We loved the foot-operated control-lever design on Delta's 50-273 mobile base. This simple approach allows you to make your machine mobile without ever bending down.

Many woodworkers' shops consist of machines crammed into a garage or basement. For these valiant, space-challenged folks, mobile bases aren't just an accessory, but a necessity. Built for table saws, band saws, jointers and planers, mobile bases allow you to safely and easily move your otherwise stationary machines around your shop, making room for new operations or the pickup truck.

Good mobile bases are often taken for granted, while bad mobile bases are frequently cursed. To determine the good from the bad, we selected and assembled six mobile bases, choosing a cabinet saw as the machine of choice for testing. Then we took 'em for a spin around the shop to see how they performed.

All the mobile bases we tested differ in design, construction and operation. While some mobile bases use lifting mechanisms to get things rolling, others are always rolling and use locking mechanisms to put on the brakes. Here's a quick look at how these different mechanisms work and a breakdown of each mobile base, along with our opinions.

Going Mobile

The goal of a mobile base is to give a heavy machine enough mobility to easily move it around the shop. When positioned, you want it to rest on the floor without any movement. Lifting mechanisms, such as a single foot lever, two levers or a detachable handle that functions as a lever accomplish this.

Another common system involves locking mechanisms. These mechanisms actually stop the base from being mobile and include lock knobs (screws that are turned into the wheel tread), brake knobs (screws that are turned into pads on top of the wheels), retractable feet and locking casters.

All but one of the bases, when set for immobility, rest on two or more of its wheels. Some bases rest on wheels and adjustable feet while others use locking casters to keep the base from moving. Only the Vega allows the machine to rest on the floor without any chance of rolling.

The location and design of these lifting and locking mechanisms determine how easy the mobile base is to use and how stable it is when employed.

Testing

Although mobile bases are designed to mobilize, stability is key. When a mobile base is immobilized it should be able to withstand an accidental hip check and stay in its place when ripping some 8/4 maple.

To test the mobility and stability of the bases, we assembled each one according to its instructions. Then we plopped a 360-pound cabinet saw on each base. Next, we maneuvered the cabinet saw from the center of our shop up against a wall to a precise position — call it parallel parking for saws.

Next, we did whatever was necessary to make the base stationary. With it sitting level on the floor (adjusting to compensate for floor deviations) we gave the base a couple of good shoves to simulate standard use.

What We Found

We're happy to report that all the mobile bases we tested will do a good job of mobilizing your machines. Some are easier to use, and we gave higher marks for this achievement. Bases also earned points for stability.

Our favorite design is Delta's single foot lever. When the foot lever is in the up position, the base's two rubber feet rest on the floor. To compensate for uneven floors, the feet can be adjusted by tightening and loosening two nuts. By pushing the lever down with the foot, the front of the base lifts, the rubber feet clear the floor and the base becomes mobile. This design requires no bending down and we (and those standing behind us) appreciate that.

The HTC2000 mobile base features actuator cams that are kicked up and over for lifting and lowering, and rubber feet. But unlike the Delta, you have to actually lift up on your machine to get the cams kicked over, an aspect to the design we didn't like.

We have several problems with bases that feature locking casters. On some you have to orient the swivel wheel before the locking lever on the caster can be pushed up or down with your foot. The locking levers also are much smaller than the single foot pedal, making them more difficult to use. And on one of the bases, the locking caster, when locked down, keeps the wheel from turning, but still allows the caster to pivot, which was a stability problem.

Bases with lock knobs and brake knobs require bending down, which, if frequent, can be tiresome for those not fond of stooping over. The lock knobs have screws that dig into the face of the non-swivel wheels, which could later cause damage to the wheels. The brake knobs have screws that press against brake pads located on top of the fixed wheels — helpful, but ultimately more work than we preferred.

The Shop Fox base features retractable feet controlled by screw knobs. When lowered, the feet serve as brakes and easily compensate for uneven floors. But to mobilize your machine, you must bend down and turn the knobs, which, with a heavy machine on top, can be rather tiresome.

The detachable lever handle featured on the Vega base increases its overall stability, as mentioned before. But it can also be a little awkward to use, and we can envision trying to figure out where we put the handle.

We did have one concern that held true for all the mobile bases we tested. All the bases in our test featured fixed wheels, which don't allow for sideways movement. Though we recognize that swiveling wheels decrease stability, we wish all the wheels could swivel in order to make backing table saws (and other machines) into tight corners easier.

Conclusions

Our "Editor's Choice" award goes to the Delta 50-273 mobile base. We love its foot-operated control-lever design. Perfect for shops where machines are mobilized frequently, the Delta 50-273 is sturdy, easy to use, easy to assemble and glides across the floor. Our "Best Value" award goes to the $70 Shop Fox D2057 mobile base. This base, although more difficult to mobilize than the Delta 50-273, is well-built and easier to stabilize, thanks to its retractable feet knobs. The Shop Fox D2057 is best for machines that need stability more than mobility. PW

DELTA 50-273: STRONG, SIMPLE AND EASY TO USE

After testing all of the bases, the Delta 50-273 mobile base went back on our cabinet saw and we plan to keep it there. Assembly simply requires attaching the swivel caster to the base. The frame, which is very strong, is made out of welded heavy-gauge steel. But this isn't why we love this base.

The Delta utilizes the foot-operated control lever, our favorite lift-mechanism design. This simple, no-nonsense approach makes the machine mobile with very little effort, and it's the best method we tested. At about $90, this base isn't cheap, but it's also not the most expensive in our test. Because of its quick assembly, ease of use, solid construction and excellent performance, we feel it's the best in our test. If you like this base, but want to save a little money, check out the Delta 50-345, described on page 51.

For more information, contact Delta at 800-438-2486 or www.deltawoodworking.com.

HTC2000: ASSEMBLY REQUIRES PATIENCE

We knew the HTC2000 mobile base's assembly would take some effort when its many pieces and parts arrived expertly arranged in what looked to be a nice shoebox. Assembly took some time and left us with a bit of a headache. But your time spent will save you money. This base costs only about $53.

The HTC2000 is versatile and can be assembled to fit many machines with different footprints. But, versatility and low cost come at a price. Its actuator cams are less convenient than Delta's foot-operated control lever. When kicking the actuator cams up and over to lift the base, you really need to lift up on the machine, something the directions don't mention. Plus, there are two cams versus Delta's single foot lever.

Like the Delta, this base features rubber feet, which, if your floors are even, require nothing from the operator.

Although assembly is time consuming, the HTC2000 mobile base works and offers an alternative design for those who don't like or can't always be bending down.

For more information, you can contact HTC at 800-624-2027.

HTC HRS-10: LOTS OF BENDING NEEDED TO USE

The HTC HRS-10 features an all-steel frame and seamless welding. Packaged nicer than most, its instructions include labeled sketches and its assembly is fairly simple. Its movability is fine. But $95 is a lot of money to spend, especially when better designs exist.

We didn't appreciate having to bend down and correctly orient the wheel in order to use the foot-operated locking lever, which, we might add, was too small for the average foot. The base's rear-wheel brake knobs also requires bending down, but we liked the addition of a brake shoe rather than simply allowing the brake screw to grind into the wheel.

We also had some problems with the base's stability. While the back wheels didn't move because of the brakes, the front wheel locked down but was still able to pivot when pressure was exerted on the saw. It's not a major concern, but it's less stable than other bases tested.

Ultimately, the base works. But there are better (and cheaper) options out there.

For more information, contact HTC at 800-624-2027.

POWERMATIC 2042336: WELL-BUILT BUT NOT VERSATILE

The Powermatic 2042336 mobile base is specific to the Powermatic 66 cabinet saw — a left-tilt saw with a footprint bigger than most cabinet saws. Our right-tilt cabinet saw caused some stability problems, therefore we recommend you use this base only with the 66.

With that said, the Powermatic base tied with the Vega base for being the most expensive in our test. Upon arrival, the base was completely pre-assembled, which, after the shoebox incident, was really nice. All the corner joints were welded, increasing stability. But we didn't like the base's locking mechanism.

The base's locking lever is bigger than HTC's locking lever, which is nice. But we like Delta's design better. Bending down to lock the back two wheels is time consuming. And the locks eventually could damage the wheels.

The base works on the right saw but there are cheaper, more versatile bases out there that are faster to use.

For more information, contact Powermatic at 800-274-6848 or www.powermatic.com.

SHOP FOX D2057: HEAVY-DUTY, GOOD FOR UNEVEN FLOORS

The Shop Fox D2057 heavy-duty mobile base is strong. Although the base takes some time to mobilize, its welded joints and four wheels offer increased stability. Assembly took some time, but the directions, which include labeled pictures, were clear.

The Shop Fox's retractable feet knobs require bending down to turn. When locking down the base you must turn the knobs an additional half turn once they touch the floor, slightly lifting the base — an act that's hard on the hands but allows you to easily level the base to an irregular floor. This system isn't great for those who plan to move their machines a lot. But for those who only need mobility once in awhile, this base offers great stability (no shims required) and, costing about $70, it's cheaper than many other mobile bases out there. For this, it earns our "Best Value" title.

For more information, contact Shop Fox at 800-840-8420 or www.woodstockinternational.com.

VEGA MMK-1: OFFERS BEST STABILITY BUT EXPENSIVE

The Vega MMK-1, with a street price of about $100 (which includes the handle, a one-time buy when purchasing multiple Vega bases), was one the most expensive bases in our test. But it also offers the best stability. Unlike all the other bases in our test, the Vega base, when not mobile, rests on its steel framework, on the floor. The wheels don't touch the floor. Vega includes a leveler to compensate for uneven flooring. Its detachable handle, although a little awkward to use, makes this stable design possible.

We liked its stability. We didn't like how you adjust the size of the base. Versatile, this base can be built to fit any number of machines. But to achieve this, stretchers are sleeved into the corner brackets to adjust for the correct size. Then set screws are tightened against the top surface of the inside stretcher. The holes aren't tapped all the way through, giving the base an opportunity to become loose if the stretchers slide, which is worrisome.

For more information, contact Vega at 800-222-VEGA or www.vegawoodworking.com.

BUILD YOUR OWN, SAVE MONEY

Both Delta and Harbor Freight offer mobile bases with a design we love for $50 or less. The catch? You supply the hardwood stock and they can hold only 300 pounds.

The Delta 50-345 mobile base utilizes the foot-operated control-lever lifting mechanism, holds 300 pounds, costs about $50 and is constructed with self-supplied hardwood stock. We noticed one problem: The directions say to add 1/2" to both dimensions of your stock, but we discovered that wasn't enough room to clear our bolts.

The Harbor Freight 41915-OVGA mobile base also utilizes the foot-lever lifting mechanism, holds 300 pounds, costs about $30, and is also constructed with self-supplied hardwood stock. We noticed two problems: The base wobbled in use because it had one fewer weld on its corner brackets than the Delta. Also, several of the bolts snapped under less-than-normal tension.

But overall, these bases serve as good, universally sized inexpensive alternatives to get your otherwise stationary machines moving.

Contact Delta at 800-438-2486 or www.deltawoodworking.com, and Harbor Freight at 800-444-3353 or www.harborfreight.com.

The Delta 50-345 mobile base, built using self-supplied hardwood stock, is an inexpensive alternative to the Delta 50-273.

BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR BASE

Although a simple device, mobile bases differ greatly in design and construction. Some models make mobility a breeze but are difficult to stabilize. Other models offer features that easily compensate for floor deviations but are difficult to mobilize. Therefore, you should consider how you plan to use your mobile base before you buy.

If you're going to be moving your machine a lot, look for a design that offers a simple approach to getting things rolling. Models that feature foot-operated control levers or actuator cams allow you to quickly and easily mobilize your machine. These designs require shims or repositioning rubber feet to compensate for uneven floors but, in the long run, you'll appreciate the model's overall ease of use.

If you're lucky enough to have a designated spot for each of your machines and you only plan to move them occasionally, consider choosing a base with a solid lock-down mechanism — even if that base is more difficult to mobilize. Models that feature retractable feet or detachable handles and levelers easily compensate for floor deviations, serving more as a stand than as a utility to mobilize.

Lastly, consider how easy it is for you to stoop down. If squatting is an act better left in your younger years, choose a base that requires more footwork than handwork.