A Triple Stack Welding Cart for a Small Shop

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Greetings from Tokyo.As I mentioned in my introduction I need to build a welding cart. I have a very small work space for welding, it will suit my needs just fine, if I take the time to make proper use of my space. My woodworking workshop in the basement is a case of 10lbs of potatoes in a 5 lbs sack, so I do have experience with making a small space work.I have three machines that I want on this welding cart, the first, I think on the bottom, as it is the heaviest and I don't use it so much is my Japanese stick welder,Good for heavy welding that my MIG has to work hard at, and for welding up ugly stuff.the second spot on the cart would be taken up by the plasma arc torch that I just bought.Yes an inexpensive off shore unit, but the company selling them here in Japan has been around a while and all they sell is welding equipment, they have good feedback here on the forums. About 1/4 the price of the "Good" Japanese units. Tools are very overpriced here in Japan.The top spot on the cart will be taken by my Hobart Handler 175. The stick welder is the heaviest, but the Hobart is the largest footprint, it is as wide as the stick welder and just longer than the plasma arc torch. I want something simple, and slim. I don't plan to move it around much, but it has to be mobile just the same, mainly over the 4" tile floor that I have. All three machines will run on 200V so I'm going to wire them into one box that my 200V extension cord will plug into. The MIG welder has a gas bottle, I use 100% CO2 as I get it free from my liquor shop. We use it on our customer's draught beer machines and after a rental or a festival I always get back bottles that are still half full, so free gas is hard to pass up. I do have another bottle that is the CO2/Argon mix, but it is expensive to fill and takes like a week, I call the guy, he comes and gets my bottle then returns in anywhere from 3 to 5 days. Also that bottle is now over ten years old, and I would have to pay to get it checked, which cost me $200, so I use the free CO2 gas. I have a regulator that is just for CO2.I have some 6" large wheels that I'm thinking of putting on the back side of the cart, with smaller swivel casters on the front, the basic design would be 1" heavy wall square tubing for each platform and then two pieces of rectangular tube that would go up on an angle from the back of the cart to the front, then on the front a handle to make moving the cart easier. I hope that design is clear, I saw one similar on the web somewhere, but cannot find it again!So the cart would look something like the letter "Ƶ". The bottom _ would be for the Stick Welder, the middle - for the plasma arc torch, and the top ¯ for the MIG welder.  The / would be the rectangular tubing that would hold it all together.What do you think?Thank you very much.Cheers!
Reply:OK, I've done some mocking up in wood.....There would be a handle on the front shelf by the MIG welder on top, and the gas bottle for the MIG would fit in the back, the bottle is a short one compared to most that I see for welders, as it is actually for beer. Do you think it will be strong enough? Maybe I'll have to add some struts to it?Something like this?I'm hoping to hot have to add struts like I did there, but maybe I'll have to, what do you think?Cheers!
Reply:I like your mock up  - the footprint will be very small compared to it's height. But you said it will be heavy on the bottom. You'll know if it is too tippy when you get it built - changing it if needed shouldn't be too hard.I do not think the extra struts would be needed - a couple small triangles in the corners should do it.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveI like your mock up  - the footprint will be very small compared to it's height. But you said it will be heavy on the bottom. You'll know if it is too tippy when you get it built - changing it if needed shouldn't be too hard.I do not think the extra struts would be needed - a couple small triangles in the corners should do it.
Reply:i would just make it a straight vertical cart with support on all 4 corners. The top shelf, being at that height, doesn't really need to be angled and the bottle will sit nice and flush up against that back.You don't need side access to the 2 bottom machines.never worry about its strength with 4 corner support Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Or put a post in straight down at that back and create a triangle out of it.
Reply:Why the diagonal "Z" frame?Why not just a vertical piece at each corner?The diagonal and its cantilever design concentrates loads and will require a heavier build than a conventional "post" design. Also with the heavy tube of the diagonal located at the cart's outside it may add width which will be a catch in crowded quarters.
Reply:Konbawa.  I understand the Z-style support arms...you want appearance, as well as function.  If that's what you want, I say go for it.  You just have to buy the steel heavy enough to do it.  You haven't mentioned what material you plan to use, so it would be difficult to figure out if it is 'strong enough.'  It can be made strong enough, just by using heavier material.  Looks cool.  I agree with not necessarily needing the top level to be at an angle, since it is already so tall.  In fact, it may be the middle and bottom units which may need to be angled up.  Overall, though, I think it is fine...just make sure you use strong enough steel to support that weight with just two supports.  What would be cool, since you live in Japan, is to come up with a way to have a bamboo appearance somehow.  I lived in Fussa, a suburb of Tokyo, for 3 years.  I miss the food of Japan, so I've had to learn to make it myself.  I make perfect tonkatsu, potato korokke, tempura, gyoza and takoyaki.  We also make our own sushi at home often enough, including tomago.  Getting ready to figure out some more Japanese dishes, like okonomiyaki, onigiri, katsudan and Japanese curry.KevLast edited by Machine_Punk; 11-19-2013 at 02:45 PM.Kevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:I didn't mean to post as a pile-on, when I started to compose my response #7 the thread was at reply #4. Had I seen #5 and # 6 I would have bowed out before posting.Still,  I truly don't get the punch-line of pursuing the angle design.  To take the "spring" out of the Z-design we're looking at gussets, a massive angle-support, and shelf frames built significantly  heavier to support cantilever loading. All this where four simple light vertical supports would easily and simply do the job. I guess I'm big on  form-follows-function, or more likely, form follows cheapest readily available material.  So to  my eye, if  creating the appearance of simplicity is at the expense of actual simplicity, and causes a design to become unnecessarily complex,  it just doesn't compute.To each his own, and I'm glad that others get it, but I just don't, I really don't. Maybe that side of my brain never developed? Regardless, I'll still be glad to pitch in whatever I can, but  I'd truly be interested in hearing what it is that I'm missing about the Z obsession? Machine_Punk, can you wise me up? What do you see when you look at the angle support?
Reply:I guess I also see the 'design' aspect of it...making something different, just to be different.  There is absolutely no problem with having form follow function...if that's what you want.  I know that in my shop, I want people to drop their jaw when they walk in.  But, I am a designer at heart.  I call my shop, The Aerodrome Studio, a metalworking studio...because whatever I design, I want it to be BOTH functional and artistic.  I know a lot of folks don't have time for that.  They use their shop to make a living.  For me, so far, it is a hobby.  Yes, I do hope to make some money with it someday, but for now, it is 'for me.'  I want my shop to be a place where I am inspired to create artisticly functional items.As an example, here is a bracket I recently built for a light over my workbench.  I could have chosen any old light, but I particularly like old dental lamps, made by Pelton & Crane around the 1950's.  I can remember being a kid in the dentist's chair, thinking, "That light is cool...I need to get one of those some day!"  While I CAN weld, I prefer to 'see' my joints...and my fastener of preference is the solid rivet.  I built projects for my shop using the exact same methods used to build aircraft.Now, all I really needed was a short piece of pipe, with a 1-11/16 inside diameter, welded to another piece of pipe, welded to a plate with holes to bolt it to the wall.  In fact, I can get something ready-made to fit this from Northern Tool for just a few dollars.  That just isn't the way I do things.  But I'm not putting food on the table with my projects.There are other times "I just gotta get it built."  And I make a very functional and practical design.  Here is my bracket to hold my portable band saw.  I had the 1/4" aluminum plate hanging around (from some other project...hmmm...what could that be?)  I also keep some plywood around, just in case.  I have a wonderful 'aircraft' design for a base for this band saw, but for now, I just need it to work right now.  So, someday I might build the fancy version.  For now, this is what I've got...So, yes, you can build a welding cart the same way everyone else does, with 4 posts on the corners...and take the sturdy, functional route.  For some folks, that's not enough.  I know my design for an Oxy-Acetylene bottle cart is like NOTHING I've ever seen before.  I haven't built it yet and I won't post the design until I do, but I've never seen anyone do it the way I plan.  For me, that is the ONLY way.  For you, tried and true might be best.  Either way is fine--and your way is just as good as mine, just different.  Peace!Proverbs 22:29KevLast edited by Machine_Punk; 11-19-2013 at 10:48 PM.Kevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Kev, I love it!  All of it.Miller Dynasty 200 DXMiller CP-300 with 30A feederHypertherm Powermax 900Oxy-fuel w/Harris torchesScotchman Glide-in bandsawMonarch 10EE latheEmi-Mec Autoturn latheDeckel FP2NC milling machinePro-Tools 105 Bender
Reply:Where are you going to put the tanks?     I would put the bottles on the rear of the cart and use some 10" or 12" wheels.. The cart for my 211i turned out ok, It's nothing special, no need to get elaborate with a welding cart..  I found the 2 drawer filing cabinet in a dumpster at Office Depot when I was looking for a large shipping box..  I bought the 10" wheels off ebay for $20 shipped, I had the front front casters (300lb rating), they came for Harbor Freight. I painted it with some black equipment enamel with an hvlp spray gun Attached Imagestackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Originally Posted by pbungumKev, I love it!  All of it.
Reply:Thanks for all the feed back, and Kev, you sir do nice work!Brucer, great cart, and the filing cabinet is a good idea, and the price was great!I'm VERY much the guy that makes things that function, the style is usually of secondary concern to me, if that  but I saw a cart somewhere (I cannot find it again!!) that was designed like this and I just thought, "Why Not?". It will not really take that much more work and it will look cool (I hope). If it is cool looking, functions well, and does not cost a lot more to make in either time or money, why not? It will also show off my skills (what little I have) and I am making some money out of my little hole in the wall, so I do have clients come by and when they see all the tools stuffed into my woodworking shop they are usually quite impressed. I know the guy from Cirque du Soleil told me later that after he saw my workshop he knew I was the carpenter they needed to fix the problem they were having. OK, back to the cart.Here is the steel I'll be using.....They use this stuff in Japan to build buildings out of, so it is not just regular mild steel tubing, it is harder than that, I'm not sure of the specs on it, but I know it is not just mild steel, it's tough stuff.Here is the cart mock up in the environment it would live in.I think it would be closer to the welding table in use, but we shall see.I'll also be building a welding table, you can see beside the cart leaning against the wall a 3' x 6' x 1/4" sheet of steel, that is what I can get locally without too much of a hassle, so I'll be using my Plasma Arc to cut it down to size a bit, the table you see in the background there is 45cm x 90cm, the new table will be 60cm x 120cm. The wall in the back ground is 153cm wide. I'll also be building a workstation for the chopsaw to sit on, that I can move out of the way. Mobility is something that I must have in this small space, and if need be I can also go outside into the parking area to work, but I would rather not, the neighbours might call the cops on me (no kidding)All the parts cut for the platforms. I'll weld them up then attach the wheels to the bottom platform, then dry fit the others with the rectangular tubes and some clamps.Cheers!Dragon D-150 Arc WelderHobart Handler 175 Set up with 100% CO²WT-60 Plasma Arc Panasonic TIG Star YC-300TWX-2 Panasonic YX-0092UW Water Cooler for the TIG
Reply:@ Stu - Go for it dude!  Design/build what YOU want, as Machine_Punk mentioned.  Aside:  sweet bracket build Kev!  The trade space for a cart is wide open.  Good on ya for the mockup.  You're executing the design spiral as envisioned.  Check out Jurgen's skeltonized cart posted at http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...1-Welding-cart for a variation on your theme.  I'm currently using an 80/20 aluminum cart for my Miller/Hypertherm equipment.  A 3-tier (static) system with UHMW shelving.  It's 3-levels to host MIG/TIG/Cooler/Plasma units.  Ripped a good deal on the stock material, and needed a cart ASAP.  However, one day the 80/20 will be repurposed for either a Brutus 10 brewery system or a CNC cutting system and....... a new cart a la Jurgen's will be welded.Best fortune with your build and may the odds be ever in your favor .Last edited by ManoKai; 11-20-2013 at 10:38 AM."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Thanks ManoKai!Here is where I got to tonight.....I hope to steal some time in the AM and get the front casters welded on then do some grinding and put a board on there as a temp platform. Next I'll place the arc welder in position and the gas cylinder as well and set up the next platform.My new plasma cutter should arrive tomorrow too!Cheers!Dragon D-150 Arc WelderHobart Handler 175 Set up with 100% CO²WT-60 Plasma Arc Panasonic TIG Star YC-300TWX-2 Panasonic YX-0092UW Water Cooler for the TIG
Reply:Okay, asthetically pleasing Z-frame it is, now let's move on with it.Lookin' good so far!A thought - With appearance a priority, wouldn't it add to both character and function if  instead of the Z-frames being stacked next to the shelves, with an add-on afterthought look, they were instead designed to be more  integral with the shelves?   What if the Z was made integral with the shelves, by bisecting the shelves where they  intersect  the Z? Or visa-verse. Either way the shelves' usable platform space would remain the same, while as a practical benefit the cart's width could be narrowed by 2X the Z-frame's width. Also, by intersecting, the tubes would be more equally loaded throughout, thus better utilizing their rectangular shape.As it is now, with just one side of each tube taking the brunt of the load, it's going to take the addition of lots of unsightly reinforcement to take the "spring" and "twist" out of the cart. Again, just a thought.Last edited by denrep; 11-20-2013 at 11:52 AM.
Reply:Hey, Stu-I lived in Tokyo for a while, too- near Arisugawa Park, Hiroo station. Can't remember the name of the subway line, dang it.If all four casters were swivelers, would that help out with maneuverability in a tight shop space?
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepOkay, asthetically pleasing Z-frame it is, now let's move on with it.Lookin' good so far!A thought - With appearance a priority, wouldn't it add to both character and function if  instead of the Z-frames being stacked next to the shelves, with an add-on afterthought look, they were instead designed to be more  integral with the shelves?   What if the Z was made integral with the shelves, by bisecting the shelves where they  intersect  the Z? Or visa-verse. Either way the shelves' usable platform space would remain the same, while as a practical benefit the cart's width could be narrowed by 2X the Z-frame's width. Also, by intersecting, the tubes would be more equally loaded throughout, thus better utilizing their rectangular shape.As it is now, with just one side of each tube taking the brunt of the load, it's going to take the addition of lots of unsightly reinforcement to take the "spring" and "twist" out of the cart. Again, just a thought.
Reply:If you want full points on this build, don't forget to add a beverage, uh, I mean coolant holder.  "USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I have a "triple stack" much like yours.  It holds my MM175 and my HT380, a bottom shelf for supplies, plus a top shelf for shims and handy support tools.  Also has loops on side for coiling leads, mounts for a bunch of c-clamps, and it's own self contained electrical circuit complete with 4 110V receptacles and air filtration for the plasma.  The back side mounts my tank.Main diff is mine uses a vertical support at one end instead of the diagonal, and it's built from bent round tube rather than mitered square.
Reply:I like the "z" frame adds a nice touch. Here is my cart before I painted it Lincoln red.... Before I get caught, the plasma on top is borrowed that's why its on a wood shelf and not mounted. Attached ImagesJobSmart MIG125Lincoln AC225-SLincoln Pro-Mig 175Dewalt GrindersRidgid ChopsawIR Garage Mate CompressorAny thing worth doing, is worth doing right.
Reply:Denrep that is a great idea, but maybe the platforms will be too narrow if I minus 30mm on each side????Dragon D-150 Arc WelderHobart Handler 175 Set up with 100% CO²WT-60 Plasma Arc Panasonic TIG Star YC-300TWX-2 Panasonic YX-0092UW Water Cooler for the TIG
Reply:I slapped this together from scrap. Seeing your mockup let me know I have no imagination. Good show .-Spike
Reply:Originally Posted by Stu In Tokyo. . .but maybe the platforms will be too narrow if I minus 30mm on each side????If you haven't cut the shelf frame metal tubing yet, you can readjust your dimensions to include having the "Z" strut overlap the tubing.  Just take all the design features into account, when you actually cut things.  You don't have to overlap much...just enough to give the idea.  You can overlap all the way (cut three sections on each side to make the Z strut), you would just need to adjust your other dimensions.  That is the cool thing about design...there are so many decisions to make.Looking forward to seeing whatever you come up with.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Here you go fellas. The Powcon is 80lbs. A Super32s, fully loaded sits right beside it. Another 65-70ish lbs. 1 1/2"x2 1/2"x1/8" No gussets or vertical support. Im going to add two reels and the bottom will hold another Powcon or My Arcon Workhorse. The Workhorse weighs 90lbs. It will be moved to the top upon completion. Ill never worry about it buckling...least till I put the engine in it.Arcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan
Reply:Originally Posted by blawless Here you go fellas. The Powcon is 80lbs. A Super32s, fully loaded sits right beside it. Another 65-70ish lbs. 1 1/2"x2 1/2"x1/8" No gussets or vertical support. Im going to add two reels and the bottom will hold another Powcon or My Arcon Workhorse. The Workhorse weighs 90lbs. It will be moved to the top upon completion. Ill never worry about it buckling...least till I put the engine in it.
Reply:Originally Posted by Machine_PunkIf you haven't cut the shelf frame metal tubing yet, you can readjust your dimensions to include having the "Z" strut overlap the tubing.  Just take all the design features into account, when you actually cut things.  You don't have to overlap much...just enough to give the idea.  You can overlap all the way (cut three sections on each side to make the Z strut), you would just need to adjust your other dimensions.  That is the cool thing about design...there are so many decisions to make.Looking forward to seeing whatever you come up with.Kev
Reply:First I did a test fit.... Then I tacked it all together....I then checked my sizes again, just to be sure and then welded it up solid.I can sit on the top shelf and bounce up and down and it does not flex much at all, and I'm a big boy, at about 120Kg.Crap pictures of passable welds, I'm welding with 100% CO2 if that changes anything.The gas bottle on the back is just sitting there, I did NOT move the cart with the bottle on it.Now I need to make the platforms for the shelves, I'm thinking just plywood painted black maybe, and then I have to figure out some cable holders of some kind.I'd appreciate some input on the cable holder front, pics if you got them The rack is VERY stable, I think I like it.Cheers!Dragon D-150 Arc WelderHobart Handler 175 Set up with 100% CO²WT-60 Plasma Arc Panasonic TIG Star YC-300TWX-2 Panasonic YX-0092UW Water Cooler for the TIG
Reply:Seems like with that setup you will be forced to either use small sized bottles OR extend the bottom shelf backwards to support a bigger bottle. Seems like a big one in place of the small one will not clear the Hobbart Handler on top.Mikel
Reply:Neat stuff!My welders all have their own carts. They are all big though and all stacked together it would be to heavy to move around.
Reply:Only thing I don't like is the goofy angles on the top two machines. Those angled mig carts came out angled up because they were  low so you could access the dials easier, no need to angle it when it is 4' tall. It also seems a bit odd putting the biggest machine on top, and the smallest on the bottom.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mikel_24Seems like with that setup you will be forced to either use small sized bottles OR extend the bottom shelf backwards to support a bigger bottle. Seems like a big one in place of the small one will not clear the Hobbart Handler on top.Mikel
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerOnly thing I don't like is the goofy angles on the top two machines. Those angled mig carts came out angled up because they were  low so you could access the dials easier, no need to angle it when it is 4' tall. It also seems a bit odd putting the biggest machine on top, and the smallest on the bottom.
Reply:Looks great!  Once I saw the frame tacked together, I knew you wouldn't need any gussets on that frame.  That is more than enough weld area to support that weight.For the handles in the front, I would do something like this, from the miller welder, if you have round tubing and the ability to bend it...  Just weld it on to the front of the second shelf.  Would serve as handles to move the For the shelving...you could use plywood.  Just weld little tabs inside the shelf frames, at the correct height to hold the plywood flush with the top of the frame.  You could use expanded metal too...just weld it in place on the top of the shelf frame.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Stu, what ideas do you have for reels or spool set up for the cables? I'm going to make a mini spool reel on mine like you see on a truck. Pos. will be "hot" on the cart. I'll mount it with standoff insulators. Your space is more limited so if you come up something I'd be glad to see it. The more crap I can make room for on mine......the better......right? I'll send more pics when I learn how to work a cell phone camera. Wife don't like walking to the shop at 10 below.Arcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan
Reply:I like it - nice design Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Thanks guys, this has really come together.It is basically done except for paint.I put two hooks on the right side of the cart to hold the MIG cable and gun and the Plasma cable and gunI put just one hook on the left side for the ground cables.In reality I use the MIG the most, and when I'm not using the Plasma I will put the cables back into the blue bag that they came in, which fits nicely beside the Plasma on the same shelf. That leaves just the MIG cable on the right side and the MIG ground cable on the left, much cleaner set up.You can also see the bent rod I put on the front as a handle, or to hang stuff from that I've not thought of yet.Here is the back of the cart. I put another bent rod on the back to hold the plug wires for the welders. I need to get another plug end for the stick welder, that is not set up yet.To keep the CO2 bottle in place I cut a round hole in a piece of 1" thick plywood I had and painted that black and added it to the plywood platform on the bottom shelf, then I cut a half circle with the Plasma torch in some 6mm thick plate I had and welded that to the back of the second shelf. I rolled a piece of flat bar and welded some tabs on it and put some bolts through some holes to hold it in place. No chain for my tank!Now I'll use if for a bit and see how it works, so far so good, then I'll paint it. I was also thinking of buying a BBQ cover for it just to keep the dust off it when not in use.Thanks for the suggestions and help.Cheers!Dragon D-150 Arc WelderHobart Handler 175 Set up with 100% CO²WT-60 Plasma Arc Panasonic TIG Star YC-300TWX-2 Panasonic YX-0092UW Water Cooler for the TIG
Reply:Originally Posted by Stu In TokyoFirst I did a test fit.... Then I tacked it all together....I then checked my sizes again, just to be sure and then welded it up solid.I can sit on the top shelf and bounce up and down and it does not flex much at all, and I'm a big boy, at about 120Kg.Crap pictures of passable welds, I'm welding with 100% CO2 if that changes anything.The gas bottle on the back is just sitting there, I did NOT move the cart with the bottle on it.Now I need to make the platforms for the shelves, I'm thinking just plywood painted black maybe, and then I have to figure out some cable holders of some kind.I'd appreciate some input on the cable holder front, pics if you got them The rack is VERY stable, I think I like it.Cheers!
Reply:Originally Posted by Stu In TokyoThanks guys, this has really come together.It is basically done except for paint.I put two hooks on the right side of the cart to hold the MIG cable and gun and the Plasma cable and gunI put just one hook on the left side for the ground cables.In reality I use the MIG the most, and when I'm not using the Plasma I will put the cables back into the blue bag that they came in, which fits nicely beside the Plasma on the same shelf. That leaves just the MIG cable on the right side and the MIG ground cable on the left, much cleaner set up.You can also see the bent rod I put on the front as a handle, or to hang stuff from that I've not thought of yet.Here is the back of the cart. I put another bent rod on the back to hold the plug wires for the welders. I need to get another plug end for the stick welder, that is not set up yet.To keep the CO2 bottle in place I cut a round hole in a piece of 1" thick plywood I had and painted that black and added it to the plywood platform on the bottom shelf, then I cut a half circle with the Plasma torch in some 6mm thick plate I had and welded that to the back of the second shelf. I rolled a piece of flat bar and welded some tabs on it and put some bolts through some holes to hold it in place. No chain for my tank!Now I'll use if for a bit and see how it works, so far so good, then I'll paint it. I was also thinking of buying a BBQ cover for it just to keep the dust off it when not in use.Thanks for the suggestions and help.Cheers!
Reply:My BBQ cover came!That should work just fine for keeping the dust off the machines when not in use. A buddy just bought a used grill and he has to keep it outside, no covered space, so he was going to order a cover, I thought that my triple stack cart set up was about the same size as his grill, so he ordered two covers. Cheap and easy way to keep my machines clean.Cheers!Dragon D-150 Arc WelderHobart Handler 175 Set up with 100% CO²WT-60 Plasma Arc Panasonic TIG Star YC-300TWX-2 Panasonic YX-0092UW Water Cooler for the TIG
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749That looks really good Stu. Hopefully the back wheels won't flatten out. I've had that problem with rubber tired wheels n the past. I use hard plastic or Phenolic now.I bet it's a trip living in Tokyo!
Reply:I have one too. Just got some paint on it. Attachment 560241                  Attachment 560271Composed of all left over material. Had to buy the ever popular harbor freight wheels.