I recently received a new Italian-made Laguna LT-18 bandsaw after much consideration of other saws. I decided against the J-hook mobility kit for the saw because it just wouldn't work for where the saw needs to go. Also, that part of my garage is in no way level.
A forum friend recommended CarryMaster casters from Zambus and they were amazing in this application. I later ordered another set of 4 for my assembly table. This video goes over the casters and how I installed them to the assembly table. The install is trivial, but it is interesting to see how easily the heavy table moves when the wheels are engaged and how quick it is to anchor it on feet and level them. This is the first time my assembly table has been level!
The reason for this video is because a lot of people want 95% stationary/5% mobile assembly tables and these are perfect for that application.
I ordered mine from MJ Vail and they shipped very quickly. More interesting, though, is that Woodcraft now sells what looks like a relabeled AC-300F CarryMaster caster under the Woodriver brand for much less than the Zambus-labeled version. I'm not certain, though, if they have the same weight rating of the AC-300F so give that a look first. Note that for the bandsaw, I used the AC-300S casters that have just a 12mm stem since the base of the saw had threaded holes for feet; the flange version would not have worked very well at all in that application.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
CarryMaster Casters
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Naturally, I like woodworking as a hobby, but an ice hockey tournament will easily get me out of the shop :)
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I have a laguna 18 inch bandsaw. I think that you are going to love it. I have the Laguna mobile bas. As nice as the saw is the mobile base is s#^%*(. I have a fairly low ceiling in my shop and every time I move the thing I have to make a sharp turn. It is a nerve racking experience to have a 500 lb plus bandsaw feel like it is going over. I am going to look into the carry masters. My work bench is not mobile and I have a drain in my basement shop which means a slope in the concrete which equals and uneven floor. They may work for that too. Thanks, Joh
Hi, John! So far, I am loving it :) Just recorded a review of it and demo resawing some Poplar and Mahogany. Only 10" wide boards, but still nice. The Resaw King and DriftMaster are somewhat featured though I haven't finished recording it all. Too much going on this weekend including a much needed 2 hour nap on the hammock!
Since you mentioned low ceilings, I went down to measure the casters. You'll need the stem type models. The AC-300S will work (12mm stem). The sit under the base so they add 3" to engage the foot, more if you have to crank one up to level it.
I did a lot on my assembly table this weekend and it was noticeably solid; I'm very happy.
Thanks, too, for the opinion on the J-hook; I could see how that would be a nuisance with a low ceiling.
The drift master is a great fence. My laguna bandsaw was made before the driftmaster came out. I found it to be a little tricky installing it. I have some trouble keeping the horizontal plate that holds the adjustments and the fence level with the bandsaw table. It usually doesn't matter because they are parallel to each other so it doesn't throw the cut off. I know sometime I am not going to notice it and it is going to screw something up. I'll be interested to see how yours is set up.
I use my driftmaster to back into the shoulder cuts on through dovetails. It allows very small changes to the fence. There are a million different applications for it. Have fun
Paul,
The 300 in the AC-300 model number refers to the max rating... in kilograms not pounds. So these are actually capable of 660lbs a piece (not 300 as stated in your video.)
Mark
I looked again on the Zambus (manufacturer) site to see if I mixed pounds and kilograms, but the AC-300 there is listed for 330 lbs each (AC-600 for 660 lbs each). Here's the link:
http://www.zambus.com/product/ac300.php
Are you finding specifications listing these instead in kilograms? Would be interesting to clear up as it is obviously a big factor difference! :)
Hi Paul,
Really enjoy your site. When watching the Laguna video I think you mentioned you were planning a video to illustrate the mobile base for the bandsaw. I have a Laguna 16 HD and would like to use the same AC casters (stem version) as you used. Did you have to block out under the bandsaw base prior to installing the casters? My Laguna’s base is 1.75” tall. Thus to get the casters at the very bottom of the base platform it seems a spacer block approximately 1.75” thick would be necessary. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks bill
Hi, Bill,
For me, my neighbor tipped back the bandsaw while I screwed in the front casters. Then pushed it to get the others underneath. We could have tipped back to put it on 2x4 stock then pushed it to get the back on 2x4s, but then you'd be stuck having to lift the bandsaw off.
One guy was able to handle tipping it back. But he's my plumber friend who heaves toilets onto his shoulder and carries them like nothing so maybe get two strong guys. Only need to tip it back a little way.
Hope that helps; be careful with it!
Thanks for the review -- I was concerned about the ability to use the thumbwheel under load. Knowing you find it acceptable was enough to give them a try instead of a slew of "mobile base" units.
I took a look at the Woodcraft casters today and they are marked as made in China, while Zambus / Carrymaster site indicates "OUR MAIN FACTORY IN S. KOREA"
At least for me, with a modest difference between Carrymaster and potential clone (~$30 a set), I'm going to try the Carrymaster. They are comparable in price to the Footmaster GD-50, and less than the GDR-50 (with built-in ratchet adjuster).