Best power tool stands & mobile bases according to redditors
We found 126 Reddit comments discussing the best power tool stands & mobile bases. We ranked the 37 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 126 Reddit comments discussing the best power tool stands & mobile bases. We ranked the 37 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I have a Weller WES51 Analog Soldering Station, and I highly recommend it for just about any kind of work. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BRC2XU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518809457&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=weller+wes51&dpPl=1&dpID=41WVs6AdNqL&ref=plSrch
The slightly more expensive digital version doesn’t solder any better, it just has buttons and a display instead of an adjustment knob.
If you’re working on tiny components, then you’ll just need to buy a few smaller tips, but there are plenty of sizes and shapes out there for Weller irons. I’ve always just bought cheaper knockoff tips, like the ones where you can get a variety pack of 10 for ~$30 on amazon. I don’t think tips are really worth spending a premium for the Weller brand, unlike the iron itself. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VFYPKN2/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1518809384&sr=8-2-fkmr2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=weller+replacement+tip+set+wes51
I’d also recommend a good vise or workstation to hold things steady, because there’s nothing worse than trying to use crappy little helping hands or just solder on a bench top. I use a Panavise like this, just as an idea, but there are probably some decent cheaper options out there: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00011QA0M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518809613&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=panavise+350&dpPl=1&dpID=41smUr9QAlL&ref=plSrch
A good drill is key. It's silly to stick to one brand (many people have the bs brand loyalty fetish and I'm not sure why). You'll also want to get a variety of drill bits to go with drill. Go to garage sales and start hoarding nails, screws, etc at cheap prices.
My recommendations below are based on at least 5 hours of research and shopping around. There are some things I'd probably add to the list (like a hand saw and dremel) but this takes care of a lot of your big needs. I own everything on the list and am pleased with it all, especially in terms of a performance for value ratio.
The key is know what you want then shop around / wait for the best prices (track prices in spreadsheet). Use google shopping to compare prices and see who price matches plus has best ebates or Ibotta cash back % + consider buying gift cards at a discount on Raise or elsewhere to further maximize savings (or just go with whatever credit card gets best points on particular site). Add Google Chrome app "Honey" to have coupon codes auto applied (eliminates time searching for them).
Also, I'd strongly consider getting a credit card with a decent bonus that will essentially help you get these items for free (assuming you can achieve the bonus spend with money you're already paying on existing bills / monthly purchases - it's a no-brainer in this case) - Chase's Sapphire Preferred is a good place to start ($500 bonus for 4K spend in 3 months)
Consider waiting until Black Friday (and from Jan to end of feb) for the good deals.
Drill (get a decent to really good one - you'll use it often)
Circular Saw
Multi-tool
Miter saw
Respirator
Horse (the 'roided out version)
Sander (makes a huge difference): I've seen it in the low $40 range
http://www.amazon.com/DELTA-50-345-Universal-Mobile-Included/dp/B0000223CL
Holy cow! LV isn't messing around on the price gouging there... https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Mobile-Power-Tools-HTC-2000/dp/B00002262M/ref=pd_lpo_469_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4GBXA0PNXJ6CNRG5NB69
edit: You get downvoted on the woodworking subreddit for the dumbest shit.
Hey Shane, I was inspired by your cleaning video to build one of these for my carbon frame bike. I opted to use a Park tool bottom bracket saddle/mount that comes with their expensive repair stands, as well as a truck bed quick release skewer mount instead of a front hub.
Album of the stand with links to where you can purchase the pieces: http://imgur.com/a/CRm3P
Here are the parts list if anyone is interested in building one:
Sawhorse legs from Amazon (you will need a 2x4 or 2x6 piece of wood)
Bottom bracket saddle
Quick release fork mount
Note that you will need to buy your own 2x4 or 2x6 wood. Try to find the straightest piece you can find, or else the legs will wobble and you will need to shim underneath the sawhorse leg brackets to even it out. Also with a 2x6, the end closest to the rear wheel will need to have its sides trimmed or the crank arms won't have enough clearance.
The panavise system changed my life:
It paid for itself in the first week with time saved.
PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center.
The one from harbor Frieght I heard is good
But if you want to almost double your budget
This is what I suggest
PanaVise 203 Pv Jr. Vise Head... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SQWPY0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
PanaVise 305 Low Profile Base https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002BC1YU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
PanaVise 312 Tray Base Mount https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B63208?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This is my setup
All together $68 usd
With what your going to do I would get a 10 inch miter...not sliding. unless you just want to spend the extra money.
(whooops....link removed.....didn't realize we could only link products from blue/orange/amz.)
alternate link....https://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-C10FCE2-15-Amp-10-inch-Compound/dp/B000V5Z6RG
For the table saw...I would search craigslist and get a full size saw and add a set of wheels to it...like these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000223CL
I would search craigslist for the table saw.
There are only a few reasons to even get a miter saw.
Its easier to crosscut long pieces accurately.
You get quick access to a dedicated crosscut blade instead of swapping one into table saw.
Other than that, I tend to use the table saw. Even when I am crosscutting a lot of short material, I use a crosscut sled on my table saw. I only use my miter saw to rough cut and break down long boards.
If I was you I would buy that 100 buck miter and lump that other 200 in on my table saw money, wait and watch craigslist to get a better table saw with a solid top.
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Mobile-Power-Tools-HTC-2000/dp/B00002262M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1484922100&sr=8-3&keywords=mobile+base
For $54 you really cant beat it.
Bora Portamate PM-3500
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010HWCWOW
[panavise 350] (http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-350-Multi-Purpose-Work-Center/dp/B00011QA0M)
I use them for work and once I picked up the hobby got one for home use. Not too big for a desk, able to solidly grip even big locks, adjustable angling, built-in tray for picks and wrenches. Highly recommend!
Get a nice panavise: http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-350-Multi-Purpose-Work-Center/dp/B00011QA0M/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_ex
I love [Black and Decker Workmates](http://www.BLACK.com/+DECKER WM425-A Portable Project Center and Vise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PTX62Q4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JuNJDb1S9CDD0) for small portable benches. You can make bases for your tools that can quickly be clamped into the top of the bench or build larger table surfaces that can be clamp to the original. Get 2 of them and make a large work surface that spans two of them.
When you done, fold them up and put them away.
Table Saw: The only thing I could say about the Jet that is better than the Grizzly is the fence, and the one on the Grizzly isn't all that bad. Other than that I personally would still get the Grizzly if I had to do it over again. The Jet is significantly lighter(a negative when talking about table saws. You want heavy and stable) and the model you are looking at has steel wings as opposed to cast iron. That just makes it not worth the cost in my opinion. I started off with an old Craftsman 113 saw and upgraded to the Grizzly. As a hobbyist it is my lifetime saw. A pro would want a true cabinet saw and there are good prices on old used ones if you want to put the work into cleaning them up.
Miter Saw: I have a cheap sub $100 Ryobi that I've had for a decade. When I was putting up molding around my house it was definitely easier and more convenient than the table saw and did everything I needed it to do. Other than that I have very little use for it. Not something I would recommend spending a ton of money on.
Modular Table: Mobile tools are great when space is limited. Universal Mobile bases are worth investing in for anything that needs to move around. Something like this is good: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Portamate-Adjustable-Mobilizing-Applications/dp/B00PATV14A/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1539525739&sr=8-5&keywords=universal+mobile+base
Jointer: What kind of furniture will you build? Where will you get your wood from? Put this one on the back burner if you won't be using it a lot. Unless you will never need to joint anything longer than 2 or 3 feet the benchtop is a complete waste of money. Many woodworkers never buy a jointer and get along just fine without it. With minimal need I would either joint by hand(with a nice hand plane) or more practical is build a jointing sled to run through your planer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UONmuQt_98 In the future if you do find a jointer becomes a need, buy the biggest baddest one you can afford, preferably one with a spiral/helical cutting head on it. I personally have the Grizzly G0452Z that I bought used. The 6 inch is a bit limiting but I get by. I don't use it a ton and would never spend the money on it new but I got a really nice deal on it.
I'm totally jealous you have a nice woodworking shop near you. Everything near me sucks and I have to buy things online.
Nailers: There is a performance difference between air vs battery, but not something that would matter to your needs. Most of the battery operated ones take a second or 2 to charge up and shoot the nail. The air ones are ready to go immediately as long as the compressor is full. The biggest issue with battery ones is the cost(I'm a cheap bastard). They are also heavier and you need to worry about charging the battery, but they certainly are convenient and you don't have to worry about tripping over the air hose. If you were a contractor using it all day long I would say Air without a doubt. A homeowner using it here and there, really either one will suit you just fine. For me it comes down to cost.
Paint sprayer: That's a lot of painting, so by all means get a sprayer. I have no personal experience on that model so no input from me on this one.
Great choices! Although I might be biased, lol.
That's a good selection of padlocks as well.
I'd recommend visiting a thrift store/habitat for humanity/etc to see if you can find a really cheap double-sided deadbolt for less than $10. You can take the pins out and play with it in a configuration that only has 1 pin, then 2 pins, then 3 pins, etc. That will help a lot as you first start to learn and understand feedback.
Vises are really nice, but definitely not necessary, especially for padlocks. I started picking locks 7 or 8 years ago and I only just bought my first vise, a Panavise 350. At $89.99, it is not cheap, but dang it is nice. There are cheaper vise options, but I would have to let someone else chime in.
The one I was looking at was around $100 on amazon right now. I know its a little pricey but the portability and size are big factors for me.
This doesn't look very woodworkery but it's very strong and portable.
https://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-RK9003-JawHorse-Material-Support/dp/B007XRFQKW/ref=pd_lpo_469_tr_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=R9EAJ3TSFN0S858YH6PJ
Flush cutters. This pair and this pair are the industry standard workhorse. Absolutely essential tools.
PanaVise clamps are a must have. This one and this one are my favorites.
A manually operated solder sucker will be an important buy as well.
Thanks! Here’s a link
roller stands?
The Rockwell Jawhorse.
It's insanely useful. Grips just about anything super tight and solid and with 3 wide legs it's incredibly stable. I use it instead of a sawhorse all the time for cutting lumber and holding awkward items when I'm working by myself. You can also toss a piece of plywood in the jaws and use it as a quick makeshift table.
The other thing that really changed how I work is modern cordless tools. Today's Li-Ion-powered devices are just leagues ahead of the NiCad or other cordless drills, saws, etc. from 5-10 years ago. So many more things I can now rely on their cordless versions to have enough power & battery life to get the job done.
Skip the folding work bench and get a good pair of saw horses instead. If they must fold get these. For extra stability and meat at the cost of weight they can be built with a 4x4 instead of the 2x4 pictured.
Don't get the cheap table saw. It isn't safe, it's under powered, and it will be difficult to use and get good results. Table saws are the most dangerous power tool there is. When you are ready to get one you need one with a decent fence, guard with anti-kickback palls, and riving knife that follows the blade. And then you need good push sticks and a willingness to build a few jigs. Otherwise, in the heat of the battle, you will do something dangerous and if you are lucky have a very close call. Or you'll lose part of a hand. Not kidding. It happens in an instant.
That cordless drill can be expected to last about five years for a DIYer. You might be better off looking at smaller, lighter, but better quality 12 volt, like Bosch or Milwaukee. In the end it's the batteries that add up. So you want to pick a tool with good quality batteries that will last a while and not make you sick when you replace them. The compact 12 volt tools have plenty of power for most jobs, are easier to handle, way less fatigue in use overhead, fit in tighter spaces to do more jobs, and take up less room in storage.
B&D WM, my good man. It folds up out of the way. Mount the press to a small 2x4 and plywood spacer base, and clamp it in the top.
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Universal-Portamate-Equipment-Stability/dp/B00016BI5O/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_1_sspa?keywords=woodshop+tool+mobile+base&qid=1550200649&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull-spons&psc=1
I've got my planer and table saw on these. No complaints and for $60/per being able to move the tools around with ease is well work it. The locking mechanism takes a little adjustment but nothing major. From packaged to functional in less than an hour.
It's a PanaVise 350 I bought of Amazon: PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00011QA0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SDawzbDDR5TEB
Hope that helps...
I have these exact two as well. Im looking at using this Rousseau stand (see following link). Currently my miter saw is on a short dewalt miter saw stand.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TYT86O/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_d-wXub177NVCK
The Panavise 350 that Bill uses is on Amazon for about $90. It comes with the tray base for that.
PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00011QA0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3nHOAbAD0Q7GR
There are other, cheaper models of Panavise on Amazon, one for $26 and another for $50 if I remember correctly.
Bosch T4B. I picked one up on Craigslist for $100. Its awesome.
http://www.amazon.com/DELTA-50-345-Universal-Mobile-Included/dp/B0000223CL
This is what they are. I did see a guy on YouTube make them for all his shop tools out of plywood and seemed pretty basic.
I know it's not DIY but you could use two of these or use square tubing in a similar model to try to span the length of the pool table. You might need two of these which makes it expensive: http://www.amazon.com/Shop-Fox-D2057A-Adjustable-Mobile/dp/B0000DD6B9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376530516&sr=8-1&keywords=shop+fox+mobile+base
I have that exact one on my table saw which weighs way more than my pool table and it barely changes the height. There are also DIY versions of these if you google for it
I built a mobile base for my bandsaw out of 2x4s and casters, and I bought a mobile base for my new-to-me table saw. My shop is small and weirdly laid out with stairs that come down right into the middle of the room, so having big hulking chunks of metal permanently taking up the majority of the floor space isn't ideal. The tablesaw base is from Portamate (link here), and the bandsaw base is made from half-lapped 2x4s with locking casters that came with the saw when I bought it used.
built the stand, and bolted it on a mobile base i got off amazon....http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002262M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
then i made sure the bearing support behind the blade was 1/64 an inch, and moved in the blade guides in until a dollar bill fit between each side of the blade.... made sure it was tracking straight and made a test cut... just follow your instructions or watch a youtube video on how to set one up and you'll be good to go.... it really helps to have a second person to help, my dad was nice enough to help me out.. we finished right before midnight last night!
Are you limited to that budget or can you go over? I got the Bosch GCM12SD a few months ago and it is awesome. Literally every worker who comes over and sees me using it is like "Damn that is a nice chop saw".
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004323NNC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I dont have a shop so I keep it on this stand and wheel it in and out of my shed when I use it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VZNEM0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I got the laser for it as well but I never use it, just as easy to line things up manually.
The BosnianBill special - Panavise 350.
http://amzn.com/B00011QA0M
cheap tho, would be worthy for the crafty who's debating getting rollers.
figure out a way to attach these to a frame and you'd get something that smoother running and more robust. but it raises the minimum cost to over $70/45gbp.
bearings are cheap if you were extra crafty to fit them into rollers. I like the rolling pins more so than hard heavy metal rollers but i guess you're not that likely to fall straight to the ground.
> Rockwell Lockjaw
this thing?
https://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-JawHorse-Portable-Material-Support/dp/B007XRFQKW
I don't know if many lockpickers have tried it, but I have seen a dremel vice that looks like it would be very decent for an entry level vice as it is much cheaper (30$) than the vice you are looking for which usually runs about 75-100$. As for the vice you are seeking, I think this is it, the PanaVise 350 which is pictured in your first link(with the jaws reversed).
PanaVise 350 Multi-Purpose Work Center
its a bit of overkill for what he's using it for, but its more general purpose than the circuit board attachment
Not yet, I got this one http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PATV14A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OzHpxb6DHTCSJ
About half as much and a lot more versatile if you ever wanted to use it for something else
Something to consider for the future: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002262M The 2000 is more than enough (500lbs capacity, 1412 is like 250ish or less IIRC) and a little cheaper.
I'm in Australia, so an australian link is probably useless to you.. However, a quick amazon search shows this..
https://www.amazon.com/Target-Precision-RB-H1028-Sawhorse-Complete/dp/B00005A1KD/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1469885472&sr=8-20&keywords=folding+sawhorse
It's a wooden 4x2 plank screwed to some folding legs. I then just screwed some more bits of wood to it to fit the HOTAS stick.. I have an Ikea chair that I can lower so it then slides under the the hotas stick.. I'm a tall guy so I made sure that my legs can comfortably slide under the timber.
For me, its quite stable as I don't tend to thrash around the wheel..
Ridgid Flip Top
I don't unfortunately. But I used these for the legs:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CG5DKG2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_CFoJDb43XNTJD
And attached it to this countertop:
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/lilltraesk-countertop-white-laminate-50280828/
The 74" length exactly fits 2 turntables, 2 CDJs, and a mixer. If you place the turntables battle style, you get a few inches extra on each end.
The saw horses have built in holes on the too so I screwed them into the table. I had to place the saw horses on angles to fit properly since the length of them are longer than the width of the table. I can try and take a pic in a bit of it but in the collapsed state.
Drill Press Stand Adjustable Desktop Drill Stand Durable Aluminum Drill Holder Professional Electric Drill Press Bench Table Press Stand Workstation Repair Tool Clamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TB5LRKR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DzDJDbN4VT8AX it would cost more to make it yourself
I use the thing Bosnian Bill uses. I will link it for you.
Edit. Here, this things is pretty nice and I have used it for other things
Retracting wheels would be cool...Building a cabinet on one of these and mounting the shapeoko above it might work well.
I have this one (got it for $99 which it drops to about twice a year) and really like it. It can only open I think 37". If you use full size sheets of plywood regularly then you should go with the sheet master as it can open to 49" and holds a solid sheet of plywood.
Thanks for this...I had this in my cart, but am wondering which jaws might be more versatile.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00011QA0M/?coliid=I9WQ4IH9W2YM4&colid=7QT3HBCPKJOP&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
BosnianBill uses the PanaVise 350.
I think this will probably hold it. How would we lift this though? Engine hoist?
https://www.amazon.com/Portamate-PM-3500-Industrial-Strength-Universal-Heaviest/dp/B010HWCWOW/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1550018860&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=wheeled+tool+base&psc=1#customerReviews
May want to look at the workmate
amazon has it cheaper with free shipping, then get one of these, https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Fox-D2057A-Adjustable-Mobile/dp/B0000DD6B9/ref=pd_sim_469_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0000DD6B9&pd_rd_r=7G1CP8PVAPGGK2W6YC1K&pd_rd_w=Hz72s&pd_rd_wg=Ht34n&psc=1&refRID=7G1CP8PVAPGGK2W6YC1K and roll it where you need it?
"Mobile Machine Base"
You'll have to check the weight requirements but the link below should be the type of thing you're looking for:
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Mobile-Power-Tools-HTC-2000/dp/B00002262M/
Nice! I need this in my life... my shop isn't much more than a glorified walk in closet, so this would definitely save serious space.
Previously, I was considering buying this, but I like your project better.
Going against the grain here but I don’t have a bench vice. I have a rockwell jawhorse and I love it. I do a lot of work solo and this thing grips anything big or small and folds away.
So I think I'm only a handful of people who uses a PanaVise. In particular, I have the 350
Works well and I know it will last forever since they're still being used at work. My only gripe about any of the vacuum base styles is the potential that if it's poorly treated the rubber could start to decay. That and how the surface needs to be super good in order to use the thing. Not knocking on anyone who uses those types of vise, but it's something I considered when I purchased mine.
Anyways, a vise is a vise and as long as you're not cranking down on it hard, it'll last. Also, if you don't plan on using the vise for anything else, then the cheaper ones will do just fine.
For Soldering Irons if you go Hakko or Weller just remember that they come with conical tips which are not very good at most jobs.
Get a chisel tip and save your soul
Panavise makes board holders. The 350 is my favorite, despite the cost it will probably never need to be replaced.
http://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-350-Multi-Purpose-Work-Center/dp/B00011QA0M/ref=sr_1_4?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1324882350&sr=1-4
The only good 3rd hand commercially that is probably a step above is one for jewelers. They are expensive
You can cope with the cheap ones, but I have been eyeing this instructable
http://www.instructables.com/id/Third-Hand-A-multi-use-helping-hand-for-electro/
Ta da.
http://www.amazon.com/DELTA-50-345-Universal-Mobile-Included/dp/B0000223CL
Mine is quite a few years old and it is still pretty sturdy, but I know the newer ones are really not as good as the ycould be. That's why I'm looking to repalce mine with this.
Here's the exact PanaVise I ordered, it's $89 w/Amazon Prime.
I've used these but this is a canadian brand and retailer. They're pretty good, you still sometimes have to adjust a foot if your floor isn't super even.
They look very similar to these.
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Title | $20 Budget Road Bike Workstand
Description | My original budget workstand inspired by my mate Justin has lasted 11 years! Today I take a trip to Bunnings and update it to show you how easy (and cheap!) these workstands are. Parts: Folding Leg Metal Leg Saw Horse: https://goo.gl/ui5DiI (For those in the US http://amzn.to/2mZT5Is Though these are $$!) 2x Metal Saddle / Pipe Saddle (size depends on hub): https://goo.gl/Xox5Op Any old front hub 4x Wood screws Subscribe for new video notifications: https://goo.gl/QS5YZg My YouTube Equipmen...
Length | 0:07:48
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I use a Table Mate II, I put a latex backed rug remnant underneath it upside down (latex side up) to stop it and the pedals from sliding around, works pretty well. One nice thing is you can use the Table Mate for other purposes when not playing.
Another idea is something like this, which would probably have better stability but be less multi-purpose.