Another quick project

[astroracer]

I've had my hydraulic press sitting on these small HF trundle carts for a couple of years now. Makes it easy to move around. It's time to get it onto a dedicated cart.

I used some more of that 2 x 2 tubing I used for the cut-off rack. I also had a couple of pieces left over from a couple of engine stands I repurposed into a chassis rotisserie.

I ran the flap disc over the 2 x 2 after cutting them to length. All ready to square up and weld. It's a little smoky after a few minutes of welding.


The press has angle iron outriggers that keep it from tipping over. I will use these on the new cart. I'll cut them to length and weld them on.

I wire brushed all of the welds and brushed on a coat of black Rustoleum.

This will have to dry before I can put it all together. I plan to add a shelf on the cart to hold all of my press dies.

[Motorcitydak]

I have similar plans but my thoughts are to just drill some holes at the ends of the angle iron and put in some all metal casters

[astroracer]

Just keep in mind the angle iron will probably twist with the weight of the press on it. I wanted to add a shelf anyway so this was a good way to go.

[Motorcitydak]

Very true, good thought. My work space is cramped so I like to have my large things on wheels so I can move them out of the way, mite get around to this one sooner or later

[astroracer]

Very true, good thought. My work space is cramped so I like to have my large things on wheels so I can move them out of the way, mite get around to this one sooner or later

EVERYTHING in my shop is on casters!

[Jetfixr320]

Nice project. Def like the idea to make the base a little bigger. Those things are top heavy.

[astroracer]

Nice project. Def like the idea to make the base a little bigger. Those things are top heavy.

Mine is usually loaded with two big press plates and a Swag bender. It IS heavy. Bolting it to the heavy base and then storing all of my press dies and blocks and what-not down on it will hopefully add some ballist to it. Should work well and be pretty stable.
Mark

[astroracer]

Finally got out in the shop this afternoon to wrap up the press cart. Dragged the engine hoist in so I could lift the press high enough to get the cart under it.



Lined up the bolt holes and put it together.

Rolls around great! The way it feels I think it will even be good when it's loaded up with plates bending machines. I tried tipping it over and all it does is roll away.

[Jetfixr320]

Very nice!

[astroracer]

Thanks! It turned great!
I have been pushing this thing all around the shop and it is almost impossible to tip it over. I probably could if I really tried but it rolls around nicely. Besides, the way I have it loaded up now, all of the weight is in the bottom so it is even better.
I wrapped up the cart build this morning. Cut a piece of 1/2" plywood and screwed it to the cart. I then screwed a 3 dollar yard sale tool box to it and loaded all of my dies, press plates and the Swag Bender on the bottom shelf.

All of the press dies loaded in the box.

The press plates all load in beside the tool box.

The Swag Bender stores nicely in front of the tool box.

This organizes ALL of my bending stuff into one spot and there is room for more in the box!
I also added a spring clamp tool holder for the jack handle to hang in.

All done.

This is definitely a good thing and will keep all of this stuff in place so I don't have to go hunting for it.
Mark

[Jetfixr320]

How do you like the Swag bender? I've thought about getting one.

[astroracer]

The bender works GREAT! It went together easy and I have definitely gotten my moneys worth out of it. If you get one get the finger brake. I will be popping for the upgrade to mine in a couple of weeks.

[Jetfixr320]

Ok, Thanks for the tip. I wasn't aware of that option.

[airrj1]

Hey Mark,

Now that you have had the press on casters for a while, how do you like it? I know that you said that it moves well and isn't tippy, but how does it work when you are using it while it is on the casters? Just wonder if it moves around too much or if it is stable enough? I got my parts washer, weld bench, blast cabinet, and drill press up on casters, now I am eying up my press next. Thanks R.J.

[astroracer]

Hey R.J.
The press works just as well as it did before it was mobile. All of the force is verticle anyway and working the jack handle doesn't apply enough force to move it. This thing had been sitting precariously on two furnture dollies for years with no problems so this was a better solution. Much more stable while moving and also providing room for storage.
Mark

[airrj1]

I figured as much but it is good to hear first hand. Looks like I have an excuse to drag out the press and start resurrecting it this week.