Modify this cart to use as a welding cart?

[pnut333]

I can get this industrial cart for $20. I was thinking of modifying it to make a welding cart since all the materials are pretty much there, I would only need to add a few pieces of angle iron, so I would have a nice cart for cheap.

I would chop the base and made it the shelf width, then re-use 2 of the shelves with the lip up to contain stuff I set in/on the shelves. I attached a basic picture of my plans.

Any suggestions before I do it what to do/not to do? Anything I will need to add on, etc?

Since I'll be cutting the tank hole with a jigsaw, any suggestions on how to trim the hole opening so it's not sharp, or something to hold the tank tight? I don't want the tank jangling around, maybe some type of clamp?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/pnut333/atklender.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/pnut333/tankcartplans.jpg

[indulf]

you could always get some rubber fuel line and split it down the middle to use as a grommet for the tank hole. i'd weld a vertical bar between the two shelves and use a ratchet strap (one of the looped ones) to secure the tank.

[ironpig70]

i see a red x

[pnut333]

you could always get some rubber fuel line and split it down the middle to use as a grommet for the tank hole. i'd weld a vertical bar between the two shelves and use a ratchet strap (one of the looped ones) to secure the tank.

Perfect, thanks for the idea.

hmm, don't know what to say about the pictures not showing up, maybe photobucket is down or something temporarily. I see em now though.

[yager]

id start it like this, i think the offset shelfs makes it very useful, slide in small tool boxes. Hang hoses/cords, place for grinders, c-clamps etc..

[darkstar]

you must be using a small tank, or have a shop crane if you think you're going to lift it above the cart and drop it into a hole1. Just cut a semicircle and chain it in.

[ironpig70]

tanks are heavy!!!!!


as for a cord hook i'd go up with a pole?tubing and then make a braket for it to hang in kinda like an upside down "u" with the uprights at 45 degrees versus 90 degrees. one on each side. 1) for the gun of the welder and the second for an extension cord dedicated to the machine.

[pnut333]

you must be using a small tank, or have a shop crane if you think you're going to lift it above the cart and drop it into a hole1. Just cut a semicircle and chain it in.


The tank is about 3 feet tall. It weighs about 90lbs full. I carried it to my pickup myself when I got it the other day. I thought about a semi circle, but that would break the lip of the tray making it less stiff, and moving it a bit inboard would help (I hope) the weight balance.

[jmhinescj]

I'd do it like Yager pictured above...weld a few pieces of angle onto a piece of plate to hold the bottom and a piece with a semicircle cut out of it and a chain to secure the top of the bottle.

what kinda welder are you puttin on here?

[Static-XJ]

Much larger wheels.

[pnut333]

I'd do it like Yager pictured above...weld a few pieces of angle onto a piece of plate to hold the bottom and a piece with a semicircle cut out of it and a chain to secure the top of the bottle.

what kinda welder are you puttin on here?

I'm putting a Hobart 180. Just got it for Xmas. It is a little bigger than the shelves, so I am going to have to chop and weld it up.

I have some pneumatic tires (kind of like kiddie bicycle tires) but I'm not sure if they can bear the weight (air filled), plus I have to figure out how to make the front 2 turn. I do like the idea of bigger softer tires.

Thanks for the advice. I added a list of stuff I want to be able to put on it, like welding blanket, helmet, xtension cords and stuff. I'll post up when I'm done.

BTW - they sold me the rack for $10. Pretty cool.

[LandCroozer]

http://www.allterraincarts.com/images/cart01.jpg

These are pretty nice. www.allterraincarts.com

-t

[WIX]

This one took me about 2 hours to make. All the steel was left over from other projects, the casters were from an old bed frame. My sp-125 will sit next to the 180 power mig.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j224/wixjp_photos/cart2.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j224/wixjp_photos/cart.jpg
its no where as nice as some of the carts ive seen fabed on here but it was quick and easy.

[pnut333]

For those who have no pivoting/turning wheels, is it a problem?

One thing I'm thinking about it is using some nice big pneumatic tires, but they would all roll straight ahead. I think I want swivel, but thought I would ask.

[Landslide]

I'd have at least two swivels and I'd also put on a grab handle to help move it around the shop.

[pnut333]

Here it is, finished. I will paint it in the spring, when there isn't 3 feet of snow on the ground and 2 degrees outside (no kidding). You can see I sized it to fit in a specific place in the garage.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/pnut333/smallDSCF4068-2.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/pnut333/smallDSCF4072.jpg

[guidolyons]

Not bad for $10 and a little time. Looks good.

[rcurrier44]

Looks good, going to be a pain to change a spool of wire though....I would keep it on the top level.

[pnut333]

Looks good, going to be a pain to change a spool of wire though....I would keep it on the top level.

Funny....I accomodated for the door opening on the side, and then went a put a hook right there. Oh well, no big deal. If it becomes a problem, I'll figure another solution (like putting the welder on top).

I left the top open since I like that as a work surface for brackets, pens, tape measure, etc. while I am working on a project.

[dubbyx]

I picked up one of these at a surplus sale a few years ago. The plastic seats were cracked and faded so the mall couldn't use it anymore. It's been sitting in my backyard taking up space since the kids outgrew strollers.

http://www.csltd.com/kiddieKab/images/detail_yellow2.gif

I got the idea not too long ago to modify it into a mig cart. I removed the seats, cut out the crossbar between them, and dropped some supports down on the central rail to sit the welder on. Tank (if I had one on this machine) would fit nicely between the handle and back of welder. Best part about this is that I can roll the thing over anything. It'll tilt up to clear hoses or bumps, it rolls freely enough on my gravel drive, and since the wheels are solid I don't have to worry about pneumatics. No pics of the actual unit, but I reckon you could get the idea.