Project 1 Dyethor, Category; Welding cart.

[dyethor]

Hello all,

Since I just bought my 225lx I had the need to make it a little more portable than just lugging it around by the handle. I do a lot of side jobs out in the field, so I needed a cart that could be moved easily on different surfaces. Not just a nice concrete floor. I had seen a project somewhere that the person based their cart on a dolly, this following project is my take on this.
I Built this out of aluminum I had laying around the shop. This includes 2x3 channel, 1x1x1/8 square tubing, 2.5x.25 flat stock, and some 3/16 and 1/4 sheet. I also used some 1/2 inch bolts, stainless steel hangers, and ratchet straps. Every weld was made using my 225 tig machine.

I started this project by making the cylinder cradle. Its built for a 125cf tank. I didnt want to lug around anything bigger.
Here is the main supports and the arch, made from the 2x3 channel. They parts are fitted and waiting to be welded.


I welded the arch first.


The main structure that cradles the cylinder.


Here I made the base for the cylinder.


Next I welded on the 1/4 sheet For the floor plate.


Here is the base welded to the main structure.


For this cradle piece I got a piece on metal that would fit in my pipe bender. I bent it and then cut off the excess.

[dyethor]

Next I made the axles. I used 1/2" grade 8 bolts and tig welded them to plates I had drilled holes in. Since its steel I painted them to inhibit rust and corrosion.


The next step was to make the compartment frames. This is made out of the 1"x1" square tubing. The corners were all cut at 45degree.
Here I'm tacking all the pieces together.


I made two levels one for the welder and one for the cooler. The level for the welder I made the floor out of the 3/16 sheet.
Here is the compartments welded to the bottle cradle. also the axles are mounted.


Up to this point I wasn't sure about how I wanted to make the handles. I decided to try and bend some 1"x1" square tubing. I was satisfied with the look of the bend.


Here is one handle welded on.


This is the semi completed cart with cooler, welder and bottle.


Here I installed the wheels, they are 13" pneumatic from harbor freight. I also installed the stainless hooks to hang the hoses and cords. I think in gonna get Velcro straps to secure the hoses and cords better.


This is the front view. The straps holding the welder are ratcheting as well as the one holding the tank in place.


I think I'm going to make the top into a work surface by adding a thick plate of aluminum on it. I wont weld it on but weld some tabs on the plate and have it bolt underneath. I might also add some rod holding tubes somewhere. Maybe make a removable storage box as well. So far this thing rolls around like a champ.