extremely satisfied. So much so that I ordered 8 more for my Mill and RC workbenches. I mounted them using 0.25in steel plate (primed and painted) with 5/16 lag head screws. Worked beautifully :wee:.


Just passing the word to those interested,

Kelvin

Thanks for the head up Kelvin. I've got to get round to building a movable bench for the CNC in the next few months, so I'll try to get my hands on some castors like those. Need to find some in the UK, but shouldn't be too hard.

Owen

These casters look great. I am in the planning stage for some movable tank holding work benches and the leveling part is something I was trying to figure
out.

The weight limit will be all right if I split work areas.

I am now getting the fever to caster everything!

Thanks,
Fred

I have a small shop, so moving things around is a great option. The floor is uneven and having a workbench rocking while working is a real pain. I also roll my bench out onto a large concrete pad and work when the weather permits. The pad is less level than my shop floor.

I solved my rocking problems with a very simple solution. I designed my work bench with a tressel type frame distributing the load over 3 casters rather than 4. It has worked out excellent. The top may not be perfectly level with the world, but it is always flat, and never rocks.

Nice bench and assembly. Looks like total usage weight would be about 500 lbs less the weight of the bench. Do they make that style with larger weight capacity?
Bob

Nice bench and assembly. Looks like total usage weight would be about 500 lbs less the weight of the bench. Do they make that style with larger weight capacity?
Bob

Yes, they make 3 sizes. The largest can hold something like 2000+ lbs. I always wondered, the weight capacity is in reference to one or all four; I think it's reference to one. Me and my friend got on top of the bench and it just laughed at us. Together we weight > 500lbs easy.

Awesome link, thanks!
I build my lathe bench using the HF furniture dolly as a base, the bigger one. But I'll definitely get these casters you posted for my mill bench, my bandsaw could probably use it too.

Awesome link, thanks!
I build my lathe bench using the HF furniture dolly as a base, the bigger one. But I'll definitely get these casters you posted for my mill bench, my bandsaw could probably use it too.

You're welcome. I had my mill on furniture dolly's too until tonight. I went ahead and bought 12 more for just about everything in my shop heavier than 100lbs. Just got done making the base plate for the mill and RC workbenches. I love this hobby.

While I was on McMaster Carr's site, I looked up some casters like these. $85 for one!!!

Are you getting the 2" caster and are they tall enough, roll well, etc? My garage is all concrete too, I just gotta keep from running over the extension cords all over the place:D

While I was on McMaster Carr's site, I looked up some casters like these. $85 for one!!!

Are you getting the 2" caster and are they tall enough, roll well, etc? My garage is all concrete too, I just gotta keep from running over the extension cords all over the place:D

$85!!! :nono:. I am using the 2" versions and they have exceeded my expectations. I also had a extension cord problem until I bought the retractable. It was pricey at $59.99, but I can't live without it now. Might want to look into it.

Yeah, that's why I was glad you posted that site with the cheaper prices. I was only curious to see how much they were elsewhere.

I got one of those reels too! Kinda looks like my ceiling...Anyway, don't pull the cord all the way or it'll get stuck and not retract like mine:mad:

$85!!! :nono:. I am using the 2" versions and they have exceeded my expectations. I also had a extension cord problem until I bought the retractable. It was pricey at $59.99, but I can't live without it now. Might want to look into it.

If ya want one of those, go to Ace Hardware, Sears, K-Mart, Harbor-Freight, etc. For $10-20 you can get a flourescent drop light with a cord reel. Splice an outlet onto the end of the cord, and you've got your extension cord as well. Not *real* heavy duty (18 ga. wire), so I wouldn't run a 3HP compressor on it, but for hand tools and lights, it'd be fine. I got one like this:

http://www.professionalequipment.com/lumapro-compact-fluorescent-hand-lamp-reel-6vw58/fluorescent-work-lights/

but paid $20 for it. I think it came from Harbor Freight.

Regards,
Ray L.

Actually, lowes and home depot have $20-30 light duty retractables, but I needed something with at least 12ga wire so I bought this one. I wouldn't trust my own splices :withstupi.

That's a nice bench. I'm assuming it's for a mill, what sort of dimensions does it have?

I have some metal but no mill yet and am reluctant to start building a bench until I know more about the mill's dimensions.

You're welcome. I had my mill on furniture dolly's too until tonight. I went ahead and bought 12 more for just about everything in my shop heavier than 100lbs. Just got done making the base plate for the mill and RC workbenches. I love this hobby.

Did you make your mounting plates or buy them?

I love your bench and will be copying them when I build out my shop.

First I have to build the garage/shop as I have nothing right now.

Did you make your mounting plates or buy them?

I love your bench and will be copying them when I build out my shop.

First I have to build the garage/shop as I have nothing right now.

Thanks. I made the mounting plates from 12x12 0.25in steel plate. Then, added primer and flat black top coat. He's a shot of my mill stand with the same casters/plates.

What's the nominal height of the caster (bottom of wheel to top of mounting plate)? How far past the bottom of the wheel can the leveling foot extend? Going to order 4 now and hopefully have the bench ready by the time they arrive. Thanks!