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I'm finally getting ready to build a welding table (smallish)and put someof my machines (lightweight - eg drill stand) on casters.Until now, I've bought casters at the local hardware store (rubberon metal rim) but have experienced flat spots.My workshop is a one car garage and has porcelain tiles on the floorand a little rough concrete outside where I sometimes need to rollthings. From doing a bit of digging on the web I think the best type of materialon the caster for my situation would be polyurethane. The thing isthat there are many types of polyurethane cast/molded, hardness,rim type (poliamide, alu, steel, cast iron), with/without bearings.Was wondering what experience people have as to what would begood long term without breaking the bank . Regarding size, I guess 150mm would be OK for small welding table (eg upto 250kg) eg 1,2m* 1m. (I intend to have all tables/machineswith drop down feet so that they are not standing on the wheelswhen not being moved.
Reply:Polyurethane is definitely a higher end caster. Note, however, Polyurethane is pretty hard, as I recall, and may pound when you roll it across the seams of the tile. I would probably go for a softer polyurethane, even though it would require more effort to push, to reduce the pounding.Be sure to get ball bearings.I was going to suggest metal wheels until I saw you had tile floors.You might consider some kind of cover so that sparks do not burn the polyurethane.150mm is about 6 inches diameter, that sounds good.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:OK, thanks for the advice. Yes, about the tiles- they are niceand would have been OK in the garage when I was justwoodworking - but now that I'm extending my hobbies,it may have been a mistake. The only thing I can think offor covering the tiles is thin metal sheet (not where I am standingto avoid an easy grounding path) + welding blankets.BTW - had a look at your web page - nice work - I'm reallylooking forward to doing something artistic - really enjoy usingmy creativity. |
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