Casters

[Ed in Tampa]

In another thread I mentioned I mounted my workbench on casters. When I posted to that thread I really didn't have time to play with my newly installed wheels. However today was mine. The casters were bought at Woodcraft on sale for $11.19 you can see them at http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=1989&productid=141051

I am very pleased with them. My bench with tools and all must weight close to 600 lbs yet the whole thing moves very easily. The casters are what the call double lock, locking not only the wheel but also the swivel. On the tab you step on that comes down onto the wheel there is an arm that lowers a comb like device in the swivel mechanism which has little teeth all the way around. Once the comb engages a few of these teeth the caster can no longer swivel. I tried some hand planing and some sawing on the bench and it was as stable as it was when it sat flat on the floor.

The casters seem to roll over small objects with no problem but since the one I installed are 3 inch dia wheels anything over an inch thick becomes a problem to roll over.

I sat on the table and pushed agains the wall to see if my extra weight would be a problem and they worked flawlessly.
As I said I'm very happy with them and if your looking for casters I think you will be happy also with these.
Ed

[brown_hawk]

Ed,

I got the threaded version when I got my Performax 16-32, and I was very impressed with them as well. I have been thinking of getting them for my router and sharpening stations, as well as my own workbench.

My major problem is my VERY uneven basement floor. Right now I have to use wedges to get everything stable. But the double locking will at least keep the casters from twisting off the wedge.

Thanks for the review.

Hawk

[wgander]

I replaced the nuts and bolts provided as the floor contacts of my Mill-Route table with threaded stem casters. What a difference! I hardly ever use the Mill-Route but really thought I needed it when I bought it years ago, and will never sell it. But, I have limited floor space and was pushing/dragging it at least twice a week from one spot to another as I was using my other tools.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so I didn't buy expensive or locking casters; when I start using the Mill-Route, I may have to if the table moves while in use.
In the mean time, I'm sold on casters.