2x4's and wheels

[Mustard]

Hi All,

I have a brass drying table (for wet tumbling) that is made from 2x4's, including the legs. I would like to add wheels to the legs to make it easier to move the table around my backyard; backyard is a concrete pad roughly 10'x10', and then some hard desert ground.

I figure big wheels are better for rolling around on dirt, but since the legs are only 2"x4"s there isn't a lot of room to screw into.

What does calguns recommend wheel-wise, and/or leg modification-wise to solve this problem? Bonus points for less work.

P.S. my drying table looks kinda like this

[JackEllis]

You could use 7" wheels with polypropylene hubs and rubber tires. Mount them with 1/2" bolts to the sides of the frame, or build a frame underneath the tables and attach the wheels to the bottom of the frame. This way the tables are high enough to work with comfortably.

Or. depending on how often you move it and how much it weighs, set it up like a wheelbarrow with two handles at the back, skids to support the rear and one 12" pneumatic tire in the front. I did something like this (not very pretty but functional enough) for a log splitter that originally came with plastic wheels in the back that didn't do well in soft dirt.

[pacrat]

You only need 2 wheels on one end. Like a wheelbarrow with 2 wheels. Very mobile.

Use wheels like Jack Ellis mentioned. Simply drill through the two legs and run a ROD through the holes. As an axle. No screws to tear out if you hang a wheel on a rock etc.

Easily sourced used from curbside lawn mowers and BBQ's with free sign on them.

[Mustard]

I'm digging the wheelbarrow approach. Even though I'll have to rotate the legs by 90 degrees (I guess I built it funny).

Where would I get the rod, and cut to size? I'm thinking a shaft collar to keep the rod from slipping out, and wheels from slipping off.

[JackEllis]

You only need 2 wheels on one end. Like a wheelbarrow with 2 wheels. Very mobile.

Use wheels like Jack Ellis mentioned. Simply drill through the two legs and run a ROD through the holes. As an axle. No screws to tear out if you hang a wheel on a rock etc.

You could also do this with bolts instead of an axle, one for each wheel that also goes through the 2x4. Use fender washers on either side of the 2x4 to keep the wheel free turning and a lock washer or jam nut to keep the nut that keeps things fastened from slipping.

I assume your drying table isn't really heavy and the ground isn't really soft or uneven and you won't be moving the table all that often.

[LynnJr]

Use bike wheels like a garbage cart uses.
A piece of all thread or running thread with nuts on both sides so they stay in line.
Just drill a 3/8 hole in your legs for the all thread.
If you use wingnuts you can pull the tires off once it's in place so it doesn't wiggle.
The bigger the tires diameter the better.

[pacrat]

I'm digging the wheelbarrow approach. Even though I'll have to rotate the legs by 90 degrees (I guess I built it funny).

Where would I get the rod, and cut to size? I'm thinking a shaft collar to keep the rod from slipping out, and wheels from slipping off.

Jerry's drying table appears to be 2 racks sitting on saw horses.

Options always exist when figuring DIY stuff out. You can add a short Pc [8 to 12"] of 2x4 to each leg. Using some 2 1/2" screws and glue. Or even several 16p nails and glue. Making your legs 3 x 3 1/2" at bottom. Drill through the joint for the axel.

Before sourcing the axel. Determine the ID of hole in wheel hub. That determines OD of axel. Then look here.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-x-36-in-Plain-Steel-Round-Rod-802457/204273960

If per chance your wheels have BIGGER holes. You can also source hollow steel tubing for an axle. Or even a Pc of pipe with appropriate OD.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-36-in-x-3-4-in-x-1-16-in-Plain-Steel-Round-Tube-801237/204225742

IMO, the bolded above is OverThink. All you need is a hack saw to cut axle. 4 washers, or 2 washers, and a couple of short pipe nipples that fit axel. If wheel hubs are recessed both sides. To keep tire from rubbing table. 2 -1/8" cotter pins. And a drill motor to drill 1/8" holes in ends of axle for the C-pins.

Jack's bolt idea will work also. But would require sourcing proper length/dia "shoulder bolts". If bolt threads are "inside" wheel hub. The threads will EAT the plastic hub every time you roll the wheel.

[baih777]

It depends on how much rod you need.
ACE hardware sells.rod and home depot. Look online to see if they have the diameter you need for the wheels.

[The War Wagon]

Short of solid axles and bicycle wheels... THIS.