Welding Cart Build - Part 1

[@criggie]

I love how YOU put on your hearing protection, and the chop saw gets quieter for the viewers too. Little touches like that are the professional touch to your video editing.

[@Clough42]

Thanks!

[@freshpootube]

You’ve inspired me to make my own welding cart video.

[@raulc398]

I think its a brilliant design,simple and efficient,it covers all the possible scenarios,Cheers from Toronto Canada!!Good to know we are not alone in the snow!!LOL!!

[@larbertman36]

Your knees sound like mine! I love your gently-paced thoroughness. Greetings and a good new year from Scotland.

[@Chromevulcan]

This is the first time I've noticed Old Glory in the background. Thank you for hanging out properly as opposed to just rotating it clockwise 90°.

[@martinmckee5333]

Not a welding cart, but when I worked at a museum, I built us a tool cart for mobile repairs in the gallery. I mounted a toolbox on a rolling cart, modified the lock mechanism, added a work surface, with additional storage beneath it, and added battery powered LED lighting to make the tools more visible in dark corners. Our productivity went up massively with everything nicely in one place. Looks like a great build!

[@CountryViewAcres]

That is crazy. I have the same welder sitting on the same toolbox. And was planning to do the exact same thing. You beat me to it. 👍

[@joef6398]

If you get serious about cutting steel you need one of these : Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Band Saw, from harborfreight, great time saver , the one I have is there small one but it's a real keeper , love the thing.

[@stevensexton5801]

Perfect timing, I need to build a cart for my new welder.

[@ScottClevelandmi]

Simple wins! I created a welding cart out if a tool box…I attached the bottles to the cart and it was way out of balance. This is the perfect solution!

[@crankyjew2d2]

Lol, that conversation about how to attach casters is something I do, every time.

[@RosenthalProducts]

My welder on a factory cart has looked like a kids toy-box overflowing with things for years.....and this will be my first build as soon as it warms up. This is borderline genius. Thanks for sharing.

[@Clough42]

I watched a few videos--some from the big boys, and some from the 250-view tinkerers, and I stole the ideas that I thought fit what I needed. Plus, I got to play with a new welder. :)

[@RosenthalProducts]

@@Clough42 For semi obvious reasons I've been spending a lot of time watching KZbin. Enough time that I should see if they have meetings available.....or maybe a home version of a 12 step program. I'm trying to connect some of the dots of what looks to be an interesting circle of peers. I am sincerely glad you put this video out. A simple build like this will be a great asset to my welding arrangement. The new welder looks nice and I'll admit I'm a bit jealous of your welding table. I'm going to shoot you a quick email.

[@routercnc9517]

When you put the first centre cross piece then offered up the second cross piece to the right of it (as we viewed it) I was convinced the first one was in backwards and was screaming at the TV. Luckily when you offered up the second piece it was not where it finally ended up. Looking good so far. My only thought is perhaps make the bracket which holds the bottles on also have a way of attaching the handle back on, rather than the usual chain. In other words the bottles are held with a quick release handle. Then you can pull it from that end too.

[@Clough42]

If the wheels on the bottle end swiveled, that would be more important.

[@routercnc9517]

OK, looking forward to the next part. I need to do something with my welder rather than store it on a shelf !

[@robevans8555]

Hi James, I would never comment about a youtubers appearance but looking at your chest, shoulders and arms your exercise routine is going incredibly well, it inspires me to get my 47yr old ass back to the gym. Oh love your content and always enjoy the presentation. Thanks for sharing

[@Clough42]

I just turned 49, and I only started three years ago, so you've still got plenty of time to get jacked. Go for it!

[@ShadonHKW]

Love my 211, bought it for welding 304 SS, 32' feet in the air. After loading my old Miller white face, a full sized bottle, and my fat @$$ on the scissor lift, it wouldn't even go up. Paid for itself with the one job.

[@Clough42]

I'm not much of a welder, but I'm pretty impressed. The automatic wire feed management is on point. As long as I can keep from drifting away from the workpiece (or away from the joint) it does a beautiful job.

[@almostgem]

Nice. I have a Snap-on bottom box that I built a frame for. Added 6 inch wheels, and a Florida room at one end (Aluminum bent up storage area for larger items) Didn't worry about permanently fixing to the frame ... the weight alone does that :) Worked for probably 12 years moving the box around the tarmac closer to the airplane I was working on. Sittting in the garage since 1996 after leaving aviation. Good Job !

[@abbv2x]

Lol "but I think the easiest way is..." TOT style, I love it! As usual, love your content James! Oh and thank you VERY much for detailing the equipment and tooling you use, I've been searching for a scale-friendly marking pencil for a lonnng time. That and the mig gun holder!

[@Clough42]

Those MIG gun holders are everywhere. You might also check Harbor Freight (or Princess Auto). They have them sometimes, too.

[@criggie]

Next is to get him to say "Yahtzee" at parting-off time !

[@gregfeneis609]

Welld done, James

[@David-bs6bv]

James, your work is impeccable. Yes you're not perfect but that doesn't stop you and I appreciate that. Thank you

[@markdion9932]

Sorry Quinn didn't see your add on until James was done pt 1 of the welding cart, very nice addition.

[@m3chanist]

I love my evo saw as well, money very well spent. --for completeness as requested "A grindar'n'paint make me the weldar I ain't"

[@dc-wp8oc]

James, nice video and appreciate the "low-tech" approach. Any suggestions for a low cost "CAD" program for someone with more time than money?

[@jaimeandrade9973]

Feliz año Sr. James. Es un placer ver siempre sus videos. Felicitaciones.

[@petergamache5368]

Maker battle: Table saw sleds vs welding carts. Go!

[@davidlabossiere1905]

table saw sleds are all the same though ... ill be hiding behind my welding cart

[@larrysmurthwaite773]

So many familiar tools, that rivet style nut is fantastic.

[@bernardwill7196]

Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@MrCurstesy]

You're doing pretty good if you post a video and someone that sees it 9 minutes after posting can't even say "first"

[@EcoMouseChannel]

I've put most of my shop things, including file cabinets on bases like this, as well as make them for my clients. One thing i've stopped doing, is mitering the corners at a 45° angle, unless it's specifically for decorative purposes. I now notch all my short sides, like you did for the cross pieces. In doing so, I've never messed up an inside measurement, so the boxes and cabinets end up fitting perfectly. I do this for two reasons... so I don't have to mess up a measurement from the outside of the sharp miter, and I don't have to think about which direction the bevel is supposed to be. And I hate moving my Evolution saw out of square. It's always a huge pain, and there's chips down in the gauge groove I've got to fuss with, when I'm just trying to get projects done. I do the cut on the little bandsaw for now, until I can get a legit ironworker with a coping notcher head, like the Piranha. That will be a game changer for my fab work!

[@Clough42]

Good tips. Measuring the miters is a pain.

[@srmofoable]

Are you considering a strap over the welder? I know ive stumbled over my cords once or twice and I've been thankful for the rails on my cart. It's a trickier solution on MIG machines because of the access door, but it can be done

[@spokehedz]

The welding quick-time-events Bzz-bzz-BZZ-bZzZ-Bzzrt! always make me chuckle. It's like a videogame building montage. XD

[@19672701]

I've watched a lot of weld cart builds,but I'll watch everyone,I like your take on one and making it to your needs. ZT is nice,but on a budget I'd rather spend the extra on more tools I need. I have had one of those riv-nut tools and use it a lot! HappyNewYear thanks for another great video!

[@somebodyelse6673]

Rivnuts are good for things that seldom need to come apart, AND aren't in danger of rusting. If you ever have to disassemble anything rusty that has rivnuts, plan on grinding them out & replacing them because they will spin.

[@azenginerd9498]

I expect the casters will last for ever in your environment... but welding them on always triggers my "NO, NO, NO...." reflex! Happy New Year.

[@Know-Way]

If you think about it, it's not hard to see his strategy. His goal is to acquire tools, and when it comes time to replace a caster, he'll have an excuse to buy another tool. Like a chess grand master, he's always thinking ahead.

[@Clough42]

Yeah, I thought about it, but they'll come off easily enough with an angle grinder. The larger question is this: are the parts galvanized under the powder coat?

[@DUSTEATER2]

I built a cart like this but added two shelves on the right side for a plasma cutter and misc tools. THE toolbox was an old Craftsman that I painted yellow to match my ESAB welder. THE frame I painted JD green to match my tractor. Looking for part 2 to see how yours turns out.

[@AWDJRforYouTube]

Great cart build James...Happy New Year!

[@DAKOTANSHELBY]

Loved your opening statement ! LOL! I bought those Harbor Freight welding carts for my Mig and Tig welders, but would love to build custom carts some day in the near future. See "Jimbo's Garage" for his welding carts display - wow! Happy New Year James.

[@maxcactus7]

Happy New Year, James! Thanks for all your truly great, informative videos throughout the year, including this one!

[@donteeple6124]

You did it again, James. Another great vid with outstanding skill practices and intelligent reasoning behind the build....A great start to a New Year !!!

[@edvaioli7340]

Excellent as usual! For your next welding project try coped corner joints (similar to the bottle brackets) instead of beveled. They are said to be stronger although a little more fiddly to set up.

[@rtkracht]

Really like this build but I’ve already spent too much time reworking my welding cart but this is just the inspiration I need to fab up something similar for my plasma cutter. Thanks and Happy New Year!

[@danielmauro3906]

Excelente maestro Me dio una buena idea 💡 Tengo una cajonera metálica, parte de un antiguo mueble de cocina de chapa y lo voy a aprovechar para este proyecto Muchas gracia por compartir y un abrazo desde Argentina para ud

[@crazycaseyscustoms]

Clough42, can I get an Amazon Affiliate link to your magnetic shims!? Also, I wanted to thank you for your contribution to the welding cart video pool. I can tell that your confidence isn’t quite as strong with fabrication, but you navigated this project in the same expert fashion I’ve come to expect from your channel. You’re a true craftsman. Thanks again!

[@wisconsinbush2940]

For mounting the casters to the frame, I’d weld 3/8” steel plate the same size as the casters and drill-tap the holes.

[@mkegadgets4380]

Great build I’m looking at a cold saw like yours. The only thing I would do is have all four casters swivel. It makes it easier parallel parking into tight spots.

[@Clough42]

I used the casters that came on the tool cart, but I am already seeing what you mean. Even adding just eight inches to the length of the cart makes it harder to maneuver.

[@EZ_shop]

Nice job as always. Ciao, Marco.

[@inspector1794]

Another enjoyable project to watch, Thanks for sharing. I think you'll be happy that you attached the drawers to the base the first time you pick up on the chest. I did think the cross bar under the chest was a bit of overkill but that's ok. I prefer to have the casters bolted on, it makes them easier to replace. Although the new ones bolt holes never seem to line up. Happier New Year.

[@ned_mograph5957]

lolol great opening line, i laughed out loud

[@alangliniak9514]

I had a damaged lista cabinet, and I did almost exactly the same thing. The only difference is, I left a shelf on both sides of the cabinet one side for shielding gas bottles and the other side for a small set of torch bottles.

[@Clough42]

Yeah...I have been staring at my porta-torch system and thinking about that. Projects are never done--only abandoned.

[@Island.dweller]

Another great fusion video thanks..... I need to replace my computer as I can barely post 2.5 d. What would you recommend?

[@RobertBrown-lf8yq]

James, That MIG welder sounded really ‘dialled in” 👏 Great build mate…. Very clever. I always enjoy your work. HNY Robert Sydney Australia

[@Clough42]

That's the machine making me look good. I set the material thickness and left everything else on 'auto'. :)

[@mtwagner]

Me: "Honey, I need new welder." Wife: "Why?" Me: "I need to build a welding card for my new welder."

[@jhawker2895]

I learned early on in welding that pretty is wonderful but structural is necessary ... Your welds look structural so no worries, pretty comes with time and welding... Or in my case never ... that's one of the uses for grinding disks... Nice job ... Thanks for sharing ... Stay safe ... Happy 2022...

[@jjbode1]

Good use for your Husky cabinet. Now, what are you going to build for that cut-off saw that was on it?

[@fladder1]

When choosing which youtuber to throw, may i suggest ToT? Since he is only a pair of hands he’d be easiest to throw (plus you get 2 shots for 1 youtuber!) 😜 As always, awesome vid, you make an excellent teacher, I always learn something.

[@laurawerner]

That's a nice design and build. But I confess I spent almost as much time trying to figure out where was in those "Avid CNC" boxes in the background as I did watching the build. 😁 That is the first big purchase on my list after I get a bigger shop; hopefully I can find a configuration that will work well for both wood and aluminium. I'm catching up on videos after 2.5 weeks on vacation up near Boise, and I was envious of all the big 3-car garages I saw around there. But it was _cold_ there last week!

[@KernsJW]

My cart definitely needs some TLC. This is good inspiration to start planning out some upgrades

[@ich1ban916]

Nice design!

[@MichaelLloyd]

Nice clean install. I like it.

[@samvoelkel2046]

I don't weld, but I appreciate those that do. Nice project.

[@Clough42]

If you don't weld, then the difference between you and me is about three days' experience. :)

[@mattym8]

Yeah there's a million weld cart builds. Lol. But something tells me yours will have something good in it. Pre-liked.

[@jonty2020]

Great video. I'll use the same technique to make a similar base for a different purpose !

[@billmacfarlane4083]

Great vid! Thanks for sharing. What clearances did you aim for when it comes to dropping the Husky box into the angle iron surround?

[@Clough42]

I built the frame 1/8" oversize, for a 1/16" gap. I ended up hitting the miters about 1/16" long and left them, so the gap was about 3/32".

[@chucksmalfus9623]

Wishing you and your family a happy new year James.

[@damianzanolli1845]

I love the cart build . . . Are you thinking about getting a welding fume extractor? I don't know how much you are planning to be welding but it's a good investment. Even a respirator for welders would be a good piece of PPE. Some of the materials you might be welding could be galvanized, and those fumes are really bad no matter what.

[@Clough42]

If I welded every day, I think a fume extractor would be a must. As a hobbyist who will tackle projects a few times a year, it's a big investment.

[@IceCreams62]

AVID CNC on the background !!!! :-)

[@Clough42]

Huh. Now that I look closely at the video, I think you're right. ;)

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@tooljourney]

Nice work and nice welder 👍

[@carlwhite8225]

Nice.

[@MyLilMule]

Off topic - what are you using to heat your shop space? I don't live in Idaho level snow country, but NE Ohio does get pretty cold.

[@Clough42]

I have a 2-ton MrCool. Not sponsored. It's fantastic down to about 20F outside. Below that, it produces less heat. It'll still get my attached garage up to around 55 when it's in the single digits, but it isn't the same.

[@squelchstuff]

I'm looking forward to how this turns out. We can never have enough welding cart builds can we? Did you consider putting the welder on the bottom? I mention this for several reasons. The centre of mass is kept low, protecting the welder from knocks, and the top of the cabinet can still be used for keeping tools at hand with a convenient height. Also, with a simple frame over the welder the original caster fixings could be used to hold down the cabinet, and a convenient space for cable storage between welder and cabinet. Nice build so far James. Happy New Year!

[@Clough42]

The cabinet is way heavier than the welder in this case. The filler metal and clamps account for most of the weight.

[@squelchstuff]

@@Clough42 Ah good point. It also just dawned on me that modern IGBT models are much lighter too.

[@sharkrivermachine]

Happy New Year!

[@tristonzismer1590]

This is the 2nd time watching this I just noticed the avid boxes in the background did u get another cnc?

[@phoolb7326]

I've been waiting to watch a welding cart video all year. ;-) Now off to my woodshop to finish a bench for a new PM lathe. Oh and BTW your welding sounded pretty good, hard to see in the video but I'm sure that you shouldn't be embarrassed. I think that I saw once that you live in Boulder CO and was hoping you were safe these past few days.

[@Clough42]

I was noticing in the video that the arc sounded pretty good. The Millermatic 211 manages the wire feed speed automatically, so all I really have to do is maintain the right distance and keep moving.

[@wisconsinbush2940]

Where did you get the welding table, magnets, pegs and clamps?

[@maxcactus7]

"Put your AvE quotes down in the comments." 😂 Something like "A grinder and paint make me the welder I ain't"?? That's my motto when applying the angry pixies via MIG or TIG.

[@Clough42]

That's the one.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi James, Happy New Year to you and the family. Excellent build. Should suit your needs for years. Stay safe.

[@cogentdynamics]

Happy new year! I used the same toolbox and only added go-cart wheels by the bottles. Warning! Tool box too small! 😜. I used the existing wheel mounting threads to attach the frame and put upright angles on the bottle side of the cart that attached to the tool box. Lots of flat plates too. I added a second deck to the top to accommodate my Tig cooler. I spent too much time and money but the only thing wrong is the box is too small. I love your videos!

[@Clough42]

The biggest challenge in my shop is space, so I wouldn't want to go much bigger, but I totally get what you're saying. I was looking at it this morning and thinking about whether I could squeeze my oxy-fuel rig on it somewhere.

[@chrisj4570g]

I love your mini right angle welder. I sadly only have the full size versions. And not cordless. Also, buying that cart kit would just be silly. Then you’d have to find another excuse to tell your wife when you *need* more equipment. Start buying things you can make… and the jig is up, my friend.

[@DougsMessyGarage]

Dang, you are making me want one of those fixture tables for my shop. Not enough space though.

[@Clough42]

They're pretty sweet. They don't give them away, though, and you always need more clamps.

[@johnlee8231]

Phew thumbs up because you attached the chest to the frame. My esthetics are happier

[@AlmostMachining]

Happy New Year to you and your family James! Great build.

[@rpavlik1]

Fancy, very nice! I was going to build my own from angle iron but decided to just buy a cheap one (equivalent to the cheap one hf sells) or I'd likely never get to it and I'd trip over my welder till the kids move out. I don't have bottles yet though. I assume you don't actually buy all your material from your local home store, or you wouldn't have any money left for tools 😉 one of these days I'll go to a metal seller...

[@Clough42]

Most of my metal comes from a local supplier that stocks everything up to maybe 9" round bar and cuts to length on demand. For the truly large structural stuff, there's a steelyard about 20 minutes west of here. I despise the crappy hot rolled stuff at the home center, but they're open nights and weekends.

[@janlukes5833]

I just finished painting mine and you sir are cheating. That toolbox is a huge short cut :) I built mine so that it can fit medium sized plastic containers. Anyway, for me it was first MIG welding project, so I simply had to put in the work.

[@Know-Way]

Another great video, thanks. Are you going to put a handle opposite end of the bottles? It crossed my mind that a swing up work surface / bench top might be handy on the opposite side of the cart from the bottles. Nice job.

[@Clough42]

The cart already has a handle on the other side. I guess I didn't show it.

[@Know-Way]

@@Clough42 Ah, now I see it at 0:34.

[@Zappyguy111]

I would love to know more about the rivnut tool. I've done two jobs on my ute with them, the first I under clamped and ended up getting the rivnut jammed, but spinning in the hole, second time I ended up over clamping and breaking my rivnut tool... I think in future I'm just going to use a nut and bolt to finish the clamping process and only use the rivnut tool to initially seat it, but that's things for another day, for now, I'm just going to have to use a nut and bolt to seat and fit nuts for now.

[@Clough42]

Huh. Don't know about that. It's adjustable, but the ones I've tried went in fine.

[@Zappyguy111]

I bought the pop rivet style one from Kincrome, although I didn't use the adjustment feature when using it, that was probably where I went wrong. Just squeeze till I can squeeze no more, then do it two handed, and pop when the mandrel.

[@realpdm]

I just discovered you channel recently and love your content and style. I've been moving from Sketchup to Fusion360 for my modeling and I am missing the 3D Warehouse feature of Sketchup. Did you model the Husky cabinet or just skin photos to a simple box shape? I frequently find myself wanting to add on to existing manufactured things so understanding your process there would be helpful.

[@Clough42]

I modeled it as a simple box. I only skinned it with a decal image to make the video easier to understand.

[@opticalmechanic]

Another great video!

[@stephenschulte1708]

What kind of fixture table do you have?

[@Ryan-dz3jo]

Hi James, do you have any trouble managing dust with the combined gym and workshop?

[@Clough42]

Yes. I do a lot of cleaning and as little grinding as possible.

[@joell439]

Happy New Year James. well done 👍👍😎👍👍. Your grunt at the end sure sounded just like me, and I can't even get that low anymore. Hopefully that was a good warmup stretch for that snow shoveling you were headed out for 😀. All the best to you in 2022.

[@Clough42]

If you do decide to squat that low, I recommend getting the shot in one take. :)

[@crabmansteve6844]

James, if you want to improve your welding overnight, you have to go buy a FR blue jean pearl snap and wear it instead of your jacket. Bonus points if you buy some LeHighs and a can of grizzly wintergreen.

[@Clough42]

And maybe a patch with my name on it?

[@frankherring6253]

Those nozzle pliers work great for a hammer. I like your welding cart project, just one question. Where are you gonna put your saw now?

[@Clough42]

Not sure yet. :)

[@frankherring6253]

Pask makes just produced a video that he mad a table that allowed his saw to swivel. You should check it out. I think you could improve on his design.

[@MrSneakyGunz]

12:15 This KZbin thing has made you a bit sour heh? I think you do terrific work. Forget about the Trolls and keep up the fine work sir.

[@tjh44961]

James, you have a bad case of GAS. I stole that from one of my other habits, photography. It's Gear Acquisition Syndrome. There is no cure, but fortunately, there are no real detrimental effects, other than to one's wallet. I suffer from it as well, and one of its symptoms is the refusal to use the incorrect tool for any given job (other than the occasional use of MIG pliers as a hammer). Happy new year, and I'm looking forward to the next video, whatever it may be.

[@Clough42]

I'm very fortunate to have a hobby that generates income, so it doesn't bankrupt me. :)

[@tjh44961]

@@Clough42 Btw, I saw the Easter egg over your shoulder on the pallet. Gotta feed that CNC addiction...

[@danwelder]

Did you design the Husky box in Fusion, or did you find the file somewhere? I’ve been looking everywhere for a good source of downloadable CAD files of consumer products in order to modify them as you have done with your cart. Know any good sources you can pass along? Thank you for the great videos, I have learned a lot from you!

[@Clough42]

For the box, I just modeled a literal box the correct size in Fusion, and applied a photo from the product listing as a decal on the front to make it look the part. The photo doesn't give it any real geometry, but it helps visually to understand how it will look when finished. McMaster-Carr has CAD models for most of the hardware they sell. GrabCAD is also a great library, with lots of stuff modeled and shared there. That's a great source for PCB/PCA mockups.

[@danwelder]

@@Clough42 Thank you, much appreciated and keep up the good work!

[@markdion9932]

That's got to be the best cart ideal going. I love it, and so did your viewers. But the bandsaw needs some upgrades, and you just were at Yuchols's shop. So I hope you stole his ideal on his bandsaw vise and check out Joe Pieczynski's add on they go great together.

[@Clough42]

Yeah. I agree. I've been planning on adding a proper table for a while. It's never come to the top of my list. Come to think of it, a table is a great job for the plasma.

[@xpawel10]

I see some avid boxes a cnc router ?

[@davidkarath6549]

Milwaukee metal cutting Circular Saw 8 in

[@yilmazma]

I think I saw Avid CNC boxes there :)

[@RambozoClown]

That microphone did a good job picking up your joints. I know that sound all too well.

[@JohannSwart_JWS]

Your gym needs those plastic strip curtains, to keep all those metal shavings out of your gym kit. The meat wholesalers use them to partially isolate their cold areas...

[@Clough42]

The struggle is real. The machine tools are generally okay, but that evolution saw is the worst.