I bought the same cart from Northern Tool based on the advertised capacity. Also had a severe warp in the top. We have the large FD. Adding 1/2 plywood on top didn't help much. I just built a stand out of 4x4s for legs and 2x12 lumber for the top. Much better! I made a shelf for the pump mid way to the top.
Rather than buying a cart I strongly suggest making one. It's probably the easiest wood working project you can do and you can get all the cuts done at the hardware store if you don't have a tool to cut it. I made my cart for about $35 in materials, although it was all free materials to me since it was out of scrap.
@@Philat4800feet For sure, that's definitely the way to go. If I ever get the wiring done in my house to accept the X-large I think I will probably weld up a cart as well. I'm thinking something kind of like a double decker with the X large on bottom and the old medium on top and the tooling on side shelves. So far I haven't quite outgrown the medium yet though. I get pinched when the garden harvest happens, but the freezer kind of slows the spoilage enough to make it work. Trying to get my friends into food emergency storage. If they start taking it more seriously the X large upgrade will be helpful for us.
I laughed out loud when I saw your title on this video. Not at you ... with you. I had the same problem with a very similar problem with my cart purchased from Uline. It met the weight spec and actually has a thicker top with substantial webbing molded into the top, but part of the webbing parted after several years and my cart looked very much like yours. Melamine offcuts from years of shelf building, and my table saw, saved the day for me. Not pretty, but sturdy.
I had the same problem and put some 1x6 planks I had on hand across the top and over the raised bit on the sides. With the second freeze dryer, I put it on a washing machine pedestal that I had saved. It worked better for me because I am 5'2". It doesn't roll but I never move either machine so it isn't a problem.
There are pros and cons on the location of the pump. The lower the pump the easier for food particulates to enter the pump. I did a study, kind of technical, on this subject: ua-cam.com/video/kcXvetyutew/v-deo.html
I'm using a single floor cabinet with a cupboard and drawer with harbor freight coaster wheels installed, very sturdy, works great
I got mine from harbor freight and it doesn’t sag.
I bought the same cart from Northern Tool based on the advertised capacity. Also had a severe warp in the top. We have the large FD. Adding 1/2 plywood on top didn't help much. I just built a stand out of 4x4s for legs and 2x12 lumber for the top. Much better! I made a shelf for the pump mid way to the top.
How do you know what I'm dealing with right as it comes up!? Are you spying on me?
The seeing eye sees all.
Phil, you mentioned you wanted your pump beside your machine. Is this important to do vs. on a shelf underneath the machine?
Not really. More for convenience..
For heat considerations, pump underneath is better. The FD dumps heat directly on to the pump in the traditional setup (which Phil and I both use).
Rather than buying a cart I strongly suggest making one. It's probably the easiest wood working project you can do and you can get all the cuts done at the hardware store if you don't have a tool to cut it. I made my cart for about $35 in materials, although it was all free materials to me since it was out of scrap.
Yup, although I'm more of a metal guy.
@@Philat4800feet For sure, that's definitely the way to go. If I ever get the wiring done in my house to accept the X-large I think I will probably weld up a cart as well. I'm thinking something kind of like a double decker with the X large on bottom and the old medium on top and the tooling on side shelves. So far I haven't quite outgrown the medium yet though. I get pinched when the garden harvest happens, but the freezer kind of slows the spoilage enough to make it work. Trying to get my friends into food emergency storage. If they start taking it more seriously the X large upgrade will be helpful for us.
I laughed out loud when I saw your title on this video. Not at you ... with you. I had the same problem with a very similar problem with my cart purchased from Uline. It met the weight spec and actually has a thicker top with substantial webbing molded into the top, but part of the webbing parted after several years and my cart looked very much like yours. Melamine offcuts from years of shelf building, and my table saw, saved the day for me. Not pretty, but sturdy.
That's funny
I had the same problem and put some 1x6 planks I had on hand across the top and over the raised bit on the sides. With the second freeze dryer, I put it on a washing machine pedestal that I had saved. It worked better for me because I am 5'2". It doesn't roll but I never move either machine so it isn't a problem.
Don't you still have to bend to load and unload the freeze dryer?
Wait do i not want my pump below my fd?
There are pros and cons on the location of the pump. The lower the pump the easier for food particulates to enter the pump. I did a study, kind of technical, on this subject:
ua-cam.com/video/kcXvetyutew/v-deo.html
WoW and big box storea wonder why people dont trust their producta any more.... grrrr
I sincerely hope you took that shyte back to the store 😮
My modification worked. Still have it. Doing well.
I Got mine from harbor freight that was rated for 5 or 600 lbs and it’s buckled and wavy sides. I keep the pump on the bottom. I have a large f/d.
Mine too!! I got the same one that retired at 40, had in 2020. I have a medium freeze dryer
Oh, how China pains my soul.