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I think I would have been better off using some 1-1/2" square tube instead of wood. I bought this because I have an older Unisaw which can be difficult to fit into one of the other bases. More to follow. Probably would have ended up stronger and it would have been easier to acquire for me.The next step will be to see if I can make one of the extension kits interface with this base. Let me way that ripping down wood to fit into the base was fairly easy (because of the aforementioned Unisaw). However, the base does flex some because of the use of wood when popping it up.
I have several of these bases and will not settle for anything less. It will fit virtually any size home shop power tool. They are sturdy and if you 'trade-in' a tool, this stand will adjust to the new one just by shortening the existing rails or adding new, longer ones.Easy to assemble is another positive. This base is undoubtably the best universal base available. Although you need to add your own hardwood rails, it is a great value.
Took about 4 hours. If you do this to check your accuracy,you will have to take it apart at the end. Para 9 changes from 7/16" drill hole to 5/16" drill hole. Written directions and pictures clear except had a problem figuring out how the foot lever worked.Pictures don't tell the story. Works great on my uneven floor. Use a drill press. Glued up two pcs of 3/4 red oak to make the 1-1/2 thick boards with grain direction 90 degrees to machine weight.Didn't have 7/16" drill bit so used 1/2" with no problem. I made mistake of assembly as I drilled for each bracket.
In addition, if you are like me and wanted to store something in a closet out of the way, you need at least 8-12" of extra space to accommodate the petal. However, the foot pedal sticks out several inches, and it actually got in my way a bit. I'm sure the petal is not a problem for most people, just something to keep in mind. I actually bought this base to attach to a piece of machinery that fits in a closet. The base hardware (angle brackets, wheels) are solid, and if you use a hard wood like oak for the 2x2 sides, the whole thing is solid as a rock.
I think the three wheel design might be better for a shorter tool with a lower center of gravity, like a jointer perhaps. Under a lighter/shorter tool I think this stand would be great. This stand is, all in all, pretty good. The assembly is easy enough and I've had no problems with quality of the stand so I have nothing to say in that regard. I have it underneath my bandsaw, which is a somewhat heavy tool. When I step on the pedal and lift the stand onto the three wheels, it's rather top heavy and tippy when I roll it around.
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