Table saw – frame and casters

One of the most difficult things with a small workshop is having the space to make new projects and being able to move things around easily. Having fought to move my table saw about for a couple of years, I decided it was time to fit some casters so I can wheel it about when I need it and then move it out the way when I don’t!

I started by measuring the distance between the feet on the floor and then did some sketching of ideas and looked up various different versions other people have made online for inspiration. I was quite taken with the idea of having a frame that could be raised and lowered to sit the saw on the floor when needed and then lifting the saw up onto folding casters to wheel it about. However, when I designed this at the old house, the garage regularly flooded when it rained lots, so I decided to fit permanent casters with the option of changing them later if I find it necessary.

I made a basic frame using pine construction lumber (mostly 2x4s) and some pallet wood scraps and secured it all together using glue and screws to hold it in place while the glue dried so I could keep working.

After finishing the frame I worked out where I would need the casters – I wanted them to sit slightly inside the frame so I would be less likely to trip over them and the frame could remain the size of the floorprint of the legs, rather than making it much bigger with the casters outside the legs.

I got four swivelling casters which all lock in a fixed position and after mounting them to the frame, I lifted the table saw into place and discovered the bolts I planned on using to secure the table saw to the frame interfered with the swivelling of the casters. So I made a 1cm recess and sunk the bolts into that, making the top of the bolt flush with the surface of the frame.

Once I had secured all 4 feet in place, the frame was finished and ready to be used!

I have the option of adding some sort of storage underneath to the frame at some point, but for now I still have the open design as it makes it very easy for cleaning up the sawdust from using the table saw. Since I fitted the frame and casters, the design has proved invaluable for moving workshop tools and furniture around and especially for the house move into a smaller space a few months ago! 🔨