Building a Welding Cart on the Cheap With Harbor Freight Casters

I build a welding cart out of scrap steel and casters from good old Harbor Freight.
Instagram: / waldowelds
My favorite multiprocess welding machine: amzn.to/38wX46R
Comfortable, DURABLE welding gloves: amzn.to/3eIr7tT
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[@actschp1]

"Weldering Machine..." -Waldo 2021

[@ethanbales7436]

I just realized that's what he said😂

[@daleweiss9507]

I'm stealing that phrase, Waldo has a dry sense of humour that I refreshing.

[@justatool]

LMAO 🤣🤣

[@1leggeddog]

I think you should have assembled the shelves the other way around so that the welder sits inside the cradle of the L bracket, like you did with the bottom shelf. Otherwise, its great!

[@jvazquez53]

Probably the reason was that it would interfere with the welder door. I went through that and had to modify one side of the shelf.

[@jvazquez53]

What I like from this build is that you used other than the expensive welder, common inexpensive tools and materials. Also kept it simple.👍👍👍

[@avioncamper]

Waldo, your fur babies are adorable. Congrats on 207k subscribers !!!!

[@chescabler2659]

Been Awhile since I have seen your work. Good to see you back at it again.

[@WaldosWorld]

I'm still at it! Sometimes it takes quite a while to get video out 😬

[@chescabler2659]

@@WaldosWorld absolutely can't wait for the trailer project. I'll follow it even closer than Billy bobs skirt

[@chrisj1667]

The song at the end is super catchy, I love it! 😂

[@rv-n-heaven7849]

Awesome job Waldo!!! I’m voting 🗳 Waldo 2024!

[@WaldosWorld]

Hahaha thanks 😂

[@markcollins457]

This guy is adorable and smart.

[@johnshaw4140]

Woof woof Rhino and Aspen , oh , and hello Waldo

[@corydriver7634]

Very useful build. Maybe add a removable pull handle, it might pull around easier than pushing.

[@yinn2yang]

how fun is it to adapt cheap to great

[@aishora-di4fm]

Привет! Вижу, что Вы позитивный человек, надеюсь поймёте моё замечание: Когда варите сваркой, то не нужно слепить зрителей. Показывать вспышку сварки не нужно. И берегите себя, не пилите диском без защитного кожуха. Вам всех Благ!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

That's a great looking cart! Looking forward to the trailer build!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! I can't wait to get started on it!

[@stevesalvage1089]

Way way better than my welding cart ! Great filming and well looking forward to trailer project !! Thankyou Waldo !

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks, Steve! 🤠

[@lchebuhar9212]

Cart turned out great. Looking forward to the trailer build. 💪👍🏼

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks!

[@WhiskeyGulf71]

Nice 👍🏼 i’d add a chain to hold the gas bottle, maybe with an adjustable tensioning catch that hooks to the chain.

[@spiderdad00]

Nice job looks great

[@blayze7306]

The video quality is impeccable and your skills and attention to detail are as well. Very good work man, love the videos !

[@a.r1832]

Absolutely fantastic teaching skills! If this gentleman was in a classroom most, if not all his students would pass their exams with flying colors.

[@jimmyhorton1504]

Very nice welding cart! Great video as always!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you very much! 🤠

[@Rubbernecker]

Yes, film the sawhorse build!

[@bigolemike33]

Another job well done!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@robmiesen1770]

I really enjoy your videos. Your presentation is spot on.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you very much!

[@lloydbaker7099]

From someone who has wrestled around a mini welding cart they are way easier to pull than they are to push nice video

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks, that's a good point!

[@rv-eb3wu]

@@WaldosWorld it would be easy enough to add a bar coming off the shelf at a 45 degree angle heading upward and then you could hang your helmet on the end of the shelf under the handle.

[@leradze7125]

imagine that welding cart with a Carolina squat for maximum inconvenience

[@prevost8686]

I’m ashamed that such a stupid modification was named after the state that I reside in.

[@WaldosWorld]

I had to look up what a Carolina squat is. Let's just say it's a good thing I recessed the front where the casters mount 😂

[@leradze7125]

@@prevost8686 it is a stupid name

[@leradze7125]

@@WaldosWorld Yeah that Was brilliant

[@D_Sendit]

Such a gentle grip on that grindr handle.

[@mrledlights]

Top notch work! I’ve been using a super cheap harbor freight welding cart i got used for about three years. I recently bought a larger welder and also have a plasma cutter coming soon so i need a bigger cart! Great timing on this video.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@jeffskent]

Hi Waldo, I love your videos and have watched almost all of them. I learn a lot and admire your work even though I have never seen a welding machine in action in my life and probably never will. You are my newest BFF on KZbin but I am fickle and not to be depended on. I find you, Andrew Camarata, FarmCraft101 and Jesse Muller and many others good videographers, interesting folks who do projects that I would probably hate to do but which are fascinating to watch and learn from. Thanks and keep up the good work and I hope you make a fortune doing the shows which I like so much I pay Google $12 a month to watch with no ads and it is also excellent.

[@matthewhagan9711]

Film the sawhorses! Need more Waldo videos!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@RoadhogRNA]

Really Nice job Sir. That will serve you well!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@Farm_fab]

I've found that if the areas to be butt welded are beveled, it makes for a nicer weld, also for an inside corner weld, laying a piece of copper in the corner, clamping it down and welding the back/bottom, leaves it much easier to clean up.

[@carlsegerstrom3989]

Waldo, you have inspired a friend of mine to build a 12v 1987 3+3 4x4Chevy. He already bought the truck, 12v, and ordered a NV4500 trans. He is going all out! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@WaldosWorld]

Wow, that's awesome! I'm really glad to hear that! 👍

[@williammclaughlin2606]

I’ll watch the saw horses!!! I’ll watch anytbing you upload

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@toasteroverdrive1097]

Nice work and attention to detail. I'm making plans for a cart to be rolled on very uneven surfaces. Nice choice of wheels. Your video made me think about leaving room to open the panel for the roll of wire. I would however have made the front wheels or both sets adjustable in or out so to widen the stance as necessary.

[@boricuaarecibo9259]

Nice job

[@luisorazi]

Another great video man!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@jamiemichael4190]

Damn I finally found Waldo he’s been under the “Weldering Machine” all this time!! “Cuts through 1/8” Steel like butter” 🤔🤔🤔….. ol Waldo is all to hell but awesome video.

[@abhinavsa7]

The video feels incomplete without the intro music love your content❤

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@jasonmorgan3709]

Nice job! I think everyone first project when they get a welder is to build a welding cart. You can make it how you want it, it’s usually more sturdy than one you can buy and it lets you get to know your welder. I made mine kinda similar to yours, except I turned the welder sideways and added a tool box to keep welding supplies in it. It also allowed me to keep 2 gas bottles on the cart, one for mig and one for tig. The bigger wheels are great on ground that isn’t smooth concrete.

[@WaldosWorld]

Very nice! Thanks!

[@coolHandLuke5150]

I made my weld cart out out of a flat bed garden wagon. Very simple, low profile, low center of gravity. Can be pilled by a atv

[@WaldosWorld]

The ATV option is actually really nice!

[@jonathanrighetti5897]

try cleaning the steel before welding, you will see much better welds and quicker project times when it comes to painting the end product and not having to sand in tight areas.

[@jimmyhendrix3207]

If u look he did clean it😳

[@SpeedSmith]

I would add a chain to go around the gas bottle at the cradle.

[@NITEOWL22LR]

I like ur vids, but please use the gard on the grinder, looking forward to the gooseneck build, do u know when the first vid of the build will be posted?

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Proper tidy Waldo! Lovely wee project! (Waldo’s World of saws!)

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 🤠

[@JustinTopp]

Highly recommend a small chain around the top of the tank. Or removable band. A falling tank is never fun. Nice work on it!

[@electrontube]

straps are good too

[@peteschiavoni]

Hi Aspen!! Such a beautiful pup!! And a second pup. What’s his name? Love your “Weldering Cart”. 🤣🤣 I have a suggestion for you- put bicycle grips on your handles. The old style like on a Schwin with finger grooves. It would look so dang cool. Great job Waldo!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks, Pete, that's a great idea! His name is Rhino 😃

[@davidfrank2824]

You really did a great job on this. It actually turned out better than the cheaper ones that you can buy. As far as the wheels and casters from harbor freight tools they have a great reputation on those. There was and probably still is a lot of KZbinrs that will tell you when you need wheels and casters go straight to harbor freight. They got the better price and you're getting a better product. I put a set of casters on my engine list. It never made sense to me that only the front had them in the back didn't. They work great for my application. And that is with my engine cherry picker sitting out in the elements all year long. I'm already a subscriber from your previous videos. I always make sure to hit the thumbs up button. As always looking forward to your next video.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much!

[@lordrichard8184]

I would put a chain around the tank. This way it is really held in place. Don’t use a ratchet strap. In the event of a fire the strap will burn away and fail while the chain will hold

[@turbolifestyle6548]

As always another great video. Can’t wait for the gooseneck videos!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 🤠

[@johnmorrow7080]

Built mine from a metal shelving rack used the bottom 2 shelfs added a bit of plywood for strength 4 casters welded on and Bob's your uncle MIG trolley . Using the rest as a small shelving lol.

[@zod-engineering-welding]

I use that same oil can (at least I think it is), and if it wasn't for the slight leaking both at the top and at the bottom, it's great, lol. I sit mine on a red mechanic's rag and also have one draped over the top to try to control the oil that does seep out from the area where the spout threads in to. This way I don't have oil-rings left where the cans are sitting. I also use the same blades from Diablo, in 90-tooth for 1/8" and thinner, and 72-tooth for 3/16" and thicker. Get yourself some Stick-Kut wax lube for the blade and it will cut even better and last a lot longer too. It melts a little bit while the (steel) part is being cut, but cleans up easy since it solidifies back to wax after a few seconds when the part cools. It is especially helpful when cutting aluminum since it prevents teeth from getting clogged of aluminum bits. Wipe off the part with a blue shop paper towel, and done, unless you want to wipe with acetone as well, but not really necessary. The gooseneck trailer build was great as was the latest vid with Zila! I bet you learned a lot from him. I talk (bug?) him about once a week since he keeps selling me more and more machines from HTP, which you now know how awesome they are. I have a few of those Pro Pulse machines, and I even have some custom-made 6-meter MIG guns with a special liner that makes it all possible (for steel welding, not aluminum since Al needs the short MIG cable length). It's quite the luxury to have *20 feet* worth of MIG cable to be able to maneuver around large projects. Together with the slider and it's the ultimate in user-control for MIG welding! Let me know if you're interested for your Pro Pulse and I can have one made for you.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 🤠

[@petem6291]

Waldo nice workmanship the great thing about building a little welding cart is you learn so much , If you get a chance you should see if you could get a bigger bottle , welding out side uses a lot of gas. it looks like you got a 60 size bottle a 230/240 is about 5 feet tall and not much more to fill up . you will see what I mean when you build that 53 foot goose neck trailer .. I don't want to speak out of turn because the laws may be different in N.H. but here in N.Y. you can own any bottle ..if you bring in a old bottle that needs a pressure test its 15 .00 for the pressure test and 70.00 to fill with C-25 The Pandemic may have increased the prices like every thing else . looking forward to the trailer build

[@WaldosWorld]

I agree, I should get a bigger bottle! 😬

[@constructionduru5195]

@Waldo'sWorld sweet cart man! You should definitely record the saw horse build if you haven't built them yet...

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@MikeoftheNorth]

Looking forward to the gooseneck build. 👍🏽 great work so far.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 🤠

[@jmac2o229]

when you're cutting angle on any sort of fixed saw, have it placed like a triangle with the point facing upward. I've had my horizontal bandsaw damn near knock itself over cause of catching on angle when i place it like an L instead of a triangle.

[@gearhead2017]

There's a harbor freight going in an old sears store in the town by me,looks really cool,gotta check it out when they have grand opening

[@WaldosWorld]

Nice! Some of there stuff is decent, though not all of it. It sure is convenient though, especially if I need a specialized tool for a job right now 😬

[@gearhead2017]

@@WaldosWorld lol! Yeah

[@chester1013]

I like the the use of larger front wheels. Most builders have those dinky little front casters

[@joeschlong7633]

What do you think you’ll make next after the gooseneck trailer Restoring a classic car? Making a street car? Or just some more stuff to help with other projects

[@WaldosWorld]

Oh man, that's a good question. I don't have any specific plans at the moment. I was thinking about fixing up a cheap 3/4 ton truck with a Duramax as sort of a mini project, but after that, who knows?

[@joeschlong7633]

@@WaldosWorld that’s cool I hope it’s a square body

[@enclavegeneral2077]

Now that's quality content that's something I can drink to

[@WaldosWorld]

Cheers!

[@prevost8686]

They say that if you’re a good welder it’ll sound like an egg fryin when you weld. Does the sound of dropping a raw egg on concrete count for anything because that’s the best that I can do?

[@zonie1953]

Aspen says ; When you gotta go , you gotta go ! 🐕🌵

[@WaldosWorld]

I guess so! 😂

[@fogguy2530]

Nice Show..

[@itsjustme9318]

Hey Waldo still waiting for the video on painting the truck bed.

[@WaldosWorld]

It's going to be a while since I need to tow it to the galvanizer, but I need to build a trailer first 😬

[@89Ayten]

The problem with the rustoleum primers is that they're the color of rust. One wheel in the front may have sufficed. Also consider welding the washers to the threaded bolt that the rear wheels rest on.

[@JosephQPublic]

One wheel on uneven surfaces sounds like a tipped welder and gas can.

[@COYO-T]

I wonder if you should have flipped the platform that the welder is resting on giving a small lip so the welder can't slide off when moving it across the ground. Funny how much something moves when your not paying attention to it.

[@user-qw4nd5po6x]

Удачи Валдо!! Ждём видео про трейлер!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you, glad to hear it!

[@gusc.l.1805]

Love ur channel keep up the great work!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much!

[@deepsky7206]

i bet he can build some pretty sweet mark I iron man armor

[@JustAnotherGuyInTheComments]

Hey do you use Tekton tools? In the previous videos I thought a few things looked familiar. Do you like them? I'm very fond of my 3/8 set, except the case is sagging in the center. I've put them through some stuff my boss wouldn't do with his 1/2 stuff. Their wrench rolls are amazing though.

[@courtneyfaas1266]

What is you extension cord set up? I know you move around a lot in your yard for the other projects and just wondering how you manage power.

[@simonevans9145]

should put a chain or strap for the top of the gas bottle and some straps to hold the welder on 😁

[@ejay8201]

Waldo, what Welder do you have and how did you learn? Looking to start out but dont really wanna buy a HF welder. I see brands such as Hobart, Miller, LE. etc. But get caught up in the various Models. Deff want to start on MIG due to cost, any suggestions?

[@thicc_filet9303]

One of my fav channels right now.

[@WaldosWorld]

Wow, thanks, I'm glad to hear it!

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

That bottle holder looks a little tight if you ever want to upgrade to a large bottle. It might have been nice to have room for tools n things

[@thardyryll]

If there’s anything a beginning welder should make, it’s a cart for the welding equipment. Commercial gear often has wheels/casters that are too small, among other shortcomings. I have built a number of these. A few thoughts: 1. If the cart is to be used on a shop floor - as opposed to pushed across a lawn - by all means use four rotating casters. Maneuvering a cart with an axle on one end and casters on the other in a fairly confined space is an infuriating process of back and forth, this way and that. With casters at four corners the machine turns on a dime, easily rolls sideways, and so on. 2. Both shelves should have the angle iron situated like an L so the welder sits inside the lip and there is no chance it could slide off. Expanded metal is fine for the shelf bottom, but a cheaper and quicker alternative is plywood. I have used scrap laminate (Formica, etc.) to make a durable surface. An alternative is thin yoga mat - it also makes excellent tool cabinet drawer liner. For the weld cart, spray adhesive holds it to the plywood. This is as non-skid as it gets. 3. A much faster way to attach the casters is to weld them. This also eliminates bolt heads in the shelf area. An inch-long weld bead on two sides provides more than adequate strength; should the caster fail a couple minutes with cutting disk in an angle grinder is all it takes to free it from the cart.

[@Alex_Eggers]

we have a 6ft tall cart pretty skinny and you can guess it fell over nothing broke but it was kinda scary

[@seansysig]

The cart should be Millermatic Blue ;) JK Nice cart no hold downs for welder?

[@WaldosWorld]

I almost went with a metallic silver because it would probably go better with the blue, but I passed on that idea because metallic paint is more expensive and probably less durable 🤷‍♂️

[@frederickshipp8013]

@@WaldosWorld I usually spray some clear over silver and gold. I agree, silver doesn't seem to be very durable. By the way, I'm pretty impressed with what you are doing considering what line of work you used to do. You are very skilled and knowledgeable. That's coming from someone who has been doing it for over 55 years. I believe I have watched everyone of your videos and thanks for going ahead and videoing the sawhorse build.

[@dillydilly3360]

But after the gooseneck is when we dive into the tank/ferret build

[@WaldosWorld]

Oooh, I like that idea! 🤠

[@dillydilly3360]

@@WaldosWorld dibs on turret seat

[@zonge100]

How long dose the steel cutting blades on your drop saw last?

[@jad6126]

I am not a welder, so asking for my curiosity... Are you going to add a strap of some sort to hold the top of the gas bottle? Or is the bottom basket sufficient? Looks great.

[@jaredhammonds8255]

He really needs some additional support. That loose cable towards the bottom makes me nervous. Especially since he goes over different terrain and it can bounce and shake

[@victorjbarker]

Why would you make the front tilt forward?

[@CynicalDad81]

You would think he could elevate the cart for painting with something OTHER THAN GOLD BARS!!!!!

[@davidlegault9745]

Great job Waldo, perhaps a small strap to snug the upper part of the tank to the cart and one over the welder itself. Just a suggestion - I'm not a safety nazi - but your driveway is more off road than normal driveways.

[@WaldosWorld]

It is quite off road, huh? 😂

[@kaseymccleary946]

Have any plans for a shop in the near future?

[@WaldosWorld]

Not in the near future, but hopefully in the distant future. Maybe next summer if the channel is doing well enough to pay for it? 😬

[@user-wp1hk7lg5n]

What are the measurements an what type of angle iron use ? What did u use for the hangers? Type of material use an what's the length. What's that wire mesh called ?

[@southernengenuity]

Looks to be a 20x12 shelf with 1" 1/8 angle iron. Wire mesh is called wired mesh. You can find L brackets at any hardware store or build your own.

[@shannisgeorge]

I've always wondered how to set the self darkness eye Shields, what do u recommend?

[@WaldosWorld]

Mine has a dial on the inside of the shield. I just keep it set at 10 and it's been good for me

[@shannisgeorge]

@@WaldosWorld cool I've been setting mine at 11 I was wondering how low I could go with no problems with eyes , we only have 2 of them

[@frederickshipp8013]

@@shannisgeorge It depends on the amps you are running. The higher the amps the darker the shade you will want. As long as it is dark enough that you don't see light spots when you stop welding,you should be okay. I've went as low as 9 when welding sheet metal at low amperage.

[@CGT80]

My Optrel Crystal 2.0 has an auto setting also and then the dial lets the user adjust +/-2.0 shades. I set it to 1.5 darker and it adjusts for brightness between welding sheet steel or 3/8" plate. On manual mode, I like 10.5 to 11.0 for 1/8" to 1/4" settings on steel. It depends on what is comfortable for each user.

[@GoldwingNorway]

Maybe some angeliron under the welder so its dont skid off....

[@WaldosWorld]

Good idea! 👍

[@mattlaptop5728]

Very nice build, practical and well designed - they will find it in 200 years and say that it’s beautifully hand crafted but have no idea what it is for…

[@7atem256]

i think you shoud upgrade your engine hoist with the same wheel kit !!

[@WaldosWorld]

I did upgrade the front casters on my engine hoist after they broke (during my Cummins swap). The rear casters have held up so far, but I'll definitely replace them when they finally break 👍

[@mikejackman4416]

Not trying to be the safety police,,,but it’s a lot easier to pull then push,,, great video

[@WaldosWorld]

That's a good point 👍

[@danielharsh7698]

Tie-down for the unit.

[@we775]

Nice way to save a few pennies.

[@WaldosWorld]

Yes indeed!

[@digitalgulby]

How did you learn all this stuff?

[@WaldosWorld]

Practice, and I watch a lot of KZbin 😂

[@noahingram8052]

More videos

[@Asomesauc]

0:09 Weldering machine?

[@WaldosWorld]

Yep 😂

[@conaljanotka6969]

Miller matic 211?

[@WaldosWorld]

It's a Multimatic 220 AC/DC 👍

[@calholli]

I don't know what's going on with that hair, but the camera can't focus on it. lol

[@mowdan77]

U take a welding class?

[@donaldelrod9172]

looks like your next project needs to be a metal break! at least 4 ft.

[@averybaker1552]

Great Videos (understatement). I was trying to see what brand name and model plasma cutter you have. It's a Clean Cutting Plasma Cutter and I'd like to buy this same brand and model for my shop. Please let me know the Name Brand ___________ and Model No# _______________ ? If you have another name __________ and model no# _________ that You recommend over top of the one You have.. now, then. let me know that too. I have been Looking at the Miller Plasma Cutters. I have all Miller Equipment and Good Stuff. Also, I'm currently getting all the metal bought to build a -- Mega Ramp on my 40 foot gooseneck trailer. Also, you Milwaukee Metal Cutting Saw is Impressive and that's on my Buy List Too ! Thank You, Thank You for All your Video's, I really appreciate them !!! Avery

[@shamblershamfam3597]

I gotta call Bullsh*t on that expanded metal. You bought that years ago and it still looks fresh off the press? I can't keep expanded metal rust free in any conditions/ enclosures.