DIY Machine Moving Skates

[mylilmule]

[Frank S]

A good set of machinery skates are in general as handy as pants pockets. Utilizing or repurposing materials already on hand is pretty much most DIYers code.
On the ones you made you may find that you may want to get some thick brass shim stock and cut out a set of thrust washers to place between the body and the turn plate . but that is not a world upsetting deal. You may also find that the turntable plates need to have knurling or a grid of milled groves to help keep them positioned against the bottom of the machine or a skid. you really need tires on your bearings though. to protect and extend the life of the bearing races. radial bearings need a housing over the races at least the thickness of the outer bearing race to prevent them deforming and breaking. a .120 to .250" rise in floor clearance is not going to be a game changer for moving a machine around but will do 2 things #1 a steal tire over the bearing pairs allows the bearings to function as a single member and #2 you can machine a miniscule amount of crown onto the outer surface to the tire which will make for easier turning of the skates, #3 increases the loading capacity of the bearings significantly, insuring longer life. You already know your probable need to change the attachment angle of your pull/ steering handle.
Other than these hopefully constructive comments I think you will really enjoy your skates.
I like having all 4 bearings confined inside of the skate body with a single crowned tire over them but like you said you had those blocks on hand.

[Altair]

Thanks mylilmule! We've added your Machine Moving Skates to our Storage and Organization category,
as well as to your builder page: mylilmule's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Machine Moving Skates by mylilmule

tags: dolly, dolly stand