My Welding Cart

[Knowledgeworker]

Well Gentlepeople, I have finally finished my welding cart. The color choice was that of my Craftsman tool boxes.

Naked....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh197/Knowledgeworker/100_3745.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh197/Knowledgeworker/100_3746.jpghttp://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh197/Knowledgeworker/100_3751.jpg

Loaded.....

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh197/Knowledgeworker/100_3762.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh197/Knowledgeworker/100_3764.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh197/Knowledgeworker/100_3765.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh197/Knowledgeworker/100_3766.jpg

I would like your comments/suggestions.

Thanks
Jim

[Rocky D]

Beautiful, job, Jim...you got some nice stuff there....now ya gotta go to work! :D

[556man]

I agree with Rocky. Very nice cart indeed. Did a good job on it and you have some nice equiptment there. I did a similar cart and it was little heavy to move around. I'm thinking of welding a handle in the front to help me push it around. How's yours as far as moving it around the shop?

Thanks for sharing.

556man

[crawler]

Nice job on the cart. The floor of the shop looks too clean.. :D

[1990notch]

Nice job on that cart. Those wheels look like they can handle the weight. Where did you get them?

[stevinator]

Nice cart and heavy duty too.For now I am using a wagon just like yours I had laying around after retiring it from fireplace duty.I needed it because where I take my welder is out back by a small barn I have.No concrete to roll out there on.I modified it for grinders and such so I can pull it all out there in one trip to play.My kids just shake their heads.:D

[Knowledgeworker]

Thank you all for your comments. I really appreciate them.

Most of my equipment I purchased prior to my retirement in August 2004. I never welded a lick prior to the purchase of my equipment. I asked a lot of questions to several weldors I know (as well as observed them), I have done a lot of research and reading regarding welding, I have taken several welding courses at our local Technical school, and I practice a lot.

My idea for my cart came from all of the great ideas from the weldors on this forum. Without you fellers I don't think I would have tried it. Thank you all.

Mr. Rocky D, I have done several things around the house (for the little lady, as well as my own 'creations'), but so far haven't really warranted purchasing the equipment other than my love for my new hobby.

Mr. 556man, I think you contributed quite a bit to the idea and design of my cart. I really read and research a lot on this forum. Being that my shop is really the garage for my wife's suburban, I am committed to putting casters on all of my equipment. This gives me portability for moving/storing my stuff, (welders, welding table, etc.) around the garage when necessary.The reason for the steel wheels is the problems I always seem to have with low air and/or getting flats with rubber tires. The steel wheels works real nice for me being that I am lucky enough to have a concrete garage floor and an asphalt driveway. The cart loaded with equipment weighs approximately 300 lbs., but it is extremely easy to move. My welding table weighs approximately 1600 lbs. and can be moved anywhere in the garage or driveway mostly with one hand (but I use two so I can steer/control it). I attribute this to the steel wheels. I have had really good luck with them.

Mr. Crawler, just to let you know, I like to 'try' to keep my working area clean. Not that I am a cleanlyness freak, but as I stated this is where my 'best half ;)' parks her suburban at night. and where the grandbabies like to play when it is raining or too cold to play outdoors (28' x 36'). I have to keep it clean as well as keep it safe.

Mr. 1990notch, I usually get my steel wheels from Tractor Supply. It is about the only place close that has the heavy duty ones.

Mr. Stevinator, I have been there and done that :D. The children and the grandbabies think that everytime I go out to work in the garage that it is an adventure, and, either an opportunity for an 'America's Funniest Home Vidios' clip, or a trip to the ER.

Uhhh, the wife has already cabbaged on my wagon.

Thanks again for everyones comments.

Jim

[yorkiepap]

Hey Jim,
I'll concur with all the previous responders.....great job. Your setup is quite efficient & space saving as we all strive to have the room for more "toys"....just in case. I like to see others who keep a well organized & neat work environ. It makes a job so much easier..... Denny

[Hammerhead1]

Mr. Stevinator, I have been there and done that . The children and the grandbabies think that everytime I go out to work in the garage that it is an adventure, and, either an opportunity for an 'America's Funniest Home Vidios' clip, or a trip to the ER.

Don't let him fool you guys as his son it is quite funny sometimes! Dad Have you seen my pliers? Wait there they are welded to the table!!!! (Just Practicing Son!) :D

[Knowledgeworker]

Now son......hammerhead1.......was that nice.......

Keeps you from leaving your tools laying around :D

Jim

[BBackSoon]

Nice job, shop too clean and you need curtains or blinds or you might scare the neighbors when you weld in the buff. (It’s an easy tan)

[Knowledgeworker]

Yes, I know. Those windows face the airport runways, and my wife says my welding might distract pilots and/or passengers, and may cause an accident. I didn't realize she was talking about my tannin'. :D

Jim

[Swamp Rat]

Thats got to be bout the best looking/built homemade stands ive ever seen. Nice work! Really like how you built it to have all your machines there in one spot, ive got one of those small carts like you had there for your HH and i been figuring up on building a bigger more sturdy cart myself for my HH. Once again nice work! ;)

[Knowledgeworker]

Thanks, I really appreciate the comments:)

Jim

[boykjo]

1. Why did u paint it red?
2. Isnt it too small for all that stuff?
3. Whers the handles to push it around?
4. Why didnt u use Bigger wheels.
5.What did u hang your speed glass on?
6. Why did u use diomond plate for the bottom?

I think u need to start over and really try this time.....................





Just kiddin, Nice Job................

Joe

[JimDon]

Jim,
I see some serious design flaws in your cart. Now here's what we're going to do. You box it all up and ship it to me. You'll have to pay the shipping fees of course since it's your design flaw. Then I'll have to look it over for , oh, 4 or five years would be about right. Until, you see, I can figure out how to make it better. Then I'll ah, ship you the plans, yeah, that's it. And you can design a new one and build it, and then of course you'll have to ship that one to me for approval.
Jim Don

PS. Really nice job on the cart. Wish it were mine!:D

[Big_Eddy]

I have to ask this cause I see it on several carts.
How do you change the wire in the MIG? (Or open up to door to read the chart?)

I'm in and out of my MIG all the time - either to swap the wire to another size or type, to change the polarity, or just to check the recommended settings.

Looks to me like you would have to drag that sucker off the cart to do it??

Am I missing something? :confused:

Nice workmanship. And I really like the extension cord wrap - nice touch.

[Rocky D]

I have to ask this cause I see it on several carts.
How do you change the wire in the MIG? (Or open up to door to read the chart?)

I'm in and out of my MIG all the time - either to swap the wire to another size or type, to change the polarity, or just to check the recommended settings.

Looks to me like you would have to drag that sucker off the cart to do it??

Am I missing something? :confused:

Nice workmanship. And I really like the extension cord wrap - nice touch.
Good question, Eddy..most folks don't take that into consideration...but here's what I did. three sides of the welder shelf are 1" angle and the door side is 1/2" angle lapped under the 1" frame...perfect door clearance. The frame fits so the welder won't fall out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/RockyD/Stuff%20I%20built/Welder%20Cart/MVC-737F.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/RockyD/Stuff%20I%20built/Welder%20Cart/MVC-603F.jpg

[Big_Eddy]

Rocky - If you recall - I liked your design so much that I copied it - including the clearance for the door, and a folding upper shelf to make lifting my HH on that much easier. Thanks again.
Big_Eddy

[Knowledgeworker]

Hello Gentlepeople,

When I worked up my design on the cart, I did consider the access to the door of the mig welder. It is constructed where I can slide the mig forward approximately 3" and I have full access to change the wire, polarity, and make any necessary adjustments. So far, it hasn't been a problem. I did observe Rocky's design and comments regarding these issues prior to constructing my cart. I reviewed a lot of carts, suggestions, and opinions before building this cart. This is the reason my cart turned out so well.

There are a lot of great ideas and suggestions on this forum, and I try to incorporate these ideas/suggestions into all of my builds.:D

Jim

[Beezer58]

It actually inspired me to look at my situation and find a nifty way like yours to consolodate and save space. I really don't need another project right now but it's really good thinking material.

[Knowledgeworker]

It actually inspired me to look at my situation and find a nifty way like yours to consolodate and save space. I really don't need another project right now but it's really good thinking material.


Thanks Beezer58. Welcome to the site. There are a lot of people on here that really know what they are doing. I recieved several ideas from other members when I was considering building my cart. The people on this forum will gladly help with any question or information you may have.

Jim

[Knowledgeworker]

May have some useful info for others......

Jim

[bajajoaquin]

Good question, Eddy..most folks don't take that into consideration...but here's what I did. three sides of the welder shelf are 1" angle and the door side is 1/2" angle lapped under the 1" frame...perfect door clearance. The frame fits so the welder won't fall out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/RockyD/Stuff%20I%20built/Welder%20Cart/MVC-603F.jpg

I found this site when I was looking around to figure out what welder to buy. I don't believe it, but I actually registered and am making my first post to ask about the motorcycle in the back....

PC800? I commute daily on a GTS1000, so I'm kinda into the unloved bikes...

[Rocky D]

I found this site when I was looking around to figure out what welder to buy. I don't believe it, but I actually registered and am making my first post to ask about the motorcycle in the back....

PC800? I commute daily on a GTS1000, so I'm kinda into the unloved bikes...

You got a good eye...It's a Honda PC800 1990, with 29000 miles. Runs like a top. It was sad when they quit making them, in '98. Welcome to the forum baja, lots of info and experience here.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/RockyD/Our%20Staffordshire%20Bull%20Terriers/MVC-762F.jpg

[sunline]

Carts are cool though maybe I got carried away... I also tried steel wheels on a couple of projects and found any small piece of debris will stop the wheel cold. Rubber will roll over small stuff easily. Not an issue with a clean floor of course.
Thing works really well but has gotten pretty heavy, 500+ I guess.
http://mvsunline.com/welding/1finishedcart3.jpg
http://mvsunline.com/welding/1finishedcart2.jpg
http://mvsunline.com/welding/1finishedcart.jpg
http://mvsunline.com/welding/powconmigcart2.jpg
http://mvsunline.com/welding/powconmigcart.jpg

[Rocky D]

PowCons are great units...I would suggest since you have an open wirefeeder, to use a cover over the wire,..I make them out of the box the wire comes in, and they work great to keep the wire from rusting. Kinda like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v252/RockyD/My%20Favorite%20Tools/HOBART/SPOOLCOVER.jpg

[sunline]

Thanks Rocky, great idea. My last Powcon feeder came with 30lb spool of 030 wire that had a little rust on the top. Used the top of the roll on testing and it worked pretty well. Last Powcon was a 200sm with feeder that wouldnt weld when tested; took a chance on it and got it with 100' of leads for 300 bucks. Turned out to have a bad process toggle switch. 4 bucks at Rshack and it welds like a Powcon I.E. flawless. Now and then you get lucky...

[sunpeople]

Now thats what i like to see a man with alot of cool toys!! and by the looks of your shop you can tell your wife that you have lots of room for more, now let me see weres that Tig welder i want. By the way very nice job on your cart.

[sunline]

This one? Craigs list is a sickness that I suffer through everyday. Mercy need a 12 step...
http://mvsunline.com/welding/aircotig.jpg

[sunpeople]

I know what you mean about Craigs list, i cant go a single day without looking at it. The times that you don't look at it till late in the day is always the day that something comes up for a real good price and by not staying on top of Craigs list that day you end up missing it!!! I just hate that. By the way what brand name is that Tig welder you show in your last photo, it almost looks like a copy of the Miller 351 that we use to have at work.

[sunline]

Its an Airco made by ESAB. This one I acutally didnt get off the list; wanted one and found it on ebay. Boeing now auctions surplus equipment which was its former owner. Not the best deal but not bad, 1500 bucks after I got the bottle of argon and flowmeter and torch parts. Been learning to use it and sure could use a manual. No parts or service so when its gone it gets recycled. Some discussion on the other board about the nature of the led on the upper left side. Doesnt light up so no idea what it does or supposed to read. Neat machine though seems to work good as I attempt to learn hand eye foot coordination.

[sunpeople]

Sunline I think you got yourself a killer machine for a good price and if its like most welders it will probably last for years with nothing going wrong.

As far as that read out that does not work if its not hurting anything i would not worry about it. I for one think you will have this welder so long you will be showing your grand kids how to weld on it.

If you had a Miller or Hobart welder i posted a list here on weld talk with the names and phone numbers of a few different places to find manuals for them but i am not sure if they would have a line on a manual for your welder, you might give them a try some of the numbers are toll free.

[tigmusky]

very nice. that's cool kart .good choice on the color. maybe fire extinguisher. mite be neat.

[Dmaxer1]

Nice cart. I especially appreciate the solid steel casters. No worry about two part rubber or plastic wheels failing there.

[kent ashton]

Hey Knowledgeworker, thanks for the cart idea. I had never done much stick welding and it gave me a chance to practice a little. The first welds are pretty rough (way too much amperage). - Kent

[McDuff]

Hi Knowledgeworker ,Is that a english wheel in the back ground ? if it is can we see a pic,,Iam in the process of building a small one on castors ,,,cheers McDuff:)PS you have a very impressive work shop :D

[Knowledgeworker]

Welcome to the site Mr. McDuff,

No English wheel yet. What you may see is the frame for my plannishing hammer. When I purchased it, it had no stand so I fabricated my own, and set it on a steel dolly, that I also fabricated. An English wheel is on my list of tools to be acquired.

Have a great day.
Jim

[whateg0]

McDuff,

Not to take this too far OT, but if I'm not mistaken, Jim's the same one I have, from HF. You can find them on sale pretty often. It's a pretty handy tool to have. There are some things that an e-wheel just isn't cut out for that a planishing hammer will work for. The e-wheel is nice to have (or have access to), but from talking to many an owner of 'nice' ones and 'cheap' ones, it seems to be a tool worth holding out on for quality. In particular, the wheels and anvils get more expensive as the real quality goes up. Like many others, it's on my wish list.

Just my 2.1¢.

Dave

[CF1975]

Sweet, that frees up a lot of space for you...nice setup and great job on the fab.

[FWI]

I figured a Kentucky Boy would do a good job. :D London Kentucky I'll have to stop by sometime our family has a couple cabins in Rockcastle, KY when we go to the lake. Thumbs up!

[StanBo]

Great cart! I am gearing up for mine as I read over all of the great ones here.

I am in the same situation where I am adding casters to everything to keep things mobile in the shop. You never know what will come up next.

I am going to do a search on it but thought I would ask. Do you have any background on your table? It is the next project I want to take up.

[Knowledgeworker]

Thanks for the coments StanBo. I'll get a few pics of my welding table. I've added a few features to it since I originally built it, and have plans to do a little more work to it before I call it finished. I've seen a few tables on here that will improve my table. It will take me a day or two before I can get back to you with the pics, but I'll have it for you.

Thanks again.
Jim