Mobile base for HF lathe

Is this what you are looking for?
http://www.mcmaster.com/#leveling-casters/=fkpwak

Ron, these would work, but are more than I want to spend. I am looking for a more inexpensive alternative. I appreciate your help though and will keep these in mind for other applications.

Gary

-- Garyb6, “True simplicity does not reveal the tremendous effort it requires.” - Somerset Maugham

Here’s a different approach. That lathe has a shipping weight of only 175 lbs., so I would guess after uncrating it’s probably only about 160 lbs. That means that the legs on that will be kind of spindly, in my opinion. Bad to put wheels on of any kind. Screwing the lathe legs on a plywood platform would help initially to stablize the legs.
Then, considering you will probably move it not more than 3-4 times a week, I’d consider the furniture sliders that are foam in shallow nylon cups. Just tip the lathe back a little, slide in the cups, and push it where you want it. Remove them when you get where you are going. I’ve actually moved my Powermatic 34” lathe with these, and it weighs over 700 lbs.
A box of them from Harbor freight is only about 5 bucks, if I remember right.

-- Paul, Tennessee, http://www.tsunamiguitars.com

The only thing I have seen that looks like it would do the trick is this item - lathe lift it is a bit pricey….but it will do what you want if for. You could make your own…a bit more daunting a task….but you can use this item for some ideas.

-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!

How about a mobile base like for a contractor saw put adjustable to fit the legs of your lathe. Move drop down, lift move back to spot when not in use. Rocker has them, Amazon and they start at $50.
Maybe Harbor Freight has them also.

-- mrg

Reggie your item is along the lines of what I was thinking about. Only shop made.

Paul your idea is intreging and I may give it a shot. Both cheap and easy. My kind of solution!

I knew you guys would have some good ideas. Any others?

Gary

-- Garyb6, “True simplicity does not reveal the tremendous effort it requires.” - Somerset Maugham

I own that lathe, and like it, but hate the base… You might want to seriously consider building a mobile bench to mount the lathe to. That way you can add rigidity, mass, and storage while you also ass your mobility. Wins all the way around!

-- Manufacturer of fine quality sawdust since 1984. Comments and advice on my shop welcome. Check it out at http://lumberjocks.com/dbhost/workshop. Gladly accepting shop build donations!

dbhost, I thought exactly that when I looked that lathe up online. HF stands are nortorious for being weak. But he wanted inexpensive, so I gave him inexpensive! I keep my Powermatic in one spot and have a roll-around cart for all the tools lathe people collect. (which surprisingly, is a lot!) I did, however find a great magnetic light at HF that I can put almost anywhere on my lathe. Outstanding for seeing those tight corners!

-- Paul, Tennessee, http://www.tsunamiguitars.com

Thanks guys. I am going to rethink my approach. I actually have a stand that I built for my old Craftsman lathe. However I was planning to turn it into a buffer station. Maybe I will add some type of wheel mechanism and put the new lathe on it. Something to think about. Thanks again for the ideas and comments.

Gary

-- Garyb6, “True simplicity does not reveal the tremendous effort it requires.” - Somerset Maugham