Rolling Cabinet Supports
My shop cabinet on wheels has proven to be very handy. It provides me with
a sturdy, portable worksurface along with the bonus of versatile storage.
My only complaint is that at times I need the cabinet to stop rolling and
become stationary. Locking casters are one option, but I wanted something a
little easier to manipulate.
My solution was to add a pair of fold-down supports to the cabinet, as shown in the main drawing at right. The concept is pretty simple. With a quick lift and the flip of the support, the cabinet is raised just enough to clear the casters (details ‘a’ and ‘b’).
The design of the supports only requires a brief explanation. First, I had to size them to give the cabinet the right amount of added height (detail ‘b’). Next, a cutout creates a foot at either end for better stability. Then each support is attached to the cabinet with a continuous hinge, as shown in detail ‘a.’ Finally, I installed rare earth magnet “catches” to hold the supports in the upright position.
When lifted onto the two opposing supports, the cabinet is really quite stable. And best of all, it stays put.
Good Woodworking,
Ted Raife
Online Editor, Woodsmith
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