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View Full Version : Help me design a welding cart



wozz
04-29-2009, 02:55 AM
So I just got a Millermatic 211 for $775 :icon_super::icon_super:

So naturally I have to break it in right by making a welding cart.

I am thinking that I want to something that puts the welder low enough so that if I am laying under a jeep I can adjust settings with out standing up but also if I am welding standing/sitting its still not a pain to change settings.

Also I would like there to be a bottom drawer to store my helmet, wire. etc. Instead of building this I was wondering if there is a single drawer metal filing cabinet I can start off of or get an old one and start hacking away?

Here's a rough idea:

http://s128.photobucket.com/albums/p166/ewozz/th_Weldingcart.jpg

I still need to add a handle to wheel it around. A tank retainer will also be added.

At this point I am just kicking around ideas and I am open to suggestions. Post pics/knowledge of what works for you.

mxg342
04-29-2009, 07:37 AM
The one I built has two shelves. The bottom one is longer to accomodate the tank. My welder sits on the top shelf and the plasma sits on the bottom shelf. I hand my helmet on the tank valve and wrap the cords and leads on the sides of the cart.

xeccllc
05-07-2009, 12:26 AM
i went to harbor frieght and bought a shop cart for 20.00 bucks.. welder sits on top and all welding stuff goes on the lower shelf and beside the welder

Peccavi18
05-07-2009, 03:25 AM
Since I weld outside I bought one of the expanded metal carts rated at 800lbs and modded it with a stainless welding shelf on top and room to carry 2 helmets and extra wire and such. I may move the shelf around abit to fit my chop saw and a medium vise on there but that is all because I weld in the yard on the other end of the house from where the garage and all my other tools are.

joshs1ofakindxj
05-07-2009, 08:08 AM
Wozz...get a trailer hitch for your jeep and we can put this cart on a trailer axle so you can haul this thing around!

wozz
05-07-2009, 01:48 PM
i went to harbor frieght and bought a shop cart for 20.00 bucks.. welder sits on top and all welding stuff goes on the lower shelf and beside the welder

yea I'm thinking along those lines. Only I like the one with the drawers in the middle.

Is there any problems with laying the shielding gas tank flat as long as it is strapped down and reg/valve is protected? I don't think it would matter.

jeepxj3
05-07-2009, 04:26 PM
You should never leave a tank flat, its a safety issue. IIRC acetylene gas has some sort of clay liner to the tank and should always be stored upright and if ever left laying down needs to sit before use. Just somthing I was always told when I worked for West Penn Laco.

wozz
05-07-2009, 09:36 PM
I know about the acetone in acetylene.

wozz
08-17-2009, 07:30 PM
So I finally had a day to go home, and get this thing done. I get a cart on sale at harbor freight and made a few mods:

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs181.snc1/6011_119461029038_655819038_2489820_308080_n.jpg

Here's the cart I started with.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs181.snc1/6011_119464254038_655819038_2489861_5495918_n.jpg

Notice the wood table burning underneath lol. I thought there was enough hanging off the side to get a pic before it got too hot. Oh well live and learn. This actually reminds me of that brake cleaner article since the burning paint gave off fumes, I should have known better.

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs181.snc1/6011_119464259038_655819038_2489862_413873_n.jpg

Tank holder.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs161.snc1/6011_119466309038_655819038_2489891_280457_n.jpg

I had to cut the top shelf to open the side of the welder, So I added 2x4 and cross bracing.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs161.snc1/6011_119466324038_655819038_2489893_6081846_n.jpg

trailerrails
08-17-2009, 07:38 PM
Wow, that is a pretty nice setup. I think I need to make a trip to harbor freight. I have the little welding cart here but it is overloaded. I have 2 welders on it and the casters don't like all the weight. I think I'll get something like that and put some bigger casters on there. A couple bottle holders and it will be a sweet setup.

oldschoolyotaguy
08-24-2009, 06:42 PM
im diggin it...ive always liked seeing people NOT just go buy shit and make things on the cheap instead, plus you got a couple drawers to put pliers, wire, brushes, extra clear shields for the front of the hood, safety glasses, ear plugs, etc in... and they're free of sparks/dust

:thumbsup: