My first welding project

[Timmer]

I recently bought a new 110 mig welder. I have a really bad back and I needed a way to move my welder around my place along with my tools. Here is what I came up with. I hope the photo makes it to the site.

Timmer

[Sandy]

That looks like it'll do the job for ya Timmer.

[gsusmaniac]

Cool idea...I like that! I haven't got on to my first project yet. I am still trying to learn to weld...but I definitely like this idea!!!

[mla2ofus]

That looks good, Timmer. W/ the big tires you can roll that about any place you want.
I finally got disgusted w/ the cart that came w/ my Miller MIG and put some larger casters on the front. If the ones they put on it were any smaller, you'd have to measure them w/ calipers!!!!
Mike

[SpyGuy]

What are those, Harbor Freight wheels? That almost looks like the bottom of a garden cart from Costco .... Only thing I might have done differently is to have a small "workspace" on the opposite side of the cart, maybe a 2'x2' plate for small projects. Nice work and nice idea. Can I steal that design?

By the way, welcome to the site - ignore all those rude buggers that posted before me who didn't even welcome you here on your first post!

[bensweld]

Well done Timmer.Cheers!!

[Timmer]

Yes SpyGuy....those are Harbor Freight tires.....I paid $4.55 each. I used a garden type wagon as a pattern. My steering is much simpler and the bed is 26" X 48"......a bit bigger than a garden wagons in the big box stores. I have now mounted my tool boxes to the flatbed and this week I'll figure out where I want to put some upright members to hang my cords and hoses. Before I put the tools on it, I took my wife for a ride..........I should figure out how to put a motor on it!

Timmer

[Timmer]

Updated Photo............I also built a little welding platform that I may add to the wagon.....possibly like a swing up table top.

[SpyGuy]

No, don't figure out the motor addition .... then you'll be too busy riding it to do any welding ..... However, making the handle into a trailer hitch ....

A flip-down tabletop would be a nice addition to your cart. If you make a brace between your welder and the toolbox on the rear, you can add a couple of hooks for your hoses, and use the brace for when you have the table folded out. You may even be able to get some of those locking hinges, and have the table hinged out over the top of the box (the tank would be in the way on this side). Nice setup.

[Timmer]

It became clear that I needed someway to contain my mig gun, ground, and power cord to keep them from being damaged. Here is a couple of photos to show you what I came up with.
Also, after almost stumbling over the steering T-handle. I added a magnet to stick it to the top of the bigger tool box. Its works great.

Tim

[smawgmaw]

Looking good! Well done, and welcome to the forum!

[CheneyKid]

Nice idea recessing the gass bottle in the cart, keep up the good work.

[Weldordie]

What? No gimble-mounted mug holder? Nice job and thanks for posting.

[Redgriz]

Nice wagon. and welcome to the site. could you post a few pictures of your front axle assembly. I Have tried different methods to get the front tires to turn but seem to always hangs up or just doesn't turn correctly. I built one for my wife's work. Her boss delivers food for pre-schoolers with it and she has said the front sticks a bit. I bought the tires from Harbor freight. They (I think) are a good deal for about $6 apiece. thank you.

[Timmer]

Red....
I tried to take photos (closeups) of the steering assembly. Its a black cart and my shop is too dark. I'll take some photos for you this weekend when I'm home during daylight. The cart steering is similar to the harbor freight lawn and yard carts. There are 3 pivot points(one for each wheel and one in the center) all welded to the cart. I used thinwall pipe for these pivots. I could describe further.....but photos will really help. I'll get these posted Saturday or Sunday.

I did use a pipe within a pipe for each wheel....so there is a little play, but not enough to bother anything.

Tim

[MoonRise]

But, but, but, you lost all your off-road ground clearance by having that drop section for the gas cylinder.

Neat.

[Timmer]

LOL.....my place is VERY flat. I do have a gravel road all around our out-buildings.......it has been compared to an oval flat-track. So.....that tells me that clearance isn't as important as cornering...........Lower center of gravity = better cornering. I'm smarter than I thought.

[Timmer]

As promised......the steering assembly photos. Notice the pipe within a pipe and pivot points.

Tim

[wb4rt]

Hi Timmer.
Thanks for the photos of the steering assembly. I, too, have been wanting to make a similar wagon for my grandson. Do you use grease fittings or seals, or does the inner pipe just rest inside the outer pipe? Can you tell me what size pipes you used, maybe 1" and 1 1/4"?
Any other photos would be appreciated.
Burt

[Timmer]

Burt......I didn't use seals or fittings of any kind. The outer pipe (mounted to the trolley) holds the inner pipe (mounted to the wheel). The pipes are some scrap that I found from a friends scrap heap. I don't know the exact sizes.....but the larger pipe is right about 1.75 O.D. and then I found some smaller pipe that was as tight of fit as would still slide inside. Both sizes are "thin wall" pipe. I estimate there is less than .125 space between the two pipes.....and I did put a few spot welds (sort of like like bearing points) on the outside of the inner pipe to help with the slop and they don't cause much friction. I know its not a high tec system.....but there is virtually nothing that can go wrong and I made it in one evening. Also....the price was right.
Just so you know.....I can draw anything on cad......I've never built anything out of steel before this project. My welding is much "cleaner" now.

Tim

[Redgriz]

Timmer, that looks good. Will have to fab it up for mine. I will post a photo when I complete it.

[jackh]

looks awesome, i dont think id have the patience to mess with how you attached the wheels and did the steering.

[bigwhitebeast]

Nice project, here are a few crappy pictures of mine



One of the things I did was angle the handle back so it would stay upright



I like your steering setup, very simple and functional, mine was i little more work.

[smokin_dodge]

nice cart. il have to copy that one down for a later date. everything right where you need it and its mobile.

id put some grease or oil on all the points where you have metal to metal contact, helps decrease wear on metal components, increasing the life of the cart.

[Bruce]

Welcome Timmer
Both carts have a lot going for 'em!
Thanks 4 Sharing,