Buying the best mobile base for your table saw, bandsaw, drill press or other tools requires a little research. And, understanding of your tools base dimensions, weight and how frequently you’ll be moving your machine around. In this article learn what the right Mobile base is for your tools (and how to setup in minutes).
Over the years I’ve accumulated four HTC 2000 mobile bases for my cast iron table saw, 22″ drum sander, planer and router table.
And, the only complaint I’ve had in 20 years of use with the HTC bases is I’m guilty of improperly setting the fixed position depth stop. But, we’ll get to what that means later (and why its user error, not the bases fault).
So why are mobile bases important? Well, the alternative is fixed base tools you can’t free from a corner of your garage to use. Or, worse, attempting to lift tools into position and risk injury or damage to your tools.
To help you mobilize your workshop, in this guide we’ll cover the key features of mobile bases:
- Adjustable mobile bases you can buy and adapt to any tool
- Tool specific mobile bases built specifically for your model and brand of tool
- Weight limitations of bases
- Best mobile base options for each type of woodworking tools
- Installation tips and tricks
And, finally we’ll walk through an unbox and build of an HTC-2000 for a router table that I just completed.
Top Picks
Best Budget: WEN Mobile Base is a no-frills, move your 500-pound machine base with solid reviews and an economy price.
Most Popular: HTC-2000 Adjustable Mobile Base is a brand name that focuses on a high quality, well constructed mobile base.
Best Heavy Duty: Shop Fox Extreme Duty features high quality casters for heavy duty saws and planers. And, an optional T-attachment for longer table saw outfeed fences.
In This Article
What is a Mobile Base?
When it comes to a mobile base you’ll have two general options: either choose a build-your-own dimension or a tool specific kit. And, the video above by Bora is a great rundown of the basic steps you’ll need to build an adjustable base.
So which is right for your tools? First, let’s better understand how these work and what types of mobile bases are available.
Adjustable Mobile Bases
As the name implies, this type of base can be used to move most tools up to 32″ x 32″ and support 500 pounds.
Which, in almost all home workshops, is large enough.
Key things to look for in an adjustable base:
- Standard duty adjustable bases are typically built from a slightly C-shaped flat bar that is bolted to corner blocks. I’ve found these work great, but can flex on longer tools (my wide belt sander one of them).
- Heavy duty bases expand the weight capacity and feature tubular steel that doesn’t “flex” over longer distances.
- Caster sizes should be large enough to roll over sawdust and small blocks that find their way to your floor.
- Caster lifts should be easy to operate and not get in the way of using your tool.
- Omni-directional movement is offered on some bases and will allow you to move your tool in any direction. If you have tight space in your shop this is a worthwhile upgrade.
Mobile Base with T Extension
While there are mobile bases for table saws customized to specific brands they aren’t available for all saws.
So what’s the option? Well, fortunately you can go with a T-Extension to an adjustable base that will let you extend the reach and support your outfeed table.
Tool Specific Mobile Bases
Now the great thing about owning a popular woodworking tool is you’ll have the option of using a custom-size mobile base. Since these bases are custom fit to your machine they tend to both work better and look better.
Popular brands supported are:
- Powermatic
- Jet
- Delta
- Dewalt
- SawStop
Alternatives to a Mobile Base
So what happens if you have a wood base that is already sturdy enough to support casters? Well, instead of installing a mobile base, you can instead attach a mobile base caster that will “stand up” to take the weight of the load and then release itself and set the bench on its legs.
The biggest consideration? Making sure you aren’t impeding your work area or creating a trip hazard. Which is why one of my tricks when assembling any mobile base is to install the caster flippers facing into each other so they stay out of my way.
Best Adjustable Mobile Bases
Without doubt, one of the most popular types of mobile bases is the classic adjustable mobile base. Since it allows you to customize your base size to your tools you can mobilize just about anything within the rated size and weight capacity.
And, when I buy bases, I tend towards value and price as this is just a tool to move my saw, sander, planer and router table from point A to B. I like to save upgrades for other tools.
So with that, here are a few options to consider for adjustable mobile bases.
1. HTC2000 - Best Value Adjustable Mobile Base
Last update on 2021-01-23 at 07:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Overview
After recently adding a mobile base to my Rockler router table, I checked my other bases to see what I’d purchased over the years.
And, with three other purchases over 20 years I had accumulated a total of four HTC bases. So sticking with my general principle that mobile bases should be economical and just do their job I can see why I’ve levitated to this base.
Here’s what I like about the HTC bases:
- Inexpensive
- Brand name
- Large rear casters (lower priced units have small casters)
- Easy to assemble (see my unboxing below)
- Durable with enough capacity to move my cast iron table saw
Key Features
- 500 pound weight capacity
- Sizes from 12×12 to 34×34 to 18×50 using the supplied iron strips
- Only adds 1″ of height to your tools
- 3-inch casters for rolling over your shop dust and sticks
Editor: My biggest compliant during assembly was unnecessarily needing a variety of metric and standard wrenches for bolts all the same size (10mm, 11mm, 7/16).
Pros
- Budget price
- Name brand in mobile bases
- Large casters
- 500 pound capacity
- Support almost any size tool base
Cons
- Nuts and bolt head sizes are nonstandard (needed five wrenches to assemble)
- Flat bar extension vs. tube design on heavy duty models
- Height adjustment requires a wrench on floor leveler
2. WEN MB500- Budget Adjustable Mobile Base
Last update on 2021-01-23 at 07:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Overview
If you are taking cost seriously, then the WEN MB500 is about the lowest price mobile base you’ll find on the market. And with good overall reviews this base checks the box for almost all home woodworkers.
Key Features
- 500 pound weight capacity
- Sizes from 11.8 x 11.8 to 35.4 x 35.4 to 19.7 x 51.2 using the supplied iron strips
- Two year warranty
- Slightly smaller than 3-inch casters
Pros
- Budget price
- 500 pound capacity
- Support almost any size tool base
Cons
- Flat bar extension vs. tube design on heavy duty models
- Height adjustment requires a wrench on floor leveler
3. Shop Fox D2057A Heavy Duty Mobile Base
Last update on 2021-01-23 at 07:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Overview
Moving up a few hundred pounds in machine capacity and you’ll find a class of heavy duty mobile bases that support heavy machines.
And, with these bases the design will alter just slightly to include two fixed caster and two swivel casters. The difference, though, is instead of a foot activated lift you’ll find leveling pads that lock the machine in place with a few turns.
Key Features
- 700 pound weight capacity
- Sizes across three distinct units that range from 10-1/2 x 14-1/2 minimum to 28-1/2 x 33-1/2 maximum
- Tubular steel design
- 3″ poly casters
Pros
- 700 pound capacity
- Retractable foot pads
- 3 versions to support most tools
Cons
- Flat bar extension vs. tube design on heavy duty models
- Height adjustment requires a wrench on floor leveler
