I've decided to put my milling machines on skids so I can move them around the shop. I looked at lots of different pallets and skids. Most were either too light weight or only provided access from one direction. I decided to build my own.
I created models for each of the three classes of mills: Lagun FT-1, Bridgeport BOSS 5 CNC, Bridgeport Series II (I have two of these). They are the same design with only slightly different measurements. The driving factor was to have access from both the front/back and the sides with a standard 27" pallet jack. The width of the pallet jack became the limit on the minimum width for all three at 36".
I use
9 ea. 4" x 4" x <some_length> as the base, then
3 ea. 1" x 4" slats on top of those to tie them together and finally
3(or 4) ea. 2" x 12" x 36" for the top as you can see here.
Lagun: 42" x 36"
With the base
BOSS 5: 38" x 36"
With the base
Series II: 48" x 36"
With the base
I'll assemble these using #9 2 1/2 or 3" Star Flat Head Wood Deck Screws.
The bolt holes in the base of each mill will go through the 2"x12" with room for nuts to be attached underneath. I plan to use 1/2" x 13 x 8" bolts, nuts and washers to hold the skids in place under the mill. One of the Series II does not have bolt down holes in the base. The Lagun only has bolt down holes in the front (unless there are some inside the housing - I haven't looked there yet). This means I've only identified a requirement for 10 bolts so far.
The lumber cost is expected to be ~$150.00
The deck screws are ~$30 for 5#
The bolts are ~$3.00 ea.
Total estimated cost to build 4 skids: ~$210.00
I acquired a heavy duty pallet jack rated for 11,000 lbs due to the weight (~5200 lb) of the Series II machines.
Any comments or suggested improvements on this approach are welcome.
I created models for each of the three classes of mills: Lagun FT-1, Bridgeport BOSS 5 CNC, Bridgeport Series II (I have two of these). They are the same design with only slightly different measurements. The driving factor was to have access from both the front/back and the sides with a standard 27" pallet jack. The width of the pallet jack became the limit on the minimum width for all three at 36".
I use
9 ea. 4" x 4" x <some_length> as the base, then
3 ea. 1" x 4" slats on top of those to tie them together and finally
3(or 4) ea. 2" x 12" x 36" for the top as you can see here.
Lagun: 42" x 36"
With the base
BOSS 5: 38" x 36"
With the base
Series II: 48" x 36"
With the base
I'll assemble these using #9 2 1/2 or 3" Star Flat Head Wood Deck Screws.
The bolt holes in the base of each mill will go through the 2"x12" with room for nuts to be attached underneath. I plan to use 1/2" x 13 x 8" bolts, nuts and washers to hold the skids in place under the mill. One of the Series II does not have bolt down holes in the base. The Lagun only has bolt down holes in the front (unless there are some inside the housing - I haven't looked there yet). This means I've only identified a requirement for 10 bolts so far.
The lumber cost is expected to be ~$150.00
The deck screws are ~$30 for 5#
The bolts are ~$3.00 ea.
Total estimated cost to build 4 skids: ~$210.00
I acquired a heavy duty pallet jack rated for 11,000 lbs due to the weight (~5200 lb) of the Series II machines.
Any comments or suggested improvements on this approach are welcome.