How to Build a Plasma Cutter Cart
When many people think of plasma cutters, they envision large industrial-sized CNC plasma cutters which use computer numerical control coding to cut metal with extreme precision. But recent advances in technology have made smaller, handheld plasma cutters both affordable and convenient for use in home metal shops and in smaller industrial settings. Most small plasma cutters can be powered by plugging them into any home wall outlet. Despite its relative convenience compared to the large CNC plasma cutters, a handheld plasma cutter still weights about 75 lbs, so building a rolling cart for your plasma cutter ensures easy and safe access to this versatile tool. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Old push type lawn mower
- Socket set or end wrench set
- 24" x 24" piece of ¾" plywood
- Short pencil
- 5/16" drill bit
- Electric drill motor
- 4 -- ¼ x 20 1-¼ inch long bolts with nuts
- 4 - ¼ x 20 1-1/2 inch long bolts with nuts
- 16 -- ¼ inch washers
Instructions
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1
Acquire an old push type lawn mower from the local fix it shop or a neighbor who may be throwing one away. The mower base will provide an excellent plasma cutter cart as long as the wheels are in decent condition. Most replacement wheels can be purchased for a few dollars from the local home store.
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2
Remove the engine and blade from the base of the mower. These can be easily recycled and may provide the funds for the above-mentioned parts to finish the plasma cutter cart.
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3
Lay the 24-inch by 24-inch piece of ¾ inch thick plywood over the top of the mower base. Use the short pencil and mark the old engine mounting holes from the under the mower deck onto the plywood.
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4
Install the 5/16-inch drill bit into the electric drill and place a hole at each marked location. Thoroughly remove the wood from the hole so the bolts can easily slide through.
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5
Install the plywood back onto the base and attach it with the ¼ x 20 by 11/4 inch bolts and nuts. Be sure to use a ¼ inch washer on both ends of the nut and bolt arrangement. Tighten all with the socket and end wrench set. You should now have a sturdy wooden base on which to set the plasma cutter.
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6
Use the pencil again and mark the plasma cutter mounting holes onto the plywood. There should be four mounting positions on the lower base frame of the plasma cutter. Orientate the plasma cutter unit to your liking and for ease of access to the controls.
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7
Drill these holes out with the plywood still mounted on the cart. You should be able to easily drill through the plywood and the top deck of the mower base.
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8
Attach the plasma cutter using the ¼ x 20 by 11/2 inch long bolts and nuts. Again be sure to use the washers and tighten all with the end wrench and socket set.
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9
Use the push handle to wrap the plasma cutter torch cord around for storage, along with the power cord. Depending upon the orientation you chose, you can also mount the plastic storage container that comes with all plasma cutters onto the plywood or on top of the plasma cutter unit itself.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also find larger mower deck units for more storage space.
This type of roller cart can be used for more than just carting a plasma cutter. It can be used for any type of permanently mounted power tool or moveable storage space.
