I need a mobile tool base, and have bought HTC products in the past...I really like them. In years past they made mobile bases that would fit almost anything, these weren't the ones you put wooden stretches in and adjusted to fit, they were rigidly welded heavy steel box beams with super quality castors. They were a little pricey, but most quality products are (IMHO). Anyway, in searching for them again I find an outfit called Affinity Tool Works has bought the brand. They (Affinity) are a "distributor of import tools". In looking at the HTC offerings, there are a handful of the adjustable bases available. Another former quality name down the drain. (rant off)

What measurements do you need? I have a Delta TS mobile base.

I'm looking at getting a combo sander that has a base that's 17" x 21", a fairly small size as mobile bases go. I have one that I'll use under a cabinet here in the shop; then put that cabinet on something that's not as well built. What size is your Delta base...I really like them as well.

1 minute ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

I'm looking at getting a combo sander that has a base that's 17" x 21", a fairly small size as mobile bases go. I have one that I'll use under a cabinet here in the shop; then put that cabinet on something that's not as well built. What size is your Delta base...I really like them as well.

Don't know off the top of my head but will check when I get home.  As I remember it is all welded.  Very solid. When I made my twin TS build I had to manufacture my own new base. So this thing needs a new home.. And I may have a hookup to get it shipped to you for $5.  Will know Friday when my buddy pays me a visit.

Thanks...

Fred get you a welder and learn how to use it. Amazing what a person can build and save money while doing it...

Well, I have a welder and (sort of) know how to use it. It's not the steel part that's intimidating, but getting quality casters and so on. Still, that's an idea.

7 minutes ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

Well, I have a welder and (sort of) know how to use it. It's not the steel part that's intimidating, but getting quality casters and so on. Still, that's an idea.

I spent about $75 on casters for my twin TS set up. Welded myself and made the brackets to enclose the one set of wheels.   

 

But free, that's hard to beat.  

I know you don't want to hear it but HF has a very good selection of what you need.

 By me building all my own bases I have some the cabinets are sitting almost on the floor and some the piece of equipment is raised higher the a regular mobil base and some like on my tall band saw I built the base out wider so it might not tip over when pushed around.. Each piece of equipment has different heights required for me to be happy. 

Just now, Smallpatch said:

I know you don't want to hear it but HF has a very good selection of what you need.

 By me building all my own bases I have some the cabinets are sitting almost on the floor and some the piece of equipment is raised higher the a regular mobil base and some like on my tall band saw I built the base out wider so it might not tip over when pushed around.. Each piece of equipment has different heights required for me to be happy. 

They do and those are not bad at all. I have several sets in use. Only reason I ordered some $$ ones was weight. I went with overkill guessing the cabinet would weight in at 1600-2000 lbs when loaded.  After it is all said and done, 1100 lbs. Better safe than sorry for that build though.

Hmmm. Most of my tools came with factory installed wheels. Right, Gator, John Morris, Artie? 

2 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Hmmm. Most of my tools came with factory installed wheels. Right, Gator, John Morris, Artie? 

I am the factory for the twin TS. So I guess it is factory installed?

@Fred W. Hargis JrIf the base is slightly large just build a cabinet to sit the unit on. Then the Supplies are also there. I did drawers on mine and also put the planer on it.

That's what I've got under my OSS. The combo sander I'm planning to get is a stationary with it's own stand, even so if I get a base that's not too large I can make it work.

Gene, you are absolutely right.  Love my new castors for the SS, but it doesn't weigh anything like the weight Fred is talking about.  Just for future reference,  https://www.rockler.com/rockler-all-terrain-mobile-base-holds-up-to-800-lbs and there are others.  Browse and you may see something you like for ideas on how to build your own.  

13 hours ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

That's what I've got under my OSS. The combo sander I'm planning to get is a stationary with it's own stand, even so if I get a base that's not too large I can make it work.

I check tonight and I have one Delta measures 28 inches by 25 inches roughly.  Have another on some odd shape made by HTC vintage 1985 that also fit's a Delta Contractor saw slightly smaller footprint but it is not square in shape.   Will get a picture of them tomorrow.

Edited April 10, 20206 yr by Woodbutcherbynight

Fred, what sander are you looking at?  I have one similar to this HF model.  I simply bolted the base to a piece of 3/4" plywood and attached casters.  Been rolling it around for 30 years.  Very convenient since I store it at the back of the shop and roll it to the front to use.

I plan on getting the Powermatic 31A, it weighs in the neighborhood of 300# or so. The only thing I wouldn't like about doing what you did is locking it in place. I've not had much luck with locking casters really keeping things stationary...that's why I like the mobile bases that let the base sit on the floor when lowered.

That will be a nice addition to the shop Fred.  I hadn't thought about the locking casters and wanting it to sit on the floor to use.  Mine are not locking, it has never been an issue of wanting to move around in use.

Locking casters are ok but, they still swivel. Can be disconcerting, at times.