[How-To] Are these leveling casters a bad idea for this benchtop mill base?

[JustBen]

Final product. I had some green paint on hand that seemed to work out ok from a color scheme standpoint. The casters roll well enough on smooth concrete and the feet seem pretty stable now that some weight is on them. CasterHQ is the brand from Amazon. Thanks for the advice.

 

[piper184]

If you lower the feet far enough to raise the rollers completely off the floor, they will not be deformed by weight sitting on them. They should last much longer and still be round several years from now when you need to roll the machine.
Just like putting a vehicle up on blocks.

Nice riser and bracket build!

 

[FOMOGO]

I don't use that type leveling system, but my machines are considerably larger and tend to stay in one place. I can see how it would be handy in a small space where things need to be frequently moved. I have built several heavy duty roller bases to move things around, along with machinery skates, and other rigging gear. Ran across these when I was looking for some leveling feet for the carbide/HSS grinder I'm cobbling together. I was really impressed with the quality for $12 for 4ea. I don't think I would be afraid to put 1000# on them. Writing this I just ordered another set. If I had to be moving things in and out a lot a pallet jack might be the ticket, as they have so many uses, and can be parked outside if your space limited.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z5181Z6?ref=product_details&th=1

 

[Jeff.64]

Expensive: https://8020.net/floortoframecomponents/castersfeet/casters/levelingcasters.html
And: https://www.mcmaster.com/4304N203/

I have used the 8020 casters, but since the cost has gone up so much, I used these from Amazon for a project last year instead:

Cheap yet functional: https://tinyurl.com/mppeb526

Stud Version: https://tinyurl.com/4knzhrts

I like the ratcheting lever height adjustment on the cheap ones. So far so good. They seem to be of the same quality as the 8020 casters.

Hope This Helps,
Jeff

Your home brew caster frame looks great! Very professional

 

[projectnut]

Be sure to check the load rating on the casters before making a purchase. The ones I used on the radial arm saw have a load rating of 2,400 lbs. for a set of 4. The saw only weighs 750 lbs. The casters have been on since last year, and the leveling pads have only been extended a couple times. I've moved the saw on an almost weekly basis and the wheels are stiff enough that they maintain their shape.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B7Q21VB?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I used these from McMaster for the cold saw and the 6" x 48" belt sander. They don't have to move other than when the floor needs cleaning. They are excellent at absorbing vibration, so the machines won't walk across the floor when being used.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[JustBen]

Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate the replies and suggestions.
I will be sure to raise the feet up enough to keep the wheels from touching to avoid those flat spots.
The casters I have are rated at 2400 lbs per set so 600 per caster. The mill is less than 600lbs total so I am good there.

I thought about trying the ratchet design posted by Jeff.64 but wasn't sure if the mechanism would hold up. I will keep it in mind.