Great Idea! Thanks for sharing this excellent solution. I've been looking through too many, and thanks to you I've finally found how I'd like to add legs to my workbench
Great idea! I can hear the wood on wood rubbing when you activate the lever, and some have suggested a cladding of metal. A very easy solution would be to put some candle wax on the rubbing surfaces, to act as a lubricant. Works wonders on drawers, and should also be effective here.
Very smart cam mechanism. I'd opt to center the mechanism for a couple reasons... no protrusion so easier to sweep around, force on the wheels and hinges evenly distributed, and easy access with table against a wall. That said, great design - thanks for sharing.
So far, I have not had a single issue with this system. Granted, I rarely move it at all but if I need to change the space in the shop or have an odd sized piece, it works like a charm.
This is the greatest video in the internet. I'm definately doing this! .. only for mine I'm going to have the level arm thing be removable so it doesn't get in the way. Great stuff man. You deserve 3 beers.
Nice job and a great solution. How about replacing the handle with a short steel tube on the cam that you can slide a longer tube into to giving you a removable handle. That way you won't limit your under table access. And as you said, you don't need it often.
GREAT, brilliant idea and execution. I MUST copy it. However, I would change the orientation of the arm, so when not in use it would be out of the way, to allow you to reach to whatever is on the bottom shelf. Horizontal seems to be the most logical position for the arm, which would rise to 45 degrees when lifting the table. And I would say the notch isn´t necessary. Wonderful idea, anyway.
I like the tilt board to raise and lower the casters. On the lever, my preference would be something that I could step on to engage and release, and which would not block the shelf as this one does. You could glue and screw a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 18" lever to the end of the 2x6 that the wheels are mounted on, running left to right, parallel to and with a 1/4" gap between it and the front edge of the shelf, with its left end attached to the tilt board, its right end up even with the shelf's surface (if I'm judging accurately by your video). You could then push the lever down with your foot until it's flat and horizontal, raising the workbench up on the extended wheels as you do here with this lever. To hold the right end of the lever in that down position, just attach a small scrap of 1/2" plywood as a catch (say 4" tall x 2" wide ) to the front surface of the shelf near the right end of the lever, hanging down far enough for its bottom edge to engage the lever in the down position, holding the lever horizontal. If you bevel slightly the bottom edge of the plywood so its front surface is lower than the back surface that's touching the shelf (sort of like an upside-down French cleat), then cut a shallow matching 2" groove in the top surface of the lever to engage this beveled edge, this will help prevent accidentally knocking the lever loose from the plywood catch and dropping the bench that half inch or so. There will be enough front/back flex of the lever to push it down with your foot past the 1/2" thickness of the plywood piece, and catch it under the plywood scrap's bottom edge (since there's already a 1/4" gap with the front of the shelf, the lever only has to flex out 1/4" to clear the plywood catch). It will also be easy to disengage the lever by pushing the lever down slightly and rolling or pulling your foot away from the shelf to clear the plywood catch, then raise your foot as the weight of the bench would cause the lever to push your foot upward, retracting the wheels and lowering the bench onto its legs. Sorry for the lengthy description there. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I believe I almost made it! :)
Not only practical, from a Woodworkers perspective it looks the best on a wood workbench or a cart sometimes it is the simple things that because of their cleanliness look the best. Than a overly complicated mechanism ! Norm Abrams years ago Built a bench out of mostly plywood. And. Had a similar style wheel system on the legs I'm pretty sure it was on a New Yankee Workshop episode many years ago ? Before UA-cam i was a big fan of that show and some other PBS shows
Have you considered putting the notch that stops the rotation of the lever to be further so the 'rest point' of the lever, when not engaging the wheels, would be below the edge of the bottom shelf so it wouldn't interfere with your access to that shelf?
Nice! Works better than I would have thought with one-side activation. Traditionally it's the caster that locks - and there are some very effective locking mechanisms available about $12 ea that stops both axes rotation. That would be necessary / desireable for some designs.
Great design and execution. Only issue I see is the handle is a bit in the way of using the bottom shelf. I’d redesign it with a cam so that it’s down and out of the way when the wheels are up. And maybe have a peg for using your foot to operate? Otherwise, great idea running the 2x6 inside the legs out of the way.
I really love this build! But I do notice that the caster on the far side seems to be making lighter contact without pressure on that side as well. Also, over time I fear that the crossbar will twist. I know it's only in use when the device is being moved, but I think eventually it could be a problem. A simple fix would be one on each side, with a bracket at the end and a dowel that connects them. That way, pulling back on the dowel as a handle you activate both sides together. But all in all, a very elegant design.
just curious, but it looks to me like the lever is in the way when the legs are down. wouldn't it be better to allow it to come all the way level with the shelf?
That is why I put the sleeve into the hole. The bolt hits the metal sleeve so it will not wear out. I do not move it very often anyway so wearing out is not a problem for my table. Thanks.
I did something very similar to this yesterday for a work bench Im building for 3 heavy grinders in a machine shop. I found that adding a strip of metal to the hinged board for the lever to ride against greatly reduces friction and premature wear. Doesnt have to be anything special but thin is easier to work with, I suppose an alum can would work in a pinch, someone else used a soup can that they flattened out. Simple design, that works.
Nice! Yep im using it. I wonder how it would work if the lever wasn't held on with a nut but just slide the bolt in to move the bench then remove the lever when not needed and perhaps hang it on the side of the bench? I've been looking for an idea like this for a while. Big Thank You!!
Couldn't you turn the castor carrier around, so the part that needs to be depressed is facing out towards the end of the table? That way you could depress it with your foot whilst you lift the bench a little. The board wouldn't need to project at the side, and the 'treadle' would be out of the way 'guarded' by the bench top overhang. Just a thought. Thanks for the video.
I copied this great system, best diy on the net, although my table is so heavy that using the lever to lift it is not practical without straining, so I use a jack to assist raising the table in order to put it into roller mode. Everything else works great and fortunately I don't need to move it very often, at least it is now "portable" in the shop.
Sweet. I thought i had just thought of something new, retractable wheels, I'm wanting to build my sons a Lego table that opens up with storage, and thought of pulling a circle ended lever... wait, let me not share my ideas 🤣 unless you're going to build it and sell it to me 👀💁🏽💲
I suppose there's necessarily gonna be uneven strain on the wheel-block since the lever only presses the near side. Let us know how it's held up over the years, cuz it looks like a neat, clean solution.
What you built is a trip hazard sticking out the front of your work bench. You also have the lever going the wrong way, so instead of pushing down, you are pushing to the side, which is why your bench is moving when you try to raise it.
Great idea! To keep total access to the bottom shelf, could the wood be cut flush and then a pice of rebar or similar bar could be inserted into a perpendicular hole in the wood. The bar would be removable and placed out of the way.
+redfishbum Either that, or you could get rid of the little hook catch, and allow the handle to pivot all the way down to be level with the shelf cross member (with a catch to rest it on). Either way works, but this way, you don't have to keep track of the handle.
+redfishbum Either that, or you could get rid of the little hook catch, and allow the handle to pivot all the way down to be level with the shelf cross member (with a catch to rest it on). Either way works, but this way, you don't have to keep track of the handle.
Check out New Yankee Workshop season 14 "Work Table and Clamp Cart". This version the wheels lock into place when you lift the end of the table. Then pull a rope to drop it back down.
The wheels are attached to the two 2x6 boards so there is a wheel under each corner. I put the arm level under two opposite corners and that works fine.
its needs protection for wearing out on the piece thats holding the wheels because when your bench is heavy the friction between the handle bar and the tableboard, like thin metal sheets .
pretty simple solution to my same problem....making my heavy workbench mobile when necessary. So, I assume you have this hinge/lever setup on both ends of the table?
Rockler markets a set of casters that are foot activated that will raise your item and allow you to roll it around. They are $80 though but do not obstruct the bottom of the workbench.
Right now, I just have on on this end and one on the opposite end of the table. Used heavy duty hinges, huge bolt, and 2x6 rather than 2x4 for more durability. Time will tell I guess. Also, I made it so the gap between the table and board with the wheels is the perfect size to put a 2x4 block if I am keeping it on the wheels for an extended amount of time to take the weight. Mainly, it is easy to do with one person.
Hey man you don't have plans online for this or you could email me do you? Sharing my bench with someone 1' shorter so i need casters without the height penalty.
what happens if you lower the table when the casters are pointing in the opposite direction? do they jam? i.e., in your video, the casters are oriented in the optimal position (wheels pointing to the right) when you raise the table, and they're still there when you lower it. seems like it wouldn't work as well if they were pointed to the left before you lower it. if nothing else,it seems like the table will fall to the side a bit as the casters swivel to their resting spot.
I intend to make a router table and store it under a bench and use 2 levers in tandem so that when it's under the bench I can take the weight off the hinges
I can see a problem with tripping over the devise as it protrdues from the sides of the bench...unsafe when working with power tools...figure out a way to hide the mechanics under the shelf and I'd give it a big thumbs up
I did not regret adding retractable wheels to my workbench until I saw your video. I now wish I had seen your brilliant idea first.
Great Idea! Thanks for sharing this excellent solution. I've been looking through too many, and thanks to you I've finally found how I'd like to add legs to my workbench
This is the simplest one I've seen yet. Great job!
Great idea! I can hear the wood on wood rubbing when you activate the lever, and some have suggested a cladding of metal. A very easy solution would be to put some candle wax on the rubbing surfaces, to act as a lubricant. Works wonders on drawers, and should also be effective here.
That's a very clever design. Necessity is truly the mother of invention!
Very smart cam mechanism. I'd opt to center the mechanism for a couple reasons... no protrusion so easier to sweep around, force on the wheels and hinges evenly distributed, and easy access with table against a wall. That said, great design - thanks for sharing.
Very clever! Good work sir!
So far, I have not had a single issue with this system. Granted, I rarely move it at all but if I need to change the space in the shop or have an odd sized piece, it works like a charm.
This is the greatest video in the internet. I'm definately doing this! .. only for mine I'm going to have the level arm thing be removable so it doesn't get in the way. Great stuff man. You deserve 3 beers.
Great idea and design, thank you for sharing it with the woodworking community,
L
Nice inexpensive mobile base setup. Good use of a cam and lever system.
Nice job and a great solution. How about replacing the handle with a short steel tube on the cam that you can slide a longer tube into to giving you a removable handle. That way you won't limit your under table access. And as you said, you don't need it often.
Good idea thanks for sharing. This gave me an idea on how to do something similar for my table saw.
GREAT, brilliant idea and execution. I MUST copy it.
However, I would change the orientation of the arm, so when not in use it would be out of the way, to allow you to reach to whatever is on the bottom shelf. Horizontal seems to be the most logical position for the arm, which would rise to 45 degrees when lifting the table. And I would say the notch isn´t necessary.
Wonderful idea, anyway.
I like the tilt board to raise and lower the casters. On the lever, my preference would be something that I could step on to engage and release, and which would not block the shelf as this one does.
You could glue and screw a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 18" lever to the end of the 2x6 that the wheels are mounted on, running left to right, parallel to and with a 1/4" gap between it and the front edge of the shelf, with its left end attached to the tilt board, its right end up even with the shelf's surface (if I'm judging accurately by your video). You could then push the lever down with your foot until it's flat and horizontal, raising the workbench up on the extended wheels as you do here with this lever.
To hold the right end of the lever in that down position, just attach a small scrap of 1/2" plywood as a catch (say 4" tall x 2" wide ) to the front surface of the shelf near the right end of the lever, hanging down far enough for its bottom edge to engage the lever in the down position, holding the lever horizontal. If you bevel slightly the bottom edge of the plywood so its front surface is lower than the back surface that's touching the shelf (sort of like an upside-down French cleat), then cut a shallow matching 2" groove in the top surface of the lever to engage this beveled edge, this will help prevent accidentally knocking the lever loose from the plywood catch and dropping the bench that half inch or so.
There will be enough front/back flex of the lever to push it down with your foot past the 1/2" thickness of the plywood piece, and catch it under the plywood scrap's bottom edge (since there's already a 1/4" gap with the front of the shelf, the lever only has to flex out 1/4" to clear the plywood catch). It will also be easy to disengage the lever by pushing the lever down slightly and rolling or pulling your foot away from the shelf to clear the plywood catch, then raise your foot as the weight of the bench would cause the lever to push your foot upward, retracting the wheels and lowering the bench onto its legs.
Sorry for the lengthy description there. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I believe I almost made it! :)
Not only practical, from a Woodworkers perspective it looks the best on a wood workbench or a cart sometimes it is the simple things that because of their cleanliness look the best. Than a overly complicated mechanism ! Norm Abrams years ago Built a bench out of mostly plywood. And. Had a similar style wheel system on the legs I'm pretty sure it was on a New Yankee Workshop episode many years ago ? Before UA-cam i was a big fan of that show and some other PBS shows
Have you considered putting the notch that stops the rotation of the lever to be further so the 'rest point' of the lever, when not engaging the wheels, would be below the edge of the bottom shelf so it wouldn't interfere with your access to that shelf?
Nice! Works better than I would have thought with one-side activation. Traditionally it's the caster that locks - and there are some very effective locking mechanisms available about $12 ea that stops both axes rotation. That would be necessary / desireable for some designs.
Excellent idea 💡
Many thanks 😊
Great design and execution. Only issue I see is the handle is a bit in the way of using the bottom shelf. I’d redesign it with a cam so that it’s down and out of the way when the wheels are up. And maybe have a peg for using your foot to operate? Otherwise, great idea running the 2x6 inside the legs out of the way.
I really love this build! But I do notice that the caster on the far side seems to be making lighter contact without pressure on that side as well. Also, over time I fear that the crossbar will twist. I know it's only in use when the device is being moved, but I think eventually it could be a problem.
A simple fix would be one on each side, with a bracket at the end and a dowel that connects them. That way, pulling back on the dowel as a handle you activate both sides together. But all in all, a very elegant design.
very practical. Great idea. thanks for sharing
SO SMART! sometimes you just gotta do it yourself!!! Awesome ingenuity!!!
Ingenious! thank you for posting.
Thank's , very clever and simple ^^
Awesome project! Thanks for sharing
simple and easy, thanks so much for sharing
Very Good!.
just curious, but it looks to me like the lever is in the way when the legs are down. wouldn't it be better to allow it to come all the way level with the shelf?
That is why I put the sleeve into the hole. The bolt hits the metal sleeve so it will not wear out. I do not move it very often anyway so wearing out is not a problem for my table. Thanks.
I did something very similar to this yesterday for a work bench Im building for 3 heavy grinders in a machine shop. I found that adding a strip of metal to the hinged board for the lever to ride against greatly reduces friction and premature wear. Doesnt have to be anything special but thin is easier to work with, I suppose an alum can would work in a pinch, someone else used a soup can that they flattened out. Simple design, that works.
Nice work. Thanks for the inspiration.
Nice! Yep im using it. I wonder how it would work if the lever wasn't held on with a nut but just slide the bolt in to move the bench then remove the lever when not needed and perhaps hang it on the side of the bench? I've been looking for an idea like this for a while. Big Thank You!!
Couldn't you turn the castor carrier around, so the part that needs to be depressed is facing out towards the end of the table? That way you could depress it with your foot whilst you lift the bench a little. The board wouldn't need to project at the side, and the 'treadle' would be out of the way 'guarded' by the bench top overhang. Just a thought. Thanks for the video.
I copied this great system, best diy on the net, although my table is so heavy that using the lever to lift it is not practical without straining, so I use a jack to assist raising the table in order to put it into roller mode. Everything else works great and fortunately I don't need to move it very often, at least it is now "portable" in the shop.
Un'idea geniale e utile, complimenti.
I like it - I wish I had room for a 4 x 8 table in my shop! :)
NIce job, I'd only add some kind of hook or starp on the upper part of the lever, to secure it against the leg, when in lifted position.
Sweet. I thought i had just thought of something new, retractable wheels, I'm wanting to build my sons a Lego table that opens up with storage, and thought of pulling a circle ended lever... wait, let me not share my ideas 🤣 unless you're going to build it and sell it to me 👀💁🏽💲
I suppose there's necessarily gonna be uneven strain on the wheel-block since the lever only presses the near side. Let us know how it's held up over the years, cuz it looks like a neat, clean solution.
What you built is a trip hazard sticking out the front of your work bench. You also have the lever going the wrong way, so instead of pushing down, you are pushing to the side, which is why your bench is moving when you try to raise it.
What a great concept
Good job.
Great idea!
To keep total access to the bottom shelf, could the wood be cut flush and then a pice of rebar or similar bar could be inserted into a perpendicular hole in the wood. The bar would be removable and placed out of the way.
+redfishbum Either that, or you could get rid of the little hook catch, and allow the handle to pivot all the way down to be level with the shelf cross member (with a catch to rest it on). Either way works, but this way, you don't have to keep track of the handle.
+redfishbum Either that, or you could get rid of the little hook catch, and allow the handle to pivot all the way down to be level with the shelf cross member (with a catch to rest it on). Either way works, but this way, you don't have to keep track of the handle.
Brilliant ! Of coarse you know we're all stealing this. "u"
Check out New Yankee Workshop season 14 "Work Table and Clamp Cart". This version the wheels lock into place when you lift the end of the table. Then pull a rope to drop it back down.
Brilhante! parabéns pela brilhante ideia.
I agree with hdjoshua24 your talents could be more utilized in a guild....I hear the one in Greenville is ROCKIN!!
The wheels are attached to the two 2x6 boards so there is a wheel under each corner. I put the arm level under two opposite corners and that works fine.
good job
good idea
Did you install the wheels/hinge system on all 4 legs?
its needs protection for wearing out on the piece thats holding the wheels because when your bench is heavy the friction between the handle bar and the tableboard, like thin metal sheets .
that's smart howd you learn how to do that?
pretty simple solution to my same problem....making my heavy workbench mobile when necessary. So, I assume you have this hinge/lever setup on both ends of the table?
crazy awesome design
nice
But theres that board in the way always. Rather use locking wheels instead.
Rockler markets a set of casters that are foot activated that will raise your item and allow you to roll it around. They are $80 though but do not obstruct the bottom of the workbench.
BUT they DO take out your ankles . . .
Very clever.
So, do you have some pics of what you have on the other side of the bench to assist with mobility? I`m curious of what the other end looks like. Thx
The other handle is on the opposite corner from this one. Each is on the left hand side as you face the table.
Cool!
I think I would make that knotch further back so that handle is out of the way. Won't help what I'm looking for though.
No way one would be tripping over the protruding timber all the time.
Right now, I just have on on this end and one on the opposite end of the table. Used heavy duty hinges, huge bolt, and 2x6 rather than 2x4 for more durability. Time will tell I guess. Also, I made it so the gap between the table and board with the wheels is the perfect size to put a 2x4 block if I am keeping it on the wheels for an extended amount of time to take the weight. Mainly, it is easy to do with one person.
Hey man you don't have plans online for this or you could email me do you?
Sharing my bench with someone 1' shorter so i need casters without the height penalty.
I mean the part below that sir:D
Nice vid
The table top is wider than the devise sticking out. Never had any trouble whatsoever with it being a problem. Thanks for the comments!
what happens if you lower the table when the casters are pointing in the opposite direction? do they jam? i.e., in your video, the casters are oriented in the optimal position (wheels pointing to the right) when you raise the table, and they're still there when you lower it. seems like it wouldn't work as well if they were pointed to the left before you lower it. if nothing else,it seems like the table will fall to the side a bit as the casters swivel to their resting spot.
Gig
Bravo, semplice ma efficace
that is slick!!! Love it! TY for sharing this idea!! *)
just breliant thanks man
I intend to make a router table and store it under a bench and use 2 levers in tandem so that when it's under the bench I can take the weight off the hinges
la simpleza de la inteligencia.
The first thing I thought when I saw it was that You could probably cut off a couple inches pretty easily so it doesn't stick out so far.
I don't like as that pedal stay in the way. Perfect stuff to stumble to.
Great idea. and also looks like a smiling whale! BONUS!
I was going to write a suggestion of doing exactly what dmstrat suggested. Then nothing was in the way of reaching things on the bottom shelf.
I can see a problem with tripping over the devise as it protrdues from the sides of the bench...unsafe when working with power tools...figure out a way to hide the mechanics under the shelf and I'd give it a big thumbs up
Looks a little awkward, why not just use locking casters?
Because locking casters are not as stable as solid legs. They never lock well enough, they are ok for some applications, but not a work bench
Weighs a ... lot!
That's genius
I was desperately searching for a downloadable virus for my new computer. Thanks!
who the hell didnt like the video?
Well I be dipped in shit!