Make my HF 20 Ton Press mobile

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I recently purchased a HF 20 Ton Press and now I want to add locking casters to it so that I can easily move it around in my garage shop. As you can see from the link the base is pre-drilled for casters, but with the added weight of arbor plates. etc., I think there is a good chance that the 2" x 2" angle steel base would twist under the weight if I just installed casters using these holes.My plan is to make a square 'cradle' out of 3" x 3", 3/16" (.1875) angle steel, mount the casters under it, and then plop the press into it and bolt the two together. I thought about just connecting the front and rear pieces with two additional pieces of 2" angle steel but I'm not certain that would be strong enough.  I also plan to line the modified base with expanded steel mesh so I have a bottom tray to keep plates and other stuff in.Does this sound like a good plan or would you do it differently?Thanks!This is similar to how I plan to add the expanded steel to the new base:
Reply:I have one of the orange ones, the new ones seem a little better built and the Arbor plates are much improved.   Your plan seems pretty legit.  I would enlarge the base for greater stability if putting large amount of weight or long parts in it.  Also consider beefing up those gussets, at least they finally added them.  Mine is worthy of "welding fail" pics , I really need to re weld it.  I did just get the swag press brake for it and really like it.  I have no affiliation with swag offroad, just like their stuff.
Reply:I put 4x6 wooden skids under my press, which is much larger than your HF unit, and move it around with a pallet jack. I use to put wheels under everything but after getting the pallet jack ($100 off CL) I use skids and pallets. Much more stable and a lot cheaper in the long run.Presses are very top heavy so be careful rolling it around. Cradle or bolted casters is likely the same, of course a larger cradle could improve the stability. Also if you stack all your press fixture in the cradle base it will provide ballast. I prefer plywood shelving instead of expanded metal is it tends to hold up better when stacking heavy  press fixtures on it. The expanded metal will get all bent out of shape in no time.
Reply:I have the grey press too, i cheaped out and just welded the casters on the legs that came with it. I like the shelf idea. Hey nowhere i have the Swag press too! I added some hooks that keep it from falling thru while your clamping it down, thats only a issue with the backstop in place that i have yet to use.
Reply:I also have the 20 ton SWAG press brake, but mine is still in the shipping box.  Plan to weld it after the press base is done.
Reply:The new model of 20-ton HF Press is now on sale for just $155:  COUPON HERE!
Reply:Originally Posted by LuMaxI also have the 20 ton SWAG press brake, but mine is still in the shipping box.  Plan to weld it after the press base is done.
Reply:Thanks for the heads up.
Reply:Seems the swag press is popular.  I got the heavy finger brake unit last December.Victor Oxy weld/cut Setup Meco Midget Torch outfitEverlast 2016 250EX & Power Cool W300Lincoln Power mig 210MP  w/amptrol and Spool GunEverlast Powerarc 200 Hypertherm Powermax 45Bandsaw, Lathe, grinders, press, Bridgeport, etc.
Reply:I would use steel casters if you use rubber casters the will have flat spots from setting and be harder to roll. J. R. Bauer
Reply:I built my base out of steel I had on hand from other projects. I went with leveling feet as I tend not to move tools around very often. Attached Images
Reply:I wish I would have seen your photo before I got about 80% done with my modification.  Nice job!
Reply:I'm pretty happy with how this is turning out, it is only my second welding project ever.TIG welded using 2% Lanthanated, ER70S-6, 20-25cf AR. I used a steel brush on the welds once they cooled.The casters with the flat base were FAR easier to weld that the ones with the curved edge.Only one more piece left and then it will be ready for paint and casters.Last edited by LuMax; 03-30-2014 at 05:53 PM.
Reply:Nice welds for your 2ed time with a tig...I am still trying to think if I should get me a tig welder..
Reply:Done!
Reply:Well it looks pretty dern good. It'll be interesting to see if there are any problems with really bearing down hard on the hand jack. Air over probably wouldn't be an issue. I lean pretty hard on mine once in awhile."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:If you look through the press at that box sitting on the ground, it contains a 20-ton air/oil jack.Heading out of town for work tomorrow, but probably installing that when I get back home.
Reply:That's awesome!!! I got the same 20 ton press yesterday from HF and after putting it together I had to move it.  Cursing the whole time wishing it had wheels . I will have to copy your creation. . Thanks for posting