I need several mobile bases for my tools. Need one for my jointer, RAS, drill press. Looked at the Delta universal on Amazon for $50, but think I can do better than that. Any suggestions? Would it be cheaper to make my own?
Mapdude
Depends on what you mean by "I can do better than that". Do you mean you could build it yourself cheaper, or do you think you can build a better quality version yourself?
I too am looking at making a large RAS and a large band saw mobile and I was going to buy the Delta universal for 50.00. I don't have any spare hardwood lying around so by the time I buy some and mill it, I will have spent the same as buying one of Delta's pre made versions, which run about 100.00 each. I could also just build something from scratch but by the time I buy materials and quality locking castors I will have spent 100.00 again.
What I'm going to do is buy one of Delta's pre-made units that's close to the size I need and then build a cabinet below the saw that will accommodate the Delta base. Delta has so many sizes available it would be difficult to find one that didn't work well, and in that case I would get their universal model and build it to fit.
Otherwise, I think HTC is the only other company making mobile bases.
Jeff _____________________________________________________________________________________ You won't notice the splinters in the ladder of success, unless you are sliding down.
My local Borg has Portamate bases that are adjustable and come in various sizes. These are a frame and wheels that go under the base, not a mobile base that replaces the existing base.
I got one on sale for C$52 (US$35-40 or so). DAGS on portamate to see it one would suffice.
Mike
The Delta Universal is the way to go. I have several and love them.
I have a Jet mobile base (actually HTC) for my Jet 18" bandsaw and it sucks.
It is only on three wheels so it wobbles even when locked down.
Get the Delta. Several magazine reviews I've read agree.
Rob
I own a couple of Delta's mobile bases, and they're wonderful; the best available from what I've seen.
I've not seen the universal mobile base that requires the user to supply their own hardwood rails, but I've often wondered if you couldn't use 1-1/2" steel tubing instead of hardwood, perhaps welding it to the corner sections and painting it black to match the rest. For those out there who own one, does this seem feasible?
-- jc Published e-mail address is strictly for spam collection. If e-mailing me, please use jc631 at optonline dot net
FWIW ... I've got three different kinds of mobile bases in my shop and the ONLY one worth having is the top dollar Delta mobile base that comes with the Unisaw and Delta bandsaws. The one on my Powermatic jointer is a POS in comparison to the Delta models.
As far at the Delta universal you make up yourself, you can buy EXACTLY the same pieces of metal and bolts, from the same chiwanese factory, at HF for
1/2 the price or less. I've got a planer on one, but I don't think I would put anything too much heavier on it and expect to move it across a crack, or sawdust strewn shop floor.I have the Rockler's base #92051 under my jointer and it works just fine even tho I used Fir (gasp!) instead of hardwood for the rails. It's currently on sale for $40.
Art
Hmm. I just searched Harbor Freight for "mobile base", and I only got one hit; their "Universal Mobile Base", which is NOT the same thing that Delta offers, and as near as I can see is a POS that's not even in the same class.
Presuming you have one that is in fact identical to the Delta, is this because you're afraid of the hardwood rails giving way, or is there something else about it that makes it less beefy than the standard Delta mobile bases?
The HF "universal mobile base" which you use 2x2 wood to make up the framework is about $30, but I picked up a couple for $15 each on sale. The delta version I bought for my delta TS was $50.00. Far as I can see, the price is the only difference.
John
I've got the Deltas under my jointer and planer. I can't imagine anything better. And as far as the hardwood rails are concerned, unless you are greatly exceeding the weight limit you can save money and get by simply by ripping down toobafors. They're already the right dimension in thickness -
1 1/2" - so all you have to do is rip 1 1/2" strips and cut them to length. My jointer with stand is *well* over the weight limit, so I used 2" thick maple for that. I hated cutting up such beautiful wood for a machine base, but the jointer is a family heirloom bought new in '57, so it was worth it to me. And the base moves that machine around like it weighs 10 lbs.Mike Fairleigh
Didn't one magazine put a caliper on the metal and find the HF stuff thinner? IIRC, it was measurably thinner metal on the HF.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.