A simple and easy roller dolly build for your kilns. I strongly suggest that you don't try welding the casters to the frame as you'll more than likely fuse the ball bearings in the housing. I personally didn't do this but have had reports that was the end result if attempted. My kiln has a octagon shape so 8 pieces of 1/8" x 2" x 2" angle were cut at a 22.5* cut. Ideally the cut edges should be ground down to acquire a bevel wherefore creating a valley for the weld fusion of the 2 pieces be welded together creating a stronger union. Once this is done, lay all pieces out and tack weld each joint to hold the pieces together. When welding such a structure you should weld such in a criss cross pattern which equally distribute the heat and minimizes the run out (warpage). Remember to mic (measure) the thickness of your material and set your welder amperage to the proper settings. It helps with the heat distortion issue if the structure is clamped down to the table. Cut cross members, grind (bevel) the ends and tack weld those as well. I let mine cool down and didn't get in a hurry during the welding process. After welding the inside/outside and cross members in the criss cross manner mentioned above proceed with fabricating the caster leg bases and handle. Measure, cut and drill all necessary holes prior to welding. Once this is done find the center of the caster plates, mark such and clamp them down to your table. Again, weld the little legs (tubing) in a criss cross fashion. When laying out and welding the handle hinge brackets to the frame it is advisable to assemble all parts together prior to welding them to the framing and install a couple of thick washers approx. 1/8" thick on the inside of the brackets. This will help incase the hinges brackets which are welded to the frame are pulled inward due to heat distortion. Once completed remove such washers and reinstall 1/16" washers in their place. Assemble the entire dolly to make sure everything fits and functions as intended. Remove the casters and handle. Sand or grind down all surface and apply phosphoric acid. Let stand for several hours or until all surfaces have turned black (converted to iron phosphate) and are completely dry. I then scrubbed all surfaces down removing and excess phosphate with a green scotch brite pad, The caster legs were hit with a wire brush. Wipe the entire dolly down with mineral spirits and let dry. Apply a high temp paint and your finished. I used a 2000* HT flat engine enamel for painting mine.
So did mine but heat kills all things. Heck, somebody could have cooked a cat or two in mine for all I know. I had to end up going through all the wiring and controls to bring it back to life not to mention new power cord, handles and replaced all the screws. Only paid $125 for it off of CL.
I like that dolley a lot. I have visions of one for the beer keg furnace, but perhaps in more of a tw0-wheeled dolley, where the vertical part can fold down like yours, or perhaps be removable.
This is how I roll. Literally. Note the bolted on casters.... DON'T ASK. That is a piece of 1/8" flat stock that heavy beast is sitting on. What ya can't see is the fat rebar welded to the under side to prevent sagging. I tack welded the furnace to it just in case it has to be removed later. There is a large hole in the middle of that sheet to allow the flames to hit the ground. lol I actually slide a tray under the furnace on the ground when in use to protect from blowing up the concrete during operation.
Pat, You can always replace the handle hinge bolt & nut with a large cotter pin which can be easily removed to get the handle out of the way. I have enough crap hanging around the walls of my garage shop as it is, that's why I bolted it to the dolly.
And I have two kilns, and would love to be able to move them around easily. I will have to put this on my list of things to make.
I use to own a small cabinet shop and went ABSOLUTELY insane dragging equipment and everything else around just to get the smallest of chores or projects done. Everything was always in the way of what I needed to use, blah, blah, blah................ To say it was extremely aggravating is an understatement. I refuse to have any type of equipment or machinery that isn't mobile these days. Makes life so much easier. Organization is one of the key factors to being productive with minimal mistakes occurring.
